Intel has provided details about the voltage-related issues that recently affected some of its 13th and 14th-generation Core processors.
Incorrect voltage requests are said to have triggered the issue, which can accumulate over time and damage the processor, resulting in system crashes.
To resolve this, Intel has developed a microcode update that will be released by the end of August.
However, this fix requires a BIOS update, unlike other microcode fixes that can be applied through software updates.
While Intel claims minimal performance impact in most cases, some benchmarks and games have shown moderate slowdowns.
Updating your BIOS is required to prevent further damage to your CPU. Users can also obtain updates through Windows Update or the OEM’s software for pre-built PCs.
Custom-built PC users must manually download and install the BIOS update by visiting their motherboard manufacturer’s website.
Intel is offering an extended warranty of two years for affected CPUs to compensate for the issue.
Additionally, they are investigating other potential fixes and plan to release more information by the end of August.
However, not all 13th and 14th-generation CPUs are affected. The issue mainly impacts K, KF, and KS-series Core i5, i7, and i9 processors. Lower-end models and 12th-generation CPUs are reported to be unaffected.
Motherboard manufacturers like MSI, ASRock, and Asus have already released BIOS updates for some boards. Users should check their motherboard manufacturer’s website for updates and look for the microcode version 0x129 to confirm the fix is included.
Early signs of damage include system hangs and crashes. If you encounter these issues, your CPU is likely already damaged and must be replaced.
Intel also recommends adhering to Intel’s default power settings in BIOS to help prevent the problem from worsening.
While this situation is undoubtedly frustrating for affected users, Intel’s efforts to address the issue and provide compensation are steps in the right direction.
The users with a 13th or 14th-generation Intel Core processor, need to update your BIOS as soon as possible to protect the CPU and maintain optimal system performance.
Also read: Intel Introduces Lunar Lake Core Ultra Chips With Boosted NPU and GPU