[Intel] Sept 2024 (Update on Instability Reports on Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen Desktop Processors

[Silent_Scone]

September 25th Update:

Beta BIOS Links (microcode 0x12B)

Note: Some pages may not have propagated, please check back later

• ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO

• ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO EVA-02 EDITION

• ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO

• ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX

• ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE

• ROG MAXIMUS Z790 FORMULA

• ROG MAXIMUS Z790 EXTREME

• ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO BTF

• ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI

• ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI II

• ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI

• ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI II

• ROG STRIX Z790-A GAMING WIFI

• ROG STRIX Z790-A GAMING WIFI II

• ROG STRIX Z790-A GAMING WIFI D4

• ROG STRIX Z790-H GAMING WIFI

• ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING WIFI

• PROART Z790-CREATOR
  
  Z690
  

• ROG MAXIMUS Z690 HERO
• ROG MAXIMUS Z690 HERO EVA EDITION
• ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX
• ROG MAXIMUS Z690 FORMULAROG MAXIMUS Z690 EXTREME
• ROG MAXIMUS Z690 EXTREME GLACIAL
• ROG STRIX Z690-I GAMING WIFI
• ROG STRIX Z690-A GAMING WIFI
• ROG STRIX Z690-A GAMING WIFI D4
• ROG STRIX Z690-G GAMING WIFI
• ROG STRIX Z690-F GAMING WIFI
• ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING WIFI

Z760

• PROART B760-CREATOR
• PROART B760-CREATOR D4
• PROART B760-CREATOR WIFI
  
  Intel Community Forum
  Intel has localized the Vmin Shift Instability issue to a clock tree circuit within the IA core which is particularly vulnerable to reliability aging under elevated voltage and temperature. Intel has observed these conditions can lead to a duty cycle shift of the clocks and observed system instability.  

Intel has identified four (4) operating scenarios that can lead to Vmin shift in affected processors:

1. Motherboard power delivery settings exceeding Intel power guidance. 
   a.  Mitigation: Intel Default Settings recommendations for Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors.  
2. eTVB Microcode algorithm which was allowing Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen i9 desktop processors to operate at higher performance states even at high temperatures. 
   a.  Mitigation: microcode 0x125 (June 2024) addresses eTVB algorithm issue.  
3. Microcode SVID algorithm requesting high voltages at a frequency and duration which can cause Vmin shift. 
   a.  Mitigation: microcode 0x129 (August 2024) addresses high voltages requested by the processor.  
4. Microcode and BIOS code requesting elevated core voltages which can cause Vmin shift especially during periods of idle and/or light activity. 
   a.  Mitigation: Intel is releasing microcode 0x12B, which encompasses 0x125 and 0x129 microcode updates, and addresses elevated voltage requests by the processor during idle and/or light activity periods.  

Regarding the 0x12B update, Intel is working with its partners to roll out the relevant BIOS update to the public.

Intel’s internal testing comparing 0x12B microcode to 0x125 microcode – on Intel® Core™ i9-14900K with DDR5 5200MT/s memory1  - indicates performance impact is within run-to-run variation (ie. Cinebench* R23, Speedometer*, WebXPRT4*, Crossmark*). For gaming workloads on Intel® Core™ i9-14900K with DDR5 5600MT/s memory2, performance is also within run-to-run variation (ie. Shadow of the Tomb Raider*, Cyberpunk* 2077, Hitman 3: Dartmoor*, Total War: Warhammer III – Mirrors of Madness*). However, system performance is dependent on configuration and several other factors.

Intel® reaffirms that both Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen mobile processors and future client product families – including the codename Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake families - are unaffected by the Vmin Shift Instability issue. We appreciate our customers’ patience throughout the investigation, as well as our partners’ support in the analysis and relevant mitigations. 

______________________________

August 2024

Hi all,

This update will be pinned here for clarity on the ongoing situation with some 13th and 14th-gen CPUs experiencing instability exhibited at stock.

Intel has issued the following statement (07/22/2024)

Based on extensive analysis of Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors returned to us due to instability issues, we have determined that elevated operating voltage is causing instability issues in some 13th/14th Gen desktop processors. Our analysis of returned processors confirms that the elevated operating voltage is stemming from a microcode algorithm resulting in incorrect voltage requests to the processor.

Intel is delivering a microcode patch which addresses the root cause of exposure to elevated voltages. We are continuing validation to ensure that scenarios of instability reported to Intel regarding its Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors are addressed. Intel is currently targeting mid-August for patch release to partners following full validation.

Intel is committed to making this right with our customers, and we continue asking any customers currently experiencing instability issues on their Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors reach out to Intel Customer Support for further assistance.

https://community.intel.com/t5/Processors/July-2024-Update-on-Instability-Reports-on-Intel-Core-13th...

For CPUs that exhibit unstable behaviour

Ensure you're on the latest BIOS for your motherboard

Update your motherboard BIOS to the latest revision containing microcode 0x125. Whilst this ucode revision does not resolve the issue, Intel has clarified that it contains fixes within microcode pertinent to Enhanced Thermal Velocity Boost (ETVB) behaviour that results in unexpected boost behaviour under certain thermal conditions.

Use Intel Base Profiles
The latest BIOS for your motherboard should contain Performance Preference options for Intel Base profiles. Ensure Intel Default Settings is selected. If using a 13th-Gen or 14th Gen i9 processor, choose Profile Performance.
If not selected already, ensure that SVID Behaviour is set to Intel Fail Safe

My CPU is running hotter using Intel Base Profiles than Asus Optimised, is this normal?
Yes, it can be normal for your CPU to run hotter than usual when using Intel base profiles. This occurs because following Intel's guidelines more closely often results in higher core voltages under certain workloads. Previously, motherboard vendors set the Load-Line Calibration (LLC) lower than Intel's recommendations to achieve lower temperatures while still delivering high performance. However, depending on your motherboard adhering to Intel's guidelines can lead to increased voltages whilst operating within Intel's current limits. This can result in higher operating temperatures depending on the workload.

