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.
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.
Source: Intel
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119 Comments on Intel Ships 0x129 Microcode Update for 13th and 14th Generation Processors with Stability Issues

#101
stimpy88
vMax65As a 14900K user (no issues as I limited mine to 1.350v from the start)
How did you know to do this, such a specific number..? I keep seeing this exact (1.350v) comment a lot lately, and it seems that everybody seemed to know that going higher than this was going to kill their CPU's years ago... Strange.
Posted on Reply
#102
vMax65
iameatingjamAlright, that sounds close enough. So I moved ac/dc up to 110. Reduced ecores to 8. pcores 53x and ecores 42x. pl1 125 pl2 175 (is that right? I like to keep them the same personally). The only difference is I can't apply that offset (not without doing things I don't want to do anyway)... And I wasn't sure what you usually do for load testing but I saw you mentioned cpu-z so I tried that and this is what I got: (should I have pressed stress cpu instead? I'm not really that familiar with this one).




Max vcore of 1.35. See that seems more normal to me. If a -75mv offset were stable on here ( don't know, don't want to try, since it involves ucode 104 which I've had bad luck with - twice! That thing is cursed). That would put us roughly around the same, right? If I were to jump to conclusions, it would almost seem like 13700k and 14700k aren't even binned that differently. I guess I assumed that was the whole point of the new gen. No new silicon, but move the bins up a tier.

Anyway yeah thats why I do have to use the ac/dc loadline as other than frequency its pretty much my only tool to affect vcore while staying up to date. But I can only get so far with it. 90 seems to have the same performance as 110 at least as far as I can see. Somebody on reddit suggested 60 but my performance nosedived. I guess some people increase llc to make up for this but w/e. Intel's whole system is just too complicated as far as I'm concerned. I'm just gonna run intel defaults with ac/dc at 90 and turbo 3 off, vid limit of 1.5 and try to forget about it.
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Off topic but last time I ran this test on my 14700k, the score was 14700, I'm not even kidding... I think I still have the pic.....


lol!
Looking at you scores and HWinfo, things are not looking bad at all, in fact more than good as stock it is in the mid 12K scores for a 14700K on CPUZ. Getting a 14700 score for a 14700K! 1.35v at limit is more than good and should more than keep the CPU in good nick. I think the sweetspot is the 13700k/14700k for performance enthusiasts and will do well across the board from gaming to semi pro and pro workloads. Fine tuning voltage or undervolting can make it more effecient but you cpu looks like it is in a good place.
stimpy88How did you know to do this, such a specific number..? I keep seeing this exact comment a lot lately, and it seems that everybody seemed to know that going higher than this was going to kill their CPU's years ago... Strange.
How? As a K cpu user going back way too many years and someone who has always been interested in overclocking (why else buy a K CPU if not to tweak!), one of the first things I learned from many, many others and a big shout out to the 'overclock.com' forums was voltages and how to keep temps in check...In fact temps were an issues especially on the intel side going all the way back to the 4790K devils canyon CPU. Excessive voltage has been known to degrade CPU's though to be honest this might be a bit hard to quantify as I am not sure how many people keep there CPU's past five years to really test this out, but going back to why 1.350v or lower, this seems to be the sweetspot which allows for pretty much full stock performance, i.e hitting the recommended speed whilst keeping temps in check and a good mumber or below to protect the CPU, with undervolting or having a bit of luck with a decent CPU you can go even lower on voltages and still have a very stable CPU.
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#103
stimpy88
vMax65How? As a K cpu user going back way too many years and someone who has always been interested in overclocking (why else buy a K CPU if not to tweak!), one of the first things I learned from many, many others and a big shout out to the 'overclock.com' forums was voltages and how to keep temps in check...In fact temps were an issues especially on the intel side going all the way back to the 4790K devils canyon CPU. Excessive voltage has been known to degrade CPU's though to be honest this might be a bit hard to quantify as I am not sure how many people keep there CPU's past five years to really test this out, but going back to why 1.350v or lower, this seems to be the sweetspot which allows for pretty much full stock performance, i.e hitting the recommended speed whilst keeping temps in check and a good mumber or below to protect the CPU, with undervolting or having a bit of luck with a decent CPU you can go even lower on voltages and still have a very stable CPU.
Interesting. I'm fully aware of lowering voltages to reduce heat, but did not know an Intel customer buying high-end models would have expected degradation of a CPU at stock settings. I have seen people with this new microcode that it still shoves 1.475v+ at the CPU... Stock settings...
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#104
vMax65
stimpy88Interesting. I'm fully aware of lowering voltages to reduce heat, but did not know an Intel customer buying high-end models would have expected degradation of a CPU at stock settings. I have seen people with this new microcode that it still shoves 1.475v+ at the CPU... Stock settings...
Not saying you will get degredation at stock settings as if that was the case, this would have been an issue many, many years ago and it has not but the whole reason for having K 'unlocked' CPU's was to overclock and now undervolt and to tweak and of course you are getting the most performant parts Intel has. With a bit of learning and knowledge you learn things like 1.5 to 1.6v is not good for the long term! So many forums dedicated to getting the best out of these CPU's from effeciency focus to balls out max performance and everything in between. You also learn what is a good balance between performance, effecieny and tempratures and generally it is known 1.4v or lower is okay. In this generation, Intel and I also blame the motherboard manufacturers went full send on pushing these CPU's in order to compete with AMD.....though AMD keep shooting themselves in the foot whilst Intel is massively crudding up...own goal or what. AMD really need a new marketing department and quickly!

