No Fix for Intel’s Crashing 13th and 14th Gen CPUs — Any Damage is Permanent

On Monday, it initially seemed like the beginning of the end for Intel’s desktop CPU instability woes. The company confirmed a patch is coming in mid-August that should address the “root cause” of exposure to elevated voltage. However, if your 13th or 14th Gen Intel Core processor is already crashing, that patch apparently won’t fix it. The damage to the processor is irreversible, and Intel recommends replacing the defective CPU instead of tweaking BIOS settings to try and alleviate the problems.

Irreversible Damage to CPUs

Citing unnamed sources, Tom’s Hardware reports that any degradation of the processor is irreversible. Intel spokesperson Thomas Hannaford did not deny this when asked, and the company is “confident” the patch will prevent future occurrences. Users should update their motherboard BIOS ASAP as a preventative measure. However, for CPUs already experiencing issues, the best option is to replace them.

Multiple Causes of Instability

Intel confirms that elevated voltages aren’t the only reason some of these chips are failing. While it’s a primary cause, the company is still investigating. Intel community manager Lex Hoyos revealed that some instability reports trace back to an oxidization manufacturing issue that was fixed last year.

This raises several questions: Will Intel recall these chips? Extend their warranty? Replace them no questions asked? Pause sales like AMD did with its Ryzen 9000? Identify faulty batches with the manufacturing defect?

Intel’s Response to Key Questions

We reached out to Intel for answers, and here’s what we learned:

How many chips are likely to be irreversibly impacted?

Intel Core 13th and 14th Generation desktop processors with 65W or higher base power, including K/KF/KS and 65W non-K variants, could be affected by the elevated voltages issue. However, this doesn’t mean all processors listed will be impacted. Intel continues validation to ensure reported instability scenarios are addressed.

Will Intel issue a recall?

No.

Will Intel proactively warn buyers about the issue?

Intel aims to release a production microcode update to OEM/ODM customers by mid-August. The company is investigating options to identify affected processors on end-user systems. Intel recommends users adhere to default settings on their desktop processors and ensure their BIOS is up to date.

Has Intel halted sales or performed any inventory recalls?

No.

Does Intel anticipate the fix will be effective for chips already in service but not yet experiencing symptoms?

Intel is confident that the microcode patch will be an effective preventative solution for processors already in service. Validation continues to ensure that instability scenarios are addressed.

Will Intel extend its warranty on these parts?

No answer yet.

What proof will customers need to share to obtain an RMA?

No answer yet.

What will Intel do for 13th and 14th Gen buyers after supply runs out?

Intel is committed to supporting all customers experiencing instability symptoms with their 13th and/or 14th Gen desktop processors. This includes working with retail and channel customers to ensure end users are supported.

Will replacement chips ship with the microcode update pre-applied beginning in August?

Intel will apply the microcode to 13th/14th Gen desktop processors that have not yet shipped once the production patch is released. Users with processors already in service will need to apply the patch via BIOS update once available.

What can customers do to slow or stop degradation ahead of the microcode update?

Intel recommends adhering to default settings on desktop processors and ensuring the BIOS is up to date. Once the microcode patch is released, users should check for relevant BIOS updates.

Will Intel share specific manufacturing dates and serial number ranges for oxidized processors?

Intel will continue working with customers on oxidation-related reports and ensure they are supported in the exchange process.

Why does Intel believe the instability issues do not affect mobile laptop chips?

Intel is continuing its investigation to ensure reported instability scenarios on 13th/14th Gen processors are properly addressed.

Conclusion

If your CPU is already damaged, you need to get Intel to replace it. If Intel won’t do so, let us know. Update your BIOS as soon as possible to prevent potential invisible damage. If you know your way around a BIOS, consider adjusting your motherboard to Intel’s default performance profiles.

For more tech news and updates, stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News.