Intel releases patch for crash-prone CPUs, but some performance tests show 'moderate impact'

Intel has released a patch to fix the frequent crashing issue with its 13th and 14th generation Core processors. Intel reports that the patch 'has a moderate impact in some performance tests.'

Microcode (0x129) Update for Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen Desktop Processors - Intel Community
https://community.intel.com/t5/Processors/Microcode-0x129-Update-for-Intel-Core-13th-and-14th-Gen-Desktop/td-p/1622129

The 13th and 14th generation Core processors have problems such as 'games suddenly closing' and 'software not working properly.' When the problem was first discovered, Intel issued a statement saying that ' motherboard settings were causing the problem ,' but in July 2024, Intel acknowledged that its own microcode was the cause and promised to release a patch to fix the problem.

Intel finally admits that its own designs are causing problems with its 13th and 14th generation CPUs - GIGAZINE

On August 9, 2024, Intel announced that it had begun distributing the microcode patch '0x129.' The root cause of the crash problem in 13th and 14th generation Core processors is that a microcode defect causes the processor to be subjected to abnormally high voltage. The patch distributed by Intel includes a preventive mitigation measure to 'limit voltage requests exceeding 1.55V,' and applying the patch is said to address the crash problem.

Intel ran several benchmark tests to measure the impact of the patch on processing performance. As a result, the performance changes in tests such as '3DMark: Timespy', 'WebXPRT 4', 'Cinebench R24', and 'Blender 4.2.0' were 'within the range of variation from test run to test run'. On the other hand, benchmark tests such as 'WebXPRT Online Homework' and 'PugetBench' were 'moderately affected'.

Additionally, game testing showed no impact in titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, or Total War: Warhammer III – Mirrors of Madness, but a 'slightly larger change' was observed in Hitman 3: Dartmoor.

The microcode patch '0x129' has been released to OEM and ODM partners, and users can apply the patch via a BIOS update. Intel also stated that 'users' custom overclocking settings will continue to be available even after applying the patch.'

Intel has decided to extend the warranty period for a total of 24 models of 13th and 14th generation Core processors by two years. The models eligible for the warranty extension can be found in the following article.

Intel announces CPUs covered by 2-year extended warranty, free replacement of CPUs with frequent crashes possible - GIGAZINE