Intel details fixes for failing 13th and 14th Gen CPUs as BIOS updates roll out

Intel has shared more information about the voltage issues that have been affecting some 13th and 14th generation Core processors as the company tries to put the episode behind it. As reported by Tom’s Hardware, Intel says the issue is caused by “high operating voltage” resulting from “incorrect voltage requests,” specifically an increase in the chips’ minimum operating voltage. These “high voltage events can accumulate over time,” eventually damaging the processor and causing system freezes or crashes.

Intel has developed a microcode update to fix these high voltage demands, but the bad news for some users is that it will require a BIOS update and won’t be able to be deployed via software updates like some microcode fixes can be.

Intel says that in most cases, CPU performance should be unaffected by the patch, though the company did notice a few benchmark subscores and individual games that showed “moderate” slowdowns (though we don’t know how concrete that is). Here’s the relevant statement regarding performance:

Intel internal testing using Intel default settings indicates that the performance impact is within run-to-run variation (e.g., 3DMark: Timespy, WebXPRT 4, Cinebench R24, Blender 4.2.0) with a few subtests showing moderate impacts (WebXPRT Online Homework; PugetBench GPU Effects Score). For the gaming workloads tested, performance is also 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 is dependent on configuration and several other factors.

For some PCs, especially pre-built models, BIOS updates may be delivered via Windows Update or the manufacturer’s proprietary update software (Lenovo Vantage, Dell SupportAssist, HP Support Assistant, and the MyASUS app are all notable examples). For others, especially home-built or DIY PCs, you may need to go to your motherboard manufacturer’s website, search for your model, and then manually download and install the BIOS update.

Some motherboard manufacturers have already released updates for some of their boards. MSI and ASRock have released updates for most motherboards with 700-series chipsets, and Asus is also offering beta updates for some 700-series motherboards. Updates for slightly older 600-series motherboards, which also support 13th and 14th-gen CPUs, are expected to follow later. If the release notes mention microcode 0x129, that means you’re getting the update.

It is important to apply the fix as soon as possible because the damage done to your processor by stress cannot be reversed. Once you notice freezes and crashes, your processor is already irreparably damaged and you will need to replace it or exchange it for a new one.

If you have to do that, the good news is that Intel is offering two additional years of warranty to buyers of the affected processors, for a total of five years of coverage. People who bought boxed processors to install in their self-built computers can contact Intel directly; people who bought one of the chips as part of a pre-built system should generally be able to get the same level of coverage from the company that made the PC.

Affected processors include all Core i5, i7, and i9 processors from the K, KF, and KS series of the 13th and 14th generation Core processor families, as well as non-K-series Core i7 and Core i9 processors (despite the name change, the chips are all based on the same Raptor Lake architecture). Entry-level Core i5 and Core i3 processors are not affected, as are all 12th generation Core processors.

Earlier this year, Intel also attempted to address the issue by requiring motherboard manufacturers to adhere to Intel’s default power settings in their BIOS settings. While these settings are not the primary cause of the crashes, the high voltage settings or power limits used by some of these motherboards could worsen or accelerate the issue.

Intel’s efforts continue. The company said earlier this month that it was working on a way for users to easily test whether their processor had been damaged. And the company’s statement today reiterated that Intel is still looking for other possible solutions.

“Intel continues to investigate solutions to mitigate the risks associated with scenarios that could result in Vmin shift on potentially affected 13th and 14th Gen Intel Core desktop processors,” the statement reads. “Intel will provide updates by the end of August.”