Disable XMP

XMP is considered overclocking. To eliminate overclocking instability XMP should be disabled if experiencing crashing or unstable behaviour. Be sure to retest the behaviour at DRAM defaults.

Evaluate Cooling

Ensure your CPU cooling is working within the expected realms. If still experiencing instability under the conditions described above, consider reapplying the thermal application and removing any third-party CPU contact frames which may impact signal integrity.

Is my CPU damaged?

If still experiencing instability at Optimised Defaults [Intel - Performance / Extreme Profile] with XMP overclocking disabled, you will need to contact Intel.

I've read there was a fabrication issue with oxidisation, Intel has confirmed it.
This issue is unrelated to the ETVB behaviour and firmware and is a physical defect. Currently,  Intel has gone on record to state that a number of 13th-generation CPUs from 2023 are potentially impacted by this issue

ASUS FAQ

[inge70]

I've never had any problems with my CPU either. It doesn't matter whether AI OC is active or with Intel defaults.
My highest CoreVid is 1.33V and VCore is 1.305V (both in 24 hour operation of the PC including IDLE) and that despite XMP 5600MHz at 1.25V (my RAM can't do more than that).
I use IntelDefaults, SVID=Auto, LLC=Auto (set level 3).
The CoreVid in HwInfo only shows the requested voltage of the CPU and not the currently actually delivered voltage and that's where VCore comes into play.
At least that's what was said here in the forum.

Temperatures in the game are around 45-65 degrees and in desktop operation around 35-38 degrees (room temperature around 24 degrees currently).

I tested AI OC last year but it didn't add much value to my PC usage, so I deactivated it again. I still have the full clock speed and still have a cool CPU.
My CPU currently stays under 80 degrees in full load tests and with max. 1.27-1.29 VCore (according to HwInfo).
So it's fine.

[Yuvaletzi]

For how long you got your'e machine? The problem is degradation it's might work good for some time and then surprise which will be a BSOD surprise or game crashes my machine works too! but I'm afraid of this degradation so I want to prevent it as soon as I can to my understanding it's faulty design of 13/14 chips and I wish I'm wrong if someone can promise me this I keep my BIOS on 1202 without any worries

my machine:

CPU 14900KS + RYUJIN III 360 BIOS 1202

Apex Encore Z790

8400MHZ Gskill RAM

ROG Hyperion WHITE

1200W Thor II PSU

RTX 4080 ROG STRIX OC

Never had any BSOD with it or game crashing

SP 108 P cores I THINK 122 and E 82

92 MC SP 

[inge70]

The current UEFI update 2503 with the microcode 0x129 is now declared final for my mainboard. So the beta phase is over.

I could not find any changes or differences between the two files (in terms of creation date and size).
So the beta status has simply been lifted.

[somewede]

Hi,

i have a week old 14900ks and i've updated bios to latest and running intel default specs in the bios.

But CPU is going up to 1.499volts anyway. Weird? 

Getting throttles n stuff in stress tests and up to 105c under full load stress tests. Using asus ryujin 360 rgb on highest / fastest RPM settings and thermal grizzly paste. Tried re-applying it and checking the spread but no difference really.. 

[Silent_Scone]

The microcode update stops the CPU from requesting > 1.55v.

105C using Intel Default profile indicates a cooling issue. Remove the cooler and CPU and reapply thermal application. Remount the cooler and ensure consistent mounting pressure as per cooling vendor's instructions. May want to consider a contact frame if not already using one.

[inge70]

It has already been written here that the Intel defaults could apply higher voltages, but still remain below the threshold of 1.55V.

It also depends on the quality of the CPU itself, what is then applied, although 1.449V is still within the specification.

You can take a look in the UEFI and, for example, set SVID to "Auto" (if it says something else), the same with CPU LoadLine, if it says something else.

I have the following settings for my CPU (i7-13700K)
-Performance Preferences: Intel Default Settings
-Asus MultiCore Enhancement (it might be called something different for you): Disable - Enforce All Limits
-SVID Behavior: AUTO
-CPU Loadline Calibration: AUTO (set Level 3)
-IA TDC Current Limit: Intel's Default
XMP 1 active for the RAM (5600MHz, my RAM can't do more than that)#

This means that the CPU stays below 80 degrees even at full load (room temperature approx. 24 degrees). No more thermal throttling.

If you also want to do overclocking, of course, then test the Asus AI OC profile and see what the values ​​are. But you won't get the temperature down with it.

In my case, the CPU was at 100 degrees after about 1 minute of Cinebench R23 MultiCore full load and throttled, despite AiO 360.
Although you usually never reach these 100 degrees in games.
But here, room temperature and good ventilation of the PC case are also important so that the AiO can actually do something.

In this case, the only thing that usually helps is custom water cooling and manual settings in the UEFI to get the efficiency, performance and clock speed to your own requirements.

[Gessler]

I'm on a Z790-E Gaming WiFi II with a 14700K.

Setting BIOS to default values results in IA TDC Current Limit being set to 'Motherboard's Capability' instead of 'Intel Default' as you said.

I'm on BIOS 1301 with Performance Preferences set to Intel Default Settings (PL1&2 at 253W and ICCMax of 307A) with MCE disabled - everything at UEFI default.

Should I set TDC limit to Intel Default?

[inge70]

Yes and test

[Gessler]

Any idea what it does and why it's set to Mobo's capability by default?

[inge70]

I don't know why it says Mobo's capability, despite Intel defaults. Only Asus knows why it is like that. It was the same for me. I switched it to Intel and that was it.