Following Intel’s announcements regarding its two (2) year warranty extension from the date of purchase up to a maximum of five (5) years on Intel Core 13th/14th desktop processors, here is more information about the program.
Intel is addressing reports of unexpected instability issues (application/OS crashes, hangs, and errors) on some Intel Core 13th / 14th Gen desktop processors. Intel is working with its partners to address the instability issues, including recent updates that can help protect the processor from these types of issues.
An update has been developed to address this issue in the form of a BIOS update, which can be found either through your motherboard vendor’s website or from your system manufacturer. It also includes step-by-step instructions on how you can update the system BIOS. You can check for the latest version of your system’s BIOS via the Intel Product Compatibility Tool here: https://compatibleproducts.intel.com/
Warranty policy for Intel Boxed Processor
Intel Boxed Processors typically carry a three-year limited warranty that can be fulfilled by Intel (some carry a one-year limited warranty). The warranty eligibility period starts on the original purchase date and doesn’t reset if Intel provides a product replacement. For customers who have experienced these instability symptoms on their 13th and/or 14th Gen desktop processors but were unsuccessful in prior RMAs, Intel asks that they contact Intel Customer Support for further assistance and remediation.
Warranty policy for Tray Processors
The warranty is provided at your place of purchase.
- For Tray Processors, Intel generally offers a year-one limited warranty solely to direct customers such as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Intel-authorised distributors. Intel processors contained in OEM systems are subject to OEM manufacturer warranties and generally are not supported directly by Intel. Contact your OEM or distributor for warranty support.
- Starting with the 12th Generation Intel Desktop tray processors, Intel’s limited warranty to direct customers (OEMs, and Intel authorized distributors) is extended to three years. The warranty is provided at your place of purchase. The three-year limited warranty does not apply to previous generations of the Desktop Intel Processors.
- For resellers, integrators, and end users, the warranty is provided at your place of purchase.
- Tray processors pre-installed in Intel Data Center Systems (Intel DCS) typically have a three-year limited warranty. Learn more in this product brief.
This list of products is based on processors Intel has confirmed are potentially affected by this issue.
- All other existing warranty terms and processes remain unchanged.
- Warranty extension applies to new and previously purchased processors, as long as they are one of the Intel Core 13th/14th Gen SKUs listed above.
Bios Settings
In the interim, the following BIOS settings are recommended to help maximize stability for currently installed processors while Intel continues investigating root cause:
The warranty extension applies to new and previously purchased processors if they are one of the Intel Core 13th/14th Gen SKUs listed above. This warranty coverage applies to all customers globally.
Standard warranty process and terms apply – which you can review here: www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000024255/processors.html.
For users who are or have previously experienced instability symptoms on their Intel Core 13th/14th Gen Desktop processors and need to initiate the return & exchange process:
- Boxed Processors – please contact Intel Customer Support for further assistance.
- Tray Processors – please contact your place of purchase for further assistance.
- OEM/System Integrator Intel Core 13th/14th Gen-powered desktop system: Please contact your system manufacturer for further assistance
Q&A about the 13th and 14th Generation Desktop Processor Instability Issue
Q: What is happening with Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors right now to cause these failure reports?
A: Intel is seeing increases to the minimum operating voltage (Vmin shift) in some 13th and 14th gen desktop processors. The increase in required operating voltage can lead to issues such as repeated crashes and/or freezes in applications.
Based on extensive analysis of Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors returned to Intel due to Vmin Shift Instability issues, Intel has determined that elevated operating voltage is a contributor to Vmin Shift Instability issues in some 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors. Analysis of returned processors confirms that the elevated operating voltage is stemming from a microcode algorithm resulting in incorrect voltage requests to the processor. Intel has delivered a microcode patch (0x129) as a partial mitigation addressing exposure to elevated voltages.
Customers experiencing instability symptoms on 13th and 14th Generation desktop processors should contact their system manufacturer, or in the case of a boxed processor, please contact Intel Customer Support.
Q: Is Intel confirming that elevated voltages are the root cause of the instability issues reported on 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors?
