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

Silent_Scone
Super Moderator

 

September 25th Update:

Beta BIOS Links (microcode 0x12B)

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

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.

Silent_Scone_0-1721817433799.png

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

9800X3D / 6400 CAS32 / ROG X870 Crosshair / TUF RTX 4090
147,140 Views
702 REPLIES 702

hi there,  i updated my bios with an apex encore and the only difference is some backend voltage tuning.

before my ac/dc loadlines were .750/.750 but now it is .730/.730 .this really wont make a difference but they probably changed and tuned some other voltage related things.

because the intel profiles has etvb enabled and that makes clocks fluctuate. everything was pretty much the same as older bios. however with ASUS profile my 1% lows were extremely high with this bios.'

i didnt have any issues after updating.

Is the difference in loadline tuning under Intel Default Settings profile or Asus profile? Or both?

the load line changes are just for intel profile. however there seemed to be good changes in t his bios all around.

Ok so I just updated. For me (Z790-E II) there is no loadline change on Intel Default profile (it was 1.000/1.000 before and same now).

Though several cores on the VID table went down from 1.414 to 1.413V - very minor change.

Everything else seems to be the same. Except the 'GT TDC Current Limit' option seems to have disappeared from the AI Tweaker section.

MOC7
Level 9

I'll be updating at some point in the near horizon. I was never able to get XMP stable on 1703 with my Gskill 32gig 8000MHz kit. Bios 1503 worked great with it, but there was something about 1703 that it was just hilariously unstable on light/medium workload games. This was even after testing out a lot of different manually set voltages.

arlicht
Level 10

2801 on Z790-E runs very good. I did not found any difference compared to 2503 (129 microcode). 

And excellent thing is that C1E can now be disabled! Thank you ASUS for very good BIOS! 

 

Yep finally they listen, much appreciated Asus 😁

intel Core i9 14900KS SP108 MC SP95 P-Cores SP122 E-Cores SP81 | ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore (BIOS 1703) | 2X24GB G.Skill RAM 8600MHZ CL38 OC/Tuned | Nvidia RTX 4080 ROG STRIX

Vatergascoigne
Level 10

Hi all, could someone test the new BIOS 2801 (preferably on a Z790-E/F) with memtest86.
Please under XMP 1 or 2.
Since the BIOS I suddenly get memtest error messages that were not present under BIOS 2703.

Thank you already!

I have a Z790-F Gaming Wifi and ran my RAM with XMP (5600MT/s) with the Memtest from the UEFI (should be version 10.0) (see screenshot).

20241208_124920.jpg
Everything is fine.

AND I use full configuration, so 4x 16GB sticks 😁

Intel Core i7 13700K / AiO Fractal Design Lumen S36 v2 RGB / Asus Rog Strix Z790-F Gaming WIFI / Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR5-5600 64GB (4x 16GB) / Asus TUF RTX 4070 ti OC / 4x Samsung 980 pro 1TB / Seasonic Prime GX 850 W Gold / Fractal Design Meshify 2 Lite RGB Black TG Light Tint / Monitor AOC Q27G2S/EU (WQHD)

First of all, thank you very much for testing!
After a restart and a few test runs, I no longer get any errors.
So it seems to have been a false alarm.
🙂