Saturday, August 10th 2024
Intel Ships 0x129 Microcode Update for 13th and 14th Generation Processors with Stability Issues
Intel has officially started shipping the "0x129" microcode update for its 13th and 14th generation "Raptor Lake" and "Raptor Lake Refresh" processors. This critical update is currently being pushed to all OEM/ODM partners to address the stability issues that Intel's processors have been facing. According to Intel, this microcode update fixes "incorrect voltage requests to the processor that are causing elevated operating voltage." Intel's analysis shows that the root cause of stability problems is caused by too high voltage during operation of the processor. These increases to voltage cause degradation that increases the minimum voltage required for stable operation. Intel calls this "Vmin"—it's a theoretical construct, not an actual voltage, think "speed for an airplane required to fly". The latest 0x129 microcode patch will limit the processor's voltage to no higher than 1.55 V, which should avoid further degradation. Overclocking is still supported, enthusiasts will have to disable the eTVB setting in their BIOS to push the processor beyond the 1.55 V threshold. The company's internal testing shows that the new default settings with limited voltages with standard run-to-run variations show minimal performance impact, with only a single game (Hitman 3: Dartmoor) showing degradation. For a full statement from Intel, see the quote below.
Source:
Intel
Microcode (0x129) Update for Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen Desktop ProcessorsIntel is currently distributing to its OEM/ODM partners a new microcode patch (0x129) for its Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors which will address incorrect voltage requests to the processor that are causing elevated operating voltage.
For all Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processor users: This patch is being distributed via BIOS update and will not be available through operating system updates. Intel is working with its partners to ensure timely validation and rollout of the BIOS update for systems currently in service.
Instability Analysis Update - Microcode Background and Performance Implications
In addition to extended warranty coverage, Intel has released three mitigations related to the instability issue - commonly experienced as consistent application crashes and repeated hangs - to help stabilize customer systems with Intel Core 13th and 14th gen desktop processors:
1. Intel default settings to avoid elevated power delivery impact to the processor (May 2024)
2. Microcode 0x125 to fix the eTVB issue in i9 processors (June 2024)
3. Microcode 0x129 to address elevated voltages (August 2024)
Intel's current analysis finds there is a significant increase to the minimum operating voltage (Vmin) across multiple cores on affected processors due to elevated voltages. Elevated voltage events can accumulate over time and contribute to the increase in Vmin for the processor.
The latest microcode update (0x129) will limit voltage requests above 1.55V as a preventative mitigation for processors not experiencing instability symptoms. This latest microcode update will primarily improve operating conditions for K/KF/KS processors. Intel is also confirming, based on extensive validation, all future products will not be affected by this issue.
Intel is continuing to investigate mitigations for scenarios that can result in Vmin shift on potentially impacted Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors. Intel will provide updates by end of August.
Intel's internal testing - utilizing Intel Default Settings - indicates performance impact is within run-to-run variation (eg. 3DMark: Timespy, WebXPRT 4, Cinebench R24, Blender 4.2.0) with a few sub-tests showing moderate impacts (WebXPRT Online Homework; PugetBench GPU Effects Score). For gaming workloads tested, performance has also been within run-to-run variation (eg. Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Warhammer III - Mirrors of Madness) with one exception showing slightly more impact (Hitman 3: Dartmoor). However, system performance is dependent on configuration and several other factors.
For unlocked Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors, this latest microcode update (0x129) will not prevent users from overclocking if they so choose. Users can disable the eTVB setting in their BIOS if they wish to push above the 1.55V threshold. As always, Intel recommends users proceed with caution when overclocking their desktop processors, as overclocking may void their warranty and/or affect system health. As a general best practice, Intel recommends customers with Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors utilize the Intel Default Settings.
In light of the recently announced extended warranty program, Intel is reaffirming its confidence in its products and is committed to making sure all customers who have or are currently experiencing instability symptoms on their 13th and/or 14th Gen desktop processors are supported in the exchange process. Users experiencing consistent instability symptoms should reach out to their system manufacturer (OEM/System Integrator purchase), Intel Customer Support (boxed processor), or place of purchase (tray processor) further assistance.