A: Based on extensive analysis of Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors returned to Intel due to Vmin Shift Instability issues, Intel has determined that elevated operating voltage is a contributor to Vmin Shift Instability issues in some 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors. Analysis of returned processors confirms that the elevated operating voltage is stemming from a microcode algorithm resulting in incorrect voltage requests to the processor. Intel has delivered a microcode patch (0x129) as a partial mitigation addressing exposure to elevated voltages.
Customers experiencing instability symptoms on 13th and 14th Generation desktop processors should contact their system manufacturer, or in the case of a boxed processor, please contact Intel Customer Support.
Q: What is a microcode update?
A: Intel Core processors are accompanied by microcode, which is low-level software that ensures the processor architecture and circuits can carry out instructions. Intel works with its partners to implement microcode changes in system BIOS updates, including the microcode software updates that are addressing the current elevated voltage issue.
Q: Why aren’t we seeing this issue on prior gen unlocked desktop processors?
A: Based on Intel’s analysis to date, Intel Core 12th Gen desktop processors are not at risk due to lower voltages and turbo frequencies compared to Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors.
Q: Is Intel declaring elevated voltages to be root cause of the instability issue?
A: Incorrect voltages are one aspect of Vmin Shift Instability issues. Intel has delivered a microcode patch (0x129) as a partial mitigation addressing exposure to elevated voltages which is a key element of the Vmin Shift Instability issue.
To date, three mitigations have been identified related to this issue:
1) Intel default settings to avoid elevated power delivery impact to the processor (May 2024)
2) Microcode 0x125 to fix the eTVB issue in Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen i9 processors (June 2024)
3) Microcode 0x129 to address elevated voltages (August 2024)
Investigation continues to identify additional aspects of instability that may be addressed by potential future mitigations.
Q: Are all 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors potentially impacted? We’ve heard reports that non-K desktop processors are crashing as well.
A: Intel has determined elevated voltages can occur on K and non-K processors. The microcode update (0x129) addresses elevated voltages on Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors. Intel continues validation to ensure that scenarios of instability reported to Intel regarding its Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors are addressed.
Q: Are 13th and 14th Gen mobile processors impacted? We’ve heard some reports that laptops are now crashing.
A: The symptoms being reported in the press on 13th/14th Gen mobile systems – including system hangs and crashes – are common symptoms stemming from a broad range of potential software and hardware issues. Intel has not been able to correlate reports of Intel Core 13th/14th Gen HX or other mobile processors to the Vmin Shift Instability issue.
Q: Are 13th/14th Gen embedded products impacted by these instability issues?
A: Intel has not observed the Vmin Shift Instability issue on embedded products.
Q: Are Xeon Workstation 3400X and 2400X processors impacted by the instability issues, given recent reports of Intel Core issues on a W680 board?
A: Intel has not observed the Vmin Shift Instability issue on Xeon SP/AP or Xeon Workstation products.
Q: Does this instability issue impact all 600/700-series motherboards and/or do specific chipsets influence my processor’s vulnerability to the instability issues?
A: Intel has determined that chipset selection is not a factor to the Vmin Shift Instability issue. Intel is recommending all customers use Intel Default Settings in their BIOS setup. Customers should ensure they are using the latest BIOS from their system or board manufacturer.
Q: Do the Instability issues only affect parts with certain date codes?
A: No. Vmin Shift Instability issues are not restricted to parts within certain date code ranges. Customers experiencing Vmin Shift Instability issues on 13th and 14th Generation desktop processors should contact their Intel representative for support, or in the case of an Intel Boxed Processor, please contact Intel Customer Service.
Q: My system is experiencing symptoms similar to the instability issue reports. How can I be sure that my processor is the problem as opposed to firmware, software or other hardware?
A: Not all processors are affected by the Vmin Shift Instability issues. Intel is investigating options to identify affected processors on end user systems.
Customers experiencing instability symptoms on 13th and 14th Generation desktop processors should contact their system manufacturer, or in the case of an Intel Boxed Processor, please contact Intel Customer Support. Customers should ensure they are using the latest BIOS from their system or board manufacturer.
