Intel: Most Raptor Lake chips do not have instability problem, and future processors will not have it at all

Intel again reminded that its mobile Core processors of the 13th and 14th generations (Raptor Lake and Raptor Lake Refresh) are not subject to the problem of instability due to overvoltage, like desktop models of these series. Company representative Thomas Hannaford spoke about this in a conversation with The Verge, also noting that “most” desktop chips did not encounter this problem.

Image Source: Intel

He noted that the company calls the problem with overvoltage in 13th and 14th generation Core desktop chips “Vmin Shift Instability,” which can be interpreted as “instability due to a shift in the minimum operating voltage (Vmin).” According to him, mobile processors do not have this problem. “We confirm that 13th and 14th generation mobile Cores are not affected by instability in a general sense,” Hannaford said.

Conversations that 13th and 14th generation Core mobile processors may also be affected by overvoltage problems began shortly after Alderon Games, the developer of Path of Titans, reported cases of unstable operation of mobile chips.

Intel claims that most of its desktop processors do not suffer from instability due to overvoltage. For example, 13th and 14th generation Core chip models without the “K” suffix, Core i3 processors and the Xeon processor line are not affected by it.

«Following the announcement of a warranty extension for affected 13th and 14th generation Intel Core desktop processors, Intel confirms that the following processors are not affected by the Vmin issue: 12th generation Core desktop and mobile processors; 13th and 14th generation Core without the “K” suffix, as well as Core i3 desktop processors; 13th and 14th generation Core mobile processors, including the HX series; Intel Xeon processors, including server and workstation models; Intel Core Ultra chips (Series 1), 13th and 14th generation Core desktop processors after BIOS update. While most 13th and 14th generation Intel Core desktop processors are not affected by instability due to Vmin shift, Intel recommends the following for all users:

• Make sure that the system is running on the latest BIOS firmware. You can check this using the Intel Compatibility Tool and/or by visiting the motherboard manufacturer’s website. Users can also learn how to update the motherboard BIOS by referring to the “How to Update BIOS” guide;
• Use Intel’s recommendations regarding default settings for 13th and 14th generation Intel Core desktop processors, including both consumer and commercial desktop systems based on these processors, as well as entry-level workstations.”

Intel also reiterated that its future chips, including those launching this fall on the new Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake architectures, will not be affected by the Vmin instability issue. “Intel will ensure that future product families are protected from the Vmin issue,” a company spokesperson said.