Intel has declared the problem of instability in Raptor Lake processors resolved – firmly and clearly

Last week, Intel released another firmware update for 13th and 14th generation Core processors (Raptor Lake), and now it has officially confirmed that this microcode release was the last: the problem of unstable operation of the chips, according to the manufacturer, has been finally resolved.

Intel is not going to release microcode updates after 0x12B. This version is now being rolled out by motherboard manufacturers – the fourth and final firmware update is the final solution to the problem. The media has repeatedly asked company representatives whether the minimum voltage (Vmin) offset is the main cause of the problem, and now the manufacturer has confirmed that this is indeed the case. “Yes, we confirm that this is the cause and it has been fixed,” Intel’s Thomas Hannaford told The Verge.

In total, Intel has identified four issues with Raptor Lake processors, all of which were fixed in software this year. The latest firmware 0x12B includes solutions to all previous issues and no further updates are required at this time. Below is a list of reported problems with 13th and 14th generation Core processors, as well as their solutions.

• Problem: The motherboard’s power settings exceed Intel’s standard power recommendations. Solution: Use default settings for 13th and 14th generation Core desktop processors.
• Issue: A bug in the eTVB microcode algorithm allowed 13th and 14th generation Intel Core i9 processors to operate in enhanced performance mode even at elevated temperatures. Solution: June 2024 firmware update 0x125.
• Issue: An SVID microcode algorithm error that causes the high voltage to be requested for a given frequency and applied for too long, which could cause Vmin to be offset. Solution: August 2024 firmware update 0x129.
• Problem: The microcode and BIOS request higher core voltages, which can cause Vmin to drift, especially during periods of idle and/or low activity. Solution: Firmware update 0x12B, which includes updates 0x125 and 0x129, and also addresses the issue of increased processor voltage during periods of idle and/or low activity.

Intel, we recall, has not released a software tool that would help determine whether a particular processor instance has suffered from a failure and whether there is a need to replace it. Owners of failed chips are advised to contact Intel or the computer manufacturer to replace the processors. The company also promised that subsequent generations of processors will not encounter this problem.