1661, 1662, or 1663 BIOS Update for the PRIME Z790-P WIFI?

[daykeem]

Hello.

TLDR

I have a 13700K in a PRIME Z790-P WIFI. Can someone please tell me if I should be on BIOS 1661, 1662, or 1663.

Context

Before any updates to my system were made, I ran the latest Cinebench multi-core stress test which resulted in a max 1.45VCore maximum with a 1.4Vcore average.

I updated the BIOS to v1663 with the Microcode fix and noticed that some of the default settings were changed; i.e. Current Excursion Protection (CEP) was changed from Auto to Enabled.

I ran the Cinebench multi-core stress test again which resulted in a 1.54Vcore max and a 1.5Vcore average.

Intel recommends not to push voltage beyond 1.4V, but here it is pushing my system beyond it's own recommendation by default.

I do not and have not overclocked this processor, but I have enabled XMP.

Edit: with the help of a contributor from another forum, I rolled back my BIOS update to 1661 but now my Vcore maximums are going to 1.590v.

Edit 2: I should not have said "rolled back". I believe I started on BIOS version 0812, then went to --> 1663 --> 1661 --> 1658. I'm now on 1010.

Thank you.

[extreme]

Prior to update those vcore are not the same with bios1661?

[daykeem]

I should not have said "rolled back". I believe I started on 0812, then went to --> 1663 --> 1661 --> 1658.

[extreme]

In bios use Intel recommended default settings should work best. PL can be adjusted according to work load but use what your chip design for....  

[daykeem]

Thanks for the advice, but I won't be applying this. I've found that using a 1661, 1662, or 1663 my vcore goes over 1.53V even at idle. Makes no sense. I've rolled back my BIOS to the 2023 version.

[Vynra]

im sorry but where are you seeing "intel recommends not going above 1.4v vcore" cuz that smells like BS to me.

[daykeem]

Glad you asked. Please see see this Intel.com article that says, "Important: When using traditional cooling methods such as air or liquid, never push your voltage beyond 1.4V. Always make sure to keep your maximum CPU temperature below 100°C for temporary bursts, and 80°C or below for longer workloads."

I have two builds

Build 1

• 13600K cooled with liquid
• PRIME Z790-P WIFI motherboard
• Undervolted by -0.06V
• Overclocked the P cores to 5.3Ghz and E cores to 4.2Ghz
• BIOS 1010, stable at approximately 1.26V under load
• After BIOS update to 1661 or 1663 using Default Intel performance profile in BIOS, wild swings up to 1.53V even when idle

Build 2

• 13700K cooled with air
• PRIME Z790-P WIFI motherboard
• Stock voltage
• Stock clocks
• BIOS 1010, stable at approximately 1.39V under Cinebench load, but would touch 1.4
• After BIOS update to 1661 or 1663 using Default Intel performance profile in BIOS, wild swings up to 1.53V even when idle

There were a lot of BIOS versions between 1010 and 1663 that I didn't test, so I can't say for sure that 1661 and 1663 are the cause for my higher voltage readings. But based on that article and my own sensor's readings, these newer BIOS updates are more dangerous for my CPU.

If the danger with this microcode bug is higher abnormal voltage, it doesn't make sense to me to upgrade to a BIOS that sends my voltage up to 1.53V while browsing the internet.

If that article is old and 1.4V is safe by 13th gen standards, can we say that 1.53V is also safe? Cause that's the number I'm getting.

I'm happy to be corrected.

[Vynra]

oh your confused, 1.4 FIXED voltage. not dynamic.

12+14th gen go above 1.4v to get the single core boosts. like my 13900k goes to 1.38-1.42v for 5.8 ghz

[daykeem]

So you're saying that Intel does not recommend we set a fixed voltage of 1.4V?

Perhaps you can help me? Using my 13600K build as the example.

On BIOS 1010 when gaming I had a smooth ~1.26V graph (undervolted by 0.06V). My P cores clock 5.3Ghz and  E cores 4.2Ghz (overclocked).

On BIOS 1663 with the latest microcode, when gaming it swings wildly between 1.35V to 1.53V (undervolted by 0.12V). My P cores max out at 4.9Ghz and E cores at 4.2. My P cores do not exceed 4.9Ghz whether or not I'm undervolted.  So I'm not getting even the  factory 5.1Ghz boost on my P cores.

CPU temps are ~50 degrees entire duration. Cooling is not an issue.

Any hints about how was I getting more performance with less voltage between the first and second BIOS updates?

I have applied all of Intel's 13600K defaults directly in the BIOS.

[MrAgapiGC]

update to the last bios available. once is done. F1 to enter bios, then F5 to load defaults, then F10 to save, get back to bios, and xmp I and f10 to save and enjoy and that is it