The core cause diagnosis for the Vmin Shift Instability issue associated with desktop Intel Core 13th and 14th generation processors has been verified by Intel. This is the result of a thorough investigation into the issue. This article will give desktop users of the Intel Core 13th and 14th generations with information from Intel regarding the root cause, additional mitigations, and upcoming efforts.
Root Cause of Vmin Shift Instability
Intel has identified a clock tree circuit in the IA core as the source of the Vmin Shift Instability issue. This circuit is particularly vulnerable to reliability aging at high voltage and temperature. Intel claims that these conditions could alter the duty cycle of the clocks and lead to system instability.
Intel has identified four (4) operational scenarios that could lead to a Vmin shift in the affected processors.
Configurations for the motherboard's power supply that go above and beyond what Intel suggests.
Mitigation: Follow the Intel Default Settings instructions for desktop Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen CPUs.
The eTVB Microcode technology allowed Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen i9 desktop CPUs to operate at higher performance levels even at high temperatures.
Mitigation: The eTVB algorithm issue is resolved by June 2024's microcode 0x125.
The microcode SVID algorithm's requirement for high voltages at a frequency and duration may lead to a shift in Vmin.
Mitigation: Microcode 0x129 for August 2024 manages excessive voltages that the CPU asks.
BIOS and Microcode request elevated core voltages, which may cause a Vmin shift, especially during periods of inactivity or low activity.
Mitigation: Microcode fixes 0x125 and 0x129 are included in microcode 0x12B, which is being released by Intel. When the processor is not in use or is operating at low voltage, this microcode addresses its demands for higher voltages.
In order to give the public access to the required BIOS update for the 0x12B upgrade, Intel is working with its partners.
Intel Raptor Lake Reference Board (M40919), 64GB DDR5 RAM at 5200MT/s, Intel Core i9-14900K processor, and SU360 ADATA storage Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (version 26100.712); Display Resolution: 1280x800; Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 770; Graphics Driver Version: 32.0.101.5768.
Intel Raptor Lake Reference Board (RVP SR19) motherboard; Intel Core i9-14900K processor; 32GB DDR5 memory at 5600MT/s; 1TB Samsung 990 Pro storage Graphics: NVIDIA v555.99 graphics driver, 1920 x 1080 resolution, MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X, Windows 11 (version 22631.4169)
According to Intel's internal testing, the performance effect is within run-to-run variability when comparing 0x12B and 0x125 microcode on an Intel Core i9-14900K with DDR5 5200MT/s memory. On an Intel Core i9-14900K with DDR5 5600MT/s memory2, performance is likewise within run-to-run range for gaming workloads including Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman 3: Dartmoor, Total War: Warhammer III Mirrors of Madness, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. However, in addition to setup, a number of other factors can impact system performance.
Intel restates that future client product families, including the codename Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake families, and Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen mobile CPUs are unaffected by the Vmin Shift Instability issue. They appreciate its customers' patience during the investigation, as well as the help from its partners with the study and relevant mitigations.
Next Moves
It should be noted by all users of desktop Intel Core 13th and 14th generation CPUs that the motherboard and system makers have received the 0x12B microcode update to incorporate into their BIOS; this update must be installed via a BIOS update. Intel is working with its partners to expedite the quick certification and distribution of the BIOS update for systems that are currently in use. This could take several weeks to complete.
Users can use the Intel Product Compatibility Tool or visit the website of the motherboard or system manufacturer to view the most recent BIOS versions for their desktop computers powered by the Intel Core 13th and/or 14th generations.
Motherboard: Intel Raptor Lake Reference Board (M40919), Processor: Intel Core i9-14900K, Memory: 64GB DDR5 @ 5200MT/s SU360 ADATA storage Resolution of Display: 1280 x 800; Version of Graphics Driver: 32.0.101.5768; Windows 11 Pro (version 26100.712) is the operating system. Intel UHD Graphics 770 for graphics.
motherboard: Intel Raptor Lake Reference Board (RVP SR19); processor: Intel Core i9-14900K; memory: 32GB DDR5 at 5600MT/s; A 1TB Samsung 990 Pro storage device Graphics: NVIDIA v555.99 graphics driver, 1920 x 1080 resolution, MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X, Windows 11 (version 22631.4169)
0 Comments