ROG Scar 16-17-18 gaming laptops and Intel 13th and 14th gen stability issue

[hexaae]

So... what about this Intel scandal recently emerged?

Intel has finally tracked down the problem making 13th- and 14th-gen CPUs crash | Ars Technica

If you're using a 13th- or 14th-generation CPU and you're not noticing any problems, the microcode update should prevent your processor from degrading. But if you're already noticing stability problems, Tom's Hardware reports that "the bug causes irreversible degradation of the impacted processors" and that the fix will not be able to reverse the damage that has already happened.

Intel says that an analysis of defective processors "confirms that the elevated operating voltage is stemming from a microcode algorithm resulting in incorrect voltage requests to the processor." In other words, the CPU is receiving too much power, which is degrading stability over time.

Are ASUS+Intel planning BIOS updates to mitigate the issue?

[Markush666]

Ain't relevant when I've been experiencing everything everyone else has plus mines already rmaed to asus for diagnosis and they haven't confirmed hx or mobiles are out of the picture btw thus being my pos gaming notebook thought I got a rog strix g16

[Silent_Scone]

Crashing is a pretty broad scope, but it's typical to assume everything is related to the same problem. Fortunately, the case numbers don't seem to suggest anything untoward (for mobile CPUs).

[Markush666]

Yep and the mobiles are using desktop parts especially hx so u get why I'm upset 8 months of bands? That I paid 2 grand for?

[Da-BOSS]

I have posted on other reddit posts, but I will repost it here for increased awareness & knowledge to the public.

Usually, Intel 13th/14th Gen HX i9's & some higher end of i7 have more probability to those issues, typically those who boosts above 5.5Ghz because they require voltage above 1.4v.

It's only a couple of weeks, and OEMs will start providing new BIOSs.

Overall, it all depends on how long does the voltage spends above 1.4v as this determines how significant the damages happen to the CPU. The problem lies with CPUs that boosts 5.4Ghz+ and beyond because they require voltage above 1.4v which would lead & accelerate to degradation.

Remember that this fiasco happens during light load scenarios, not during high load scenarios. The transient spikes isn't detectable but you can look at HWINFO64 at Core VIDs to get a rough idea.

Just limit your CPU to 5.3Ghz or even 5.4Ghz & also for extra safety lower your CPU Uncore/CPU Cache for the time being. You can undervolt along with these precautions but make sure that you test the stability.

[Silent_Scone]

This is still speculation, please tag it as such. Almost all CPUs will have a VID table that extends this far.

[Da-BOSS]

Not speculation, if laptop users could at least have access to vCore rather than just Core VIDs, We would have much more accuracy detection of those unreasonable voltage requests but since that's hidden on mobile chipsets while desktop have access to this we are just waiting for incidents to happen rather than preemptively taking care of it to prevent further unseen degradation.

Anyway, HX CPU are just a binned down version of a Desktop CPU and hence that alone is worrisome.

As mentioned previously I outlined the instructions for the time being to prevent any kind of degradation until OEMs start rolling out BIOS updates.

[Silent_Scone]

That's exactly what it is. You're not a positon to state what voltage levels are or aren't going to instigate an issue. Please make sure to prefix as such rather than make statements.

[Da-BOSS]

Actually, Voltage is the main reason for the degradation so... I am at a position to state what voltage levels are or aren't going to instigate an issue because that's what's been said by Intel themselves & lots of Tech Youtubers confirmed it before even Intel admitting it that it's a voltage issue.

Being under or around 1.4v is the safe territory and it's been proven through reports I receive from Multiple people from Multiple different laptop vendors on Discord & Reddit that going above 5.4Ghz WILL use more than 1.4v  

I will repeat again HX=Binned down Desktop CPU. I'm sorry but there's no way around it no matter how anyone spin it.

The problems that is happening on Desktop world WILL happen on Mobile world but the difference here is whether OEM will accept the fact that Mobile/Laptop is effected too or not... period.

ASUS should be transparent about it and what it should do on the incoming days & what decision it is willing to take to calm down the thunderstorm. Going silent or dodging it is NOT an option.

[Silent_Scone]

Current is the main reason for degredation, but that wasn't a segway for debate. Nothing you're saying is confirmed because how much voltage is needed to cause exponential failure has not been disclosed and is pure guesswork based on limited pool sizes. You're drawing your own conclusions based on what information is available, as people often do. Leave the pseudoscience at the door, please. You're welcome to discuss theories.

[Da-BOSS]

As you wish, No point of further discussing it as it seems you have made your own conclusions already no matter how much information I have added with facts & value without any kind of guess work.

Thank you for your time.