Intel claims that instability is caused by elevated voltage, new microcode update incoming
Finally, a statement on the ongoing saga.
Game developers, system integrators, server providers, tech reviewers, and gamers were all waiting for Intel to provide a statement on the 13th/14th Gen Core instability problems. This statement was shared today.
In short, Intel has blamed incorrectly set operating voltages for the LGA-1700-based issues. Current reports focus on the Raptor Lake family, including the Refresh that may face stability issues depending on the software used or whether it’s a high-end part like Core i9 SKUs, which are said to be more commonly affected.
In its first public statement on the issue (apart from saying that mobile SKUs are not affected), Intel stated that the company has internally determined that ‘elevated operation voltage’ is the main cause of instability problems. The reason these CPUs were using higher voltage is said to be faulty microcode algorithms, which are being corrected.
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.
— Intel PR
Intel is now issuing microcode patches to address the root cause of the higher voltages. However, it is not yet clear if this is the definitive cause of the instability issue. Intel will continue to validate and will share the patch around mid-August.
The company did not mention any recalls or whether affected CPUs should be immediately returned. Instead, Intel recommends that affected users contact consumer support.
Update : Intel has updated a Reddit post confirming that certain 13th Gen Core CPUs were indeed impacted by an oxidation manufacturing issue, which was already addressed in 2023. More importantly, it is not the root cause of the instability reports, rather only a ‘small number’ of such cases could be attributed to such defects.
We can confirm that the via Oxidation manufacturing issue affected some early Intel Core 13th Gen desktop processors. However, the issue was root caused and addressed with manufacturing improvements and screens in 2023. We have also looked at it from the instability reports on Intel Core 13th Gen desktop processors and the analysis to-date has determined that only a small number of instability reports can be connected to the manufacturing issue.
For the Instability issue, we are delivering a microcode patch which addresses exposure to elevated voltages which is a key element of the Instability issue. We are currently validating the microcode patch to ensure the instability issues for 13th/14th Gen are addressed.
— Intel PR