Intel 13th & 14th Gen CPU Instability: Buggy Microcode and eTVB Fix

Intel’s high-end 13th and 14th Gen CPUs have been plagued by instability issues, and the root cause has finally been identified. Let’s dive into the details.

The Problem

Reports of instability in Intel’s 13th and 14th Gen CPUs surfaced over a year ago, with gamers experiencing crashes, BSODs, and other issues. Some users even switched to AMD Ryzen CPUs due to the severity of the problem. Intel initially addressed the issue by forcing board partners to implement “Intel Default Settings,” but this led to a significant performance drop.

The Root Cause

Internal documents (NDA) obtained by Igor’s Lab reveal that the root cause lies in a buggy microcode algorithm associated with the Enhanced Thermal Velocity Boost (eTVB) feature. This feature, present in 13th and 14th Gen Unlocked CPUs, increases frequency and voltage, resulting in higher temperatures. Unfortunately, this can lead to reduced processor reliability over time.

Degradation and Symptoms

Degraded CPUs exhibit symptoms such as game crashes, frequent BSODs, and failure to start. With summer temperatures exacerbating the issue, many affected processors are suspected of severe degradation.

The Solution

Intel plans to roll out a new BIOS with microcode version 0x125 or later. Users are urged to update their BIOS by July 19, 2024. However, it’s unclear whether the warranty will cover already degraded chips. The microcode fix addresses the eTVB issue, allowing the processor to maintain stability even when operating at high temperatures.

The Aftermath

The situation has been disastrous for Intel. The 13th and 14th Gen CPUs now operate at lower power limits, resulting in reduced performance. Whether the microcode fix will restore default settings remains uncertain, but users may need to adjust to lower performance.