Intel releases official clarification on new microcode 0x129 for Raptor Lake

Intel has published a large statement about unstable 13th and 14th generation Core processors (Raptor Lake): copies that have already begun to show symptoms of failure cannot be fully restored – they will have to be exchanged, although the problem can be mitigated using software methods.

The company has already begun distributing the updated version of the microcode (0x129) to all its partners – it will reach processor owners in the form of a BIOS update, but not through an operating system update. This will prevent premature failure of processors that are still working, but will not fix those that have already failed. Intel continues to “study” the possibility of “mitigating” the consequences of problems for systems where they appeared, but the official position of the manufacturer is the same – a processor with symptoms of unstable operation must be replaced. The microcode update will help primarily the K, KF and KS series processors – there is no specific answer for other Raptor Lake chips. Intel assures that no future processors will be affected by these issues. This applies to desktops, laptops, and embedded systems.

To date, three software solutions have been released aimed at mitigating instability in 13th and 14th generation Intel Core chips for desktop PCs: Intel Default Settings, which prevent excessive voltage from being applied to the processor (May 2024) ; microcode update to address eTVB issue on Core i9 processors (June 2024); Firmware update addressing overvoltage issue (August 2024).

«Intel’s current analysis shows that due to the increased voltage, several cores of the affected processors are significantly exceeding the minimum operating voltage (Vmin). Overvoltage events can accumulate over time and cause Vmin to increase for the processor. The latest microcode update (0x129) will limit voltage requests above 1.55V as a preventative mitigation for processors not experiencing instability symptoms. This latest microcode update will primarily improve the operating environment for K/KF/KS processors. Intel also confirms, based on extensive testing, that all future products will not be affected by this issue. Intel continues to investigate mitigations for scenarios that could cause Vmin to change on potentially affected 13th and 14th generation Core desktop processors. Intel will provide new information by the end of August,” the company said in a statement.

The manufacturer also noted that system performance using standard settings in a number of tests (3DMark: Timespy, WebXPRT 4, Cinebench R24 and Blender 4.2.0) remains within the statistical error; but some benchmarks (WebXPRT Online Homework; PugetBench GPU Effects Score) still showed a moderate decrease in performance. The performance of the games Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Total War: Warhammer III – Mirrors of Madness was within the statistical error; some impact was seen at the launch of Hitman 3: Dartmoor.

For unlocked 13th and 14th generation Core processors, the August microcode update (0x129) will not prevent overclocking, and if you want to exceed the voltage of 1.55 V, you can disable the eTVB setting in the BIOS, but caution is recommended, and it is best to use standard settings. Finally, Intel confirmed a two-year warranty extension and promised support to all customers whose processors became unstable. Intel support is ready to accept requests for replacement of boxed products; owners of other versions are recommended to contact the place where they purchased the processors or the OEM manufacturers.