Intel finally provides a clearer overview of Raptor Lake instability issues
No recall, no fix for affected CPUs, investigation still ongoing.
Intel has responded to press inquiries about the instability issues affecting 13th and 14th Gen Core processors. Questions from The Verge to Intel were prompted by an earlier, rather underwhelming statement that did not explicitly confirm how widespread the problem is and how should affected customers address the problem. The new answers finally clarify what users might do and what they should do if their CPUs are already affected.
For the first time, Intel confirmed that not only K-series unlocked CPUs might be affected by the instability problem, but also the non-K versions, which use 65W TDP by default.
The most important information, however, is that Intel will not issue a recall. All users impacted by instability issues should consider their CPUs irreversibly damaged, and even the upcoming microcode update will not fix the issue. Furthermore, users who have already tried to RMA their processors due to this issue can now reach out to Intel support again and seek remediation.
In any case, if a user’s processor is not affected, users will still have to flash new firmware (bad news to those who do not like updating BIOSes), either to support Intel Default Settings or to update the microcode, which supposedly addresses the problem.
In their answers, Intel repeatedly mentioned that the validation process is still ongoing, and even mobile CPUs are no longer mentioned as unaffected. We have included questions and answers in their entirety (except for questions without answers), Courtesy of The Verge:
How many chips does Intel estimate are likely to be irreversibly impacted by these issues?
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 does not mean that all processors listed are (or will be) impacted by the elevated voltages issue.
Intel continues validation to ensure that scenarios of instability reported to Intel regarding its Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors are addressed.
For customers who are or have been experiencing instability symptoms on their 13th and/or 14th Gen desktop processors, Intel continues advising them to reach out to Intel Customer Support for further assistance. Additionally, if customers have experienced these instability symptoms on their 13th and/or 14th Gen desktop processors but had RMA [return merchandise authorization] requests rejected we ask that they reach out to Intel Customer Support for further assistance and remediation.
Will Intel issue a recall?
No.
Will Intel proactively warn buyers of these chips about the warning signs or that this update is required? If so, how will it warn them?
Intel targets to release a production microcode update to OEM/ODM customers by mid-August or sooner and will share additional details on the microcode patch at that time.
Intel is investigating options to easily identify affected processors on end user systems. In the interim, as a general best practice Intel recommends that users adhere to Intel Default Settings on their desktop processors, along with ensuring their BIOS is up to date.
Has Intel halted sales and / or performed any channel inventory recalls while it validates the update?
No.
Does Intel anticipate the fix will be effective for chips that have already been in service but are not yet experiencing symptoms (i.e., invisible degradation)? Are those CPUs just living on borrowed time?
Intel is confident that the microcode patch will be an effective preventative solution for processors already in service