As to the new microcode still pushing 1.475v this is expected in short bursts but 1.5v+ to 1.6v is a problem and on my MSI Z790 Carbon Wifi even at auto, seen nothing hitting 1.5v even on the Intel Extreme profile...Still a bet some motherboard manufacturers are srtuggling to get the new bios fine tuned and right.
Posted on Reply
#105
BoggledBeagle
vMax65...1.35v at limit is more than good and should more than keep the CPU in good nick. I think the sweetspot is the 13700k/14700k for performance enthusiasts and will do well across the board from gaming to semi pro and pro workloads. ....
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why 1.350v or lower, this seems to be the sweetspot which allows for pretty much full stock performance
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I highly doubt that 1,35V is low enough voltage for high intensity 24/7 professional usage.

We complain about stock settings, but in the same time you would like to maintain stock performance? That does not make any sense.

"Stock performance" is too high and you will kill the chips trying to maintain it.

Instead of doing the right thing, Intel is desperately trying to maintain the frequencies, because if they lowered the frequencies as they should, they would create a different product with lower performance than what the customers expected when they bought the chips.

Intel will need to figure how to deal with this lower performing product, because trying to keep the breakneck frequencies is simply not possible.
Posted on Reply
#106
iameatingjam
vMax65I use to have a Gigabyte motherboard and all I can say it the bios was a mess and once you start making any voltage changes things can go off very quickly. In fact even wwhen I made changes the old changes were not removed and only a hard bios reset. removing battery would get oit back to normal...I was pulling out my hair...changed to ASUS which was also just another painful experience as the voltage they ware pushing on anything auto or 'multicore enhancment' was a joke. On MSI now which has been better but they too were pushing too much but in terms of fine grained control, it seems a lot better. Only manufacturer I have not tried is AS Rock.
vMax65Looking at you scores and HWinfo, things are not looking bad at all, in fact more than good as stock it is in the mid 12K scores for a 14700K on CPUZ. Getting a 14700 score for a 14700K! 1.35v at limit is more than good and should more than keep the CPU in good nick. I think the sweetspot is the 13700k/14700k for performance enthusiasts and will do well across the board from gaming to semi pro and pro workloads. Fine tuning voltage or undervolting can make it more effecient but you cpu looks like it is in a good place.
Yeah.... that all sounds familiar to me too. Like putting in settings but they don't stick, have to put them in 3 or 4 times before the damn thing acknowledges it. Or when something goes wrong so you change the value back yet its still unstable so your only choice is to pop out the battery and then you have to redo all your settings. All that said... I still like this mobo... don't ask me why...

But when it comes to the voltages, the recent updates do seem to be trying to reign that stuff in. This cpu has actually been acting all right the last couple days. When I first took the chains off I was a bit worried by a max vcore of 1.44 but since doing the 13700k emulation ( thats when I got 1.35 max btw), then going back, and I don't know why, it hasn't been as bad, it doesn't pass 1.4v 99% of the time and when it does its only 1.41 or something. Most of the time its in the 1.2s and or 1.3s. Like right now I've just been gaming and vcore is at 1.34. But its not like its a heavy load just sandland at 4k60 plus firefox and a couple utilities, but it doesn't seem to get all that much higher under the heavy loads. Plus with this new ucode I know there's not going to be any crazy transients. Maybe it will be okay in the end?

Uh oh, I just jynxed it, didn't I?

But surprisingly, I put in a 1.5v vid limit and I thought okay there's no way this is going to affect performance... but it did. Not alot, but enough to notice in passmark cpu test like 1-2%. I don't think it was run to run variance either because I repeated the test many times making sure nothing else was running in the background etc. There's clearly more going on behind the scenes than our monitoring software is telling us because neither hwmonitor or hwinfo reports vid anywhere near 1.5. Maybe intel does know what they are doing? I'm not sure to keep that limit there or not. Right now I removed it, not for the performance but just cause.... well, I'm just following intel's instructions.

Not saying I trust them all of a sudden but idk what if that limit messes with something I don't understand? There's just so many people out there with so many takes, it gets kinda exhausting you know? And I got my rma too. And even if I don't get cross shipping, I still have my handy dandy 12100 to use in the meantime =D
LeshaDoes anyone else think that "incorrect voltage requests to the processor that are causing elevated operating voltage" is just an excuse for pushing the voltage to be able to compete with AMD?
I have a feeling that both its not nearly that simple, but also that there's probably a kernel of truth in there. Just a guess.
Posted on Reply
#107
RatusNatus
There is an YT guy recommending 2019 bios because he found out that the MC updates pumps more voltage.....

