Intel has provided more information about its Raptor Lake family of 13th and 14th Gen Core processors, as well as the 0x129 microcode designed to prevent further damage.
It was revealed that the instability issue affecting many Raptor Lake chips was due to the processor setting an elevated operating voltage. While high voltage is necessary for stability at high clock speeds, exceeding a certain limit can permanently damage the processor. Intel has now clarified that anything above 1.55 volts is considered elevated.
Intel’s Raptor Lake CPUs require higher voltages to achieve their maximum boost frequencies, which are among the highest for desktop processors. The new 0x129 microcode aims to maintain stability while ensuring high clock speeds. Performance testing will provide more insights into any potential changes for these CPUs.
While overclocking remains an option for K-class chip owners, caution is advised due to the current circumstances with Raptor Lake processors. Motherboard vendors are already providing BIOS updates to address the new microcode and ensure system stability.
Motherboard vendors begin to supply BIOS updates
Intel’s motherboard partners have started releasing BIOS patches containing the new microcode for their LGA 1700 motherboards. Various vendors are committed to updating their motherboards to address the voltage issues affecting 13th and 14th Gen Core processors.
Updates for OEM pre-built systems are still uncertain, with manufacturers like HP yet to provide a clear plan for updating their desktop systems. Intel’s scheduled Innovation event has also been postponed in light of recent developments.
Sidenote
AMD, Intel’s rival, issued security advisories for some vulnerabilities in its chips, including the Sinkclose flaw that allows attackers to compromise a machine’s kernel and infect the system through System Management Mode. Additionally, AMD warned about potential vulnerabilities related to Secure Encrypted Virtualization that could be exploited by malicious hypervisors.