Q: Even if I haven’t experienced instability issues so far, is there a way to tell if my processor has been impacted or is at risk of failing?
A: Not all processors are affected by the Vmin Shift Instability issues. Intel is investigating options to identify affected processors on end user systems.
Customers experiencing instability symptoms on 13th and 14th Generation desktop processors should contact their system manufacturer, or in the case of an Intel Boxed Processor, please contact Intel Customer Support. Customers should ensure they are using the latest BIOS from their system or board manufacturer.
Q: Will the microcode patch impact system performance?
A: Intel’s internal testing – utilizing Intel Default Settings – indicates performance impact is within run-to-run variation (eg. 3DMark: Timespy, WebXPRT 4, Cinebench R24, Blender 4.2.0) with a few sub-tests showing moderate impacts (WebXPRT Online Homework; PugetBench GPU Effects Score).
For gaming workloads tested, performance has also been within run-to-run variation (eg. Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Warhammer III – Mirrors of Madness) with one exception showing slightly more impact (Hitman 3: Dartmoor). However, system performance is dependent on configuration and several other factors.
Q: Will changing the default settings on my 600/700 series chipset-based motherboard impact performance on 13/14th Gen desktop processors?
A: As always, system performance is dependent on configuration and several other factors. The recently shared Intel Default Settings may impact system performance in certain workloads as compared to unlocked or overclocked settings.
Performance claims provided by Intel for its Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors can be reviewed at the Intel Performance Index (www.Intel.com/PerformanceIndex).
Q: Is there a possibility that overclocking with Intel Speed Optimizer can contribute to the instability issues reported on Intel Core 13th and 14th unlocked K SKU desktop processors?
A: Intel recommends users proceed with caution when overclocking their desktop processors, as overclocking may void their warranty and/or affect system health. Users who desire to overclock or utilize higher power delivery settings than recommended can still do so at their own risk as overclocking may void warranty or affect system health (learn more at www.intel.com/overclocking).
Q: Is there a possibility that overclocking with the recently launched AI OC (AI Assist) feature can contribute to the instability issues reported on Intel Core 13th and 14th unlocked K SKU desktop processors?
A: Intel recommends users proceed with caution when overclocking their desktop processors, as overclocking may void their warranty and/or affect system health. Users who desire to overclock or utilize higher power delivery settings than recommended can still do so at their own risk as overclocking may void warranty or affect system health (learn more at www.intel.com/overclocking).
Q: Does this mean 13th and 14th Gen K-series users can’t overclock anymore?
A: No. Intel is not changing the tuning capabilities of existing K SKU processors. Users who desire to overclock or utilize higher power delivery settings than recommended can still do so at their own risk as overclocking may void warranty or affect system health (learn more at www.intel.com/overclocking)
Q: Is the new microcode patch for the elevated voltage issue going to fix my processor if it’s already experiencing issues?
A: This latest microcode update will primarily improve operating conditions for K/KF/KS processors. However, if users are experiencing consistent instability symptoms, they should reach out to their system manufacturer (OEM/System Integrator purchase), Intel Customer Support (boxed processor), or place of purchase (tray processor) for further assistance.
Q: Does the microcode patch to limit voltage mean I can safely change my power delivery settings back to those outside of Intel’s default recommendations?
A: As a general best practice Intel recommends that users adhere to Intel Default Settings on their desktop processors. Intel is not changing the tuning capabilities of existing K SKU processors. Users who desire to overclock or utilize higher power delivery settings than recommended can still do so at their own risk as overclocking may void warranty or affect system health (learn more at www.intel.com/overclocking).
Q: When will the microcode patch be available for users?
A: This patch is being distributed via BIOS update and will not be available through operating system updates. Intel is working with its partners to ensure timely validation and rollout of the BIOS update for systems currently in service.
Q: How do I know the microcode patch is in place on the BIOS I’ve downloaded?
A: Please check the release notes for your BIOS version on