Read Intel's biggest statement yet on how it's addressing Raptor Lake CPU problems

Intel has released a major update for its crashing 13th and 14th generation desktop CPUs — including a hint that maybe, just maybe, it can do something about chips that are already failing, rather than requiring you to return them.

You can read the full details of it below, but here are the parts I found interesting:

Intel says it is now distributing microcode addressing the high voltage problems to all of its partners, not just Asus and MSI. (Updating your BIOS should help prevent CPUs from failing prematurely, but won't fix CPUs that are already failing.)

Intel says it's "investigating" possible "mitigations" for systems that are already showing symptoms — but the company's stance is still that you should replace any symptomatic CPU, Intel spokesman Thomas Hannaford told me. I agree.

The microcode update will primarily help K, KF, and KS series processors. We don't have an answer on any other Raptor Lake chips yet.

Intel says no future chips should be affected by these issues — not desktop, not laptop, not embedded, Hannaford told me.

Note: We still don't have an official answer on whether Raptor Lake laptop chips are vulnerable to the instability issues.

Here's the full statement:

Intel is currently distributing a new microcode patch (0x129) for its Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors to its OEM/ODM partners, which will address incorrect voltage requests to the processors that are causing higher operating voltages.

For all Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processor users: This patch is being distributed via a BIOS update and will not be available via an operating system update. Intel is working closely with its partners to ensure the timely validation and rollout of BIOS updates 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 – typically experienced as frequent application crashes and frequent hangs – to help stabilize customer systems with Intel Core 13th and 14th Generation desktop processors:

1. Intel default settings to avoid High Power Delivery impact on processors (May 2024)

2. Microcode 0x125 to fix eTVB issue in i9 processors (June 2024)

3. Microcode 0x129 to address high voltage (August 2024)

Intel's current analysis found that higher voltages significantly increased the minimum operating voltage (Vmin) across multiple cores on the affected processors. High voltage events can accumulate over time and contribute to an increase in Vmin for the processor.

The latest microcode update (0x129) will limit voltage requests above 1.55V as a preventive mitigation for processors that do not experience instability symptoms. This latest microcode update will primarily improve operating conditions for K/KF/KS processors. Based on extensive validation, Intel is also confirming that all future products will not be affected by this issue.

Intel is continuing to investigate mitigations for scenarios that result in Vmin shifts on potentially affected Intel Core 13th and 14th generation desktop processors. Intel will provide updates by the end of August.

Intel's internal tests - using Intel default settings - indicate that the performance impact is within run-to-run variation (e.g. 3DMark: Timespy, WebXPRT 4, Cinebench R24, Blender 4.2.0), with some sub-tests showing moderate impact (WebXPRT Online Homework; PugetBench GPU Impact Score). For the gaming workloads tested, performance has also been within run-to-run variation (e.g. Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Warhammer III - Mirrors of Madness) with one exception showing a slightly higher impact (Hitman 3: Dartmoor). However, system performance depends on configuration and many 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 wish to do so. If users want to go above the 1.55V limit, they can disable the eTVB setting in their BIOS. As always, Intel advises users to 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 advises customers with Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors to use Intel default settings.