Intel reports that it has figured out the reasons for the unstable operation of 13th and 14th generation Core processors and has released another update to the 0x12B microcode. This was reported by VideoCardz.
The company has identified four scenarios that could lead to unstable operation of Raptor Lake processors.
The company has identified four work scenarios that can lead to the problem, which it has dubbed Vmin Shift:
- Motherboard power delivery settings exceeding Intel power guidance.
- eTVB Microcode algorithm which was allowing desktop processors to operate at higher performance states even at high temperatures.
- Microcode SVID algorithm requesting high voltages at a frequency and duration which can cause Vmin shift.
- Microcode and BIOS code requesting elevated core voltages which can cause Vmin shift especially during periods of idle and/or light activity.
Vmin Shift has been identified by Intel as a problem localized to the processor's tree core circuitry. This kernel design is particularly vulnerable to degradation due to elevated voltage and temperature, which is typical for Intel K-series processors and those that have been manually overclocked by users or motherboard manufacturers.
Intel explains that previous updates have addressed issues 1, 2, and 3, and the new update will reduce CPU stress during "light" tasks or idle time.
Intel says it may take several weeks for motherboard manufacturers to verify and distribute BIOS updates to their products.
As a reminder, none of Intel's patches will "save" processors that have already experienced the problems described, but are intended only to prevent them from occurring. The company has extended the warranty for 13th and 14th generation Core processors and is replacing the processors for everyone who reports the problems described above.