Posted on Reply
#108
iameatingjam
RatusNatusThere is an YT guy recommending 2019 bios because he found out that the MC updates pumps more voltage.....

I like tech yes city, haven't watched the whole thing yet, just from your time stamp. But.... Just curious.... if you disabled a bunch of cores and don't change iccmax.., Would that mean more current per core? I've wondered if my first failure was because of too much current. My voltage was low but I used throttlestop which default puts iccmax to its max and at the time I didn't even know what that meant so I didn't change it even though now intel says its a big no-no.

I noticed recommended iccmax from intel for 13700k and 14700k was the same but thats just one ecore cluster.... What about 4 ecore clusters disabled and iccmax not changed, is that... dangerous? Again I don't know maybe he changed it earlier or I got it all wrong. Just something I've been wondering for a while.

Anyway... goodnight.
Posted on Reply
#109
Caring1
I watched that video earlier today and Intel is basically hoping their Processors last until the warranty expires.
The latest microcode is a mitigation only and they have no idea how to handle the situation without losing a lot of money.
Posted on Reply
#110
stimpy88
iameatingjamI like tech yes city, haven't watched the whole thing yet, just from your time stamp. But.... Just curious.... if you disabled a bunch of cores and don't change iccmax.., Would that mean more current per core? I've wondered if my first failure was because of too much current. My voltage was low but I used throttlestop which default puts iccmax to its max and at the time I didn't even know what that meant so I didn't change it even though now intel says its a big no-no.

I noticed recommended iccmax from intel for 13700k and 14700k was the same but thats just one ecore cluster.... What about 4 ecore clusters disabled and iccmax not changed, is that... dangerous? Again I don't know maybe he changed it earlier or I got it all wrong. Just something I've been wondering for a while.

Anyway... goodnight.
It's not the current that's killing these CPU's, it's the voltage.
Posted on Reply
#111
iameatingjam
stimpy88It's not the current that's killing these CPU's, it's the voltage.
I get thats a factor. But its likely there's more than one. My voltage on that first chip was very low due to my undervolts/plus it seemed like a good bin, before it died anyway. Just transients I guess, or oxidation? Who knows? But that 511 iccmax has been one more bug in my ear about the whole thing. Intels power guidance sheet says very clearly, even for the best skus 'Never exceed 400'
Posted on Reply
#112
matar
This is why I chose the i9-12900KS a few months ago as an upgrade instead of the 14-13 , luckily I had just learned of that issue before upgrading
Posted on Reply
#113
iameatingjam
W1zzardOh, I get it now. Elevated voltages must have a reason, in some meeting someone said, let's use x.xx V. Probably based on some data from an engineer, who based his testing on something else, using parameters provided by someone else .. at some end of the reason chain is a human who made a mistake, certainly not intentional. This is probably not what everyone wants to hear though
Um, okay. But anyway, do you really think the article should be saying "Intel's analysis shows that the root cause of stability problems is caused by too high voltage during operation of the processor" when intel seems to be twisting themselves into pretzels to not say that directly.

They've said elevated voltages can cause instability.

They've said they're releasing a microcode patch to fix the root cause of said elevated voltage.

But putting these two together != "the root cause of stability problems is caused by too high voltage"
Posted on Reply
#115
persizi
I would suggest, leave everything on default (Intel Defaults), Disable the IA CEP and set a minimum AC LL where CB R15 v15.0.3.7 doesn't crash. This must be done at the default limits, i.e. PL 253W and iccmax 307A for i7 and i9.

The CB version is very important, v15.0.3.7 is way better than 15.0.3.8 for stability purposes.
Posted on Reply
#116
iameatingjam
persiziI would suggest, leave everything on default (Intel Defaults), Disable the IA CEP and set a minimum AC LL where CB R15 v15.0.3.7 doesn't crash. This must be done at the default limits, i.e. PL 253W and iccmax 307A for i7 and i9.

The CB version is very important, v15.0.3.7 is way better than 15.0.3.8 for stability purposes.
You can't, turn cep off while on intel profile, the intel profile will override it, at least on gigabyte boards. BZ showed that in a recent video. And that totally explained to me why my pc was acting like cep was on when it was turned off. Also he convinced me its probably better to keep cep on like intel recommends.
Posted on Reply
#117
persizi
iameatingjamYou can't, turn cep off while on intel profile, the intel profile will override it, at least on gigabyte boards. BZ showed that in a recent video. And that totally explained to me why my pc was acting like cep was on when it was turned off.
Than you can use a different profile but have to set manually the limits i.e. PL 253W and iccmax 307A. I'm not convinced that the CEP should be enabled but everyone has different preferences.
Posted on Reply
#118
iameatingjam
persiziThan you can use a different profile but have to set manually the limits i.e. PL 253W and iccmax 307A. I'm not convinced that the CEP should be enabled but everyone has different preferences.
Yeah I'm not convinced either. Its pretty much a guessing game.
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