119 Comments on Intel Ships 0x129 Microcode Update for 13th and 14th Generation Processors with Stability Issues
Below is with 121 hours of usage on the hwinfo session.
With how I have my cpu setup right now my vcore usually stays at 1.2 under load but sometimes goes up to 1.25. I guess being that I've already had one cpu fail makes me extra paranoid.
Glad they finally let me turn CEP off though :)
You may be right about potential hidden very brief transients, but there is people who have had 1.6 detected in hwinfo such as jay2cents and buildzoid, so there is chips that have been going that high and can see in software. So I wouldnt worry too much about it with the voltages you are reporting.
Anyway sorry I'm dragging us off topic aren't I?
Well I ran a couple benchmarks with the same settings and I saw no difference between 123 and 129. So there's that.... though I'm probably not the best test case with these settings.
Its to individuals to filter the bullshit and hopefully they end up with something that makes sense. Or, you can just do a whole lot less of internet-based information truth seeking and probably end up wiser. Are you saying HUB's in bed with Intel now, I mean... lol
I'd like to see someone do long term testing for stability, though I doubt it'll happen as you said tech youtubers will all move on to Arrow Lake. The majority of tech youtubers wouldn't want to risk upsetting intel for their free review samples.
But it does look like they are at least attempting to take steps in the right direction, so I gotta give em some credit. Two years of extra warranty is nice.
The VIDs I pasted here are also using Intel spec'd AC/DC.
Here is pic of my configured undervolt, although actual undervolt seems a bit lower.
I swear I backed these off to 50mv for daily o_O. Guess I didnt.
Your test is not surprising as I think the microcode is not making any adjustment with your current voltages.
It's not about AMD. Leave your AMD baggage at the door, thanks.
I have yet to have a CPU fail on me in some 30 years of using a mix of AMD going back to the Athlon days and the old 386DX series, with some of the CPU's that I have used going well beyond 6 years overclocked, the17-2600K being one and that massivly overclocked. With what has happened now to Intel, I would not be surprised if this was the catallyst for AMD to pull the launch by a few weeks in order to enforce effeciency and keep things in the lower bound. If you use PBO then it is on you and not AMD if things go wrong.
limiting the CPU to 1.350v should be fine for the long run, but ultimatly with the 2 year extended warranty, it is a step forward along with accepting RMA's and not qquibbling with the customer. MSI has also extended warranties on all pre-builts and laptops with 13th and 14th gen so another positive. I would not be surprised if quiet a few do RMA and exchange just before the extended warranty runs out.
If you think your CPU has degraded, then hit Intel with an RMA immidiatly. They are turning things around in 5 to 7 days as I was onto to Intel to clarify this very issue and the responded fast.
Cut and paste from the email recieved from Intel customer support:
The process works in such a way that one of our logistics partner will collect the defective unit from your address and send it to our depot. After a quick verification process in depot, a new unit is sent to you.
You'll receive the replacement unit in 5-7 working days from the time you submit the faulty unit.
Please let me know if its okay for me to proceed with the replacement option. If you wish to proceed with replacement, please help me with your complete shipping address and CPU markings (FPO and ATPO).
I hope to hear back from you soon.
Best regards,
XXXXX (I cut his name out)
Intel Customer Support
Are you monitoring your CPU vids in HWInfo during a few different games to see what the vids are doing? And did you do this before the flash to be able comparison of behaviour?
He doesnt know why the new microcode is preventing his 6ghz clocks, thats because the eTVB fix now will downclock when CPU is over 80C, he had cores over 80C. (0x125 bios before the latest)
Then says 1.4v is going to degrade these CPUs, different to Intel's own statement, my 8600k ran at 1,4v out of the box as an example.
He seems baffled his circa 1.4v didnt change yet quote from the OP of this thread. "The latest 0x129 microcode patch will limit the processor's voltage to no higher than 1.55 V, which should avoid further degradation."
Jay's video is much better, just presenting data with only a small comment at end on what he thought it meant.
VID voltage can be said as the maximum that can be tolerated by the CPU system under a given clock speed. Whereas Vcore is the actual reading for the cores. In simple terms, VID is the upper cap on the voltage specifications of the system.
Can be real confusing and I am not any sort of expert so if there are any CPU engineers on TechPowerUp please jump in to help...