Introduction to the Issue
Long-term reliability concerns have surfaced regarding Intel’s 13th and 14th Gen Core desktop processors, which are based on the ‘Raptor Lake’ microarchitecture. Users have reported instability during heavy processing workloads, such as gaming, even in systems with minor overclocking or performance tuning. Intel had previously identified and addressed some of these stability issues through updates to the processor microcode, which were distributed as UEFI firmware updates by motherboard and prebuilt manufacturers.
New Findings by Intel
In a recent statement posted on its website, Intel disclosed findings from its investigation into processors returned under warranty claims. The company discovered that faulty processor microcode was causing the processors to operate under excessive core voltages, leading to structural degradation over time. “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 stated.
Complexity of Modern Processor Power Management
Modern processor power management relies on a sophisticated collaboration between software, firmware, and hardware. The software continuously communicates performance requirements to the hardware, which in turn manages power and thermal budgets by dynamically adjusting power and clock speeds across various components. A malfunction in any of these components can disrupt this delicate balance, as seen in the current case with Intel’s processors.
Intel’s Response and Future Steps
To address these issues, Intel is releasing another microcode update for its 13th and 14th Gen Core processors. This update will correct not only the faulty boosting algorithm identified in June but also the newly discovered voltage management issue. Intel aims to release this microcode patch to its partners, such as motherboard manufacturers and PC OEMs, by mid-August. These partners will then validate the update on their machines before distributing it to end-users as UEFI firmware updates.
“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 to reach out to Intel customer support for further assistance,” the company stated.
