Intel has finally identified the root cause of the CPU overheating issue plaguing its 13th- and 14th-generation Core CPUs. The company has been grappling with this problem for most of the year, with users experiencing crashes and permanent damage to their processors due to high voltages and temperatures resulting from a production error.
After nearly two months of investigating the issue, Intel has announced a new BIOS update that aims to address the problem once and for all. While minor updates have been released in the past, this latest development is a significant milestone in resolving the overheating issue.
The main culprit behind the problem has been identified as “Vmin shift instability,” which causes an unexpected increase in the minimum operating voltage of the CPUs. This instability can lead to repeated crashes and error messages, impacting the overall performance and service life of the processors.
Intel has pinpointed four specific causes of the CPU damage and has outlined the corresponding fixes to address them:
1. Motherboard power delivery settings exceeding Intel power guidance: Intel recommends using default settings for Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors to mitigate this issue.
2. eTVB Microcode algorithm allowing processors to operate at higher performance states even at high temperatures: The microcode 0x125 update (June 2024) addresses this problem for Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen i9 desktop processors.
3. Microcode SVID algorithm requesting high voltages at a frequency and duration causing Vmin shift: The microcode 0x129 update (August 2024) resolves the high voltage requests by the processor.
4. Microcode and BIOS code requesting elevated core voltages, especially during idle or light activity periods: Intel is releasing microcode 0x12B to encompass the 0x125 and 0x129 updates and address elevated voltage requests during idle or light activity periods.
Intel assures users that the performance of the processors should not be affected by the new BIOS update. However, the company warns that CPUs are still subject to normal fluctuations and recommends applying the update to prevent future issues.
If your CPU has already experienced Vmin shift instability, the BIOS update will not reverse the damage as it is irreversible. Intel had previously extended the warranty of some CPUs to five years in response to criticism, so affected users may be eligible for support.
To receive the BIOS update, motherboard manufacturers will distribute the microcode patch to their users through BIOS updates. The rollout process may vary in duration, ranging from several days to weeks, depending on the manufacturer. Users are advised to regularly check their motherboard manufacturer’s support pages for updates and download the appropriate BIOS update once available.
In conclusion, Intel has made significant progress in identifying and addressing the CPU overheating issue affecting its 13th- and 14th-generation Core CPUs. The new BIOS update aims to mitigate the problem and prevent future instances of Vmin shift instability. Users are encouraged to stay informed about the update rollout and apply it promptly to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of their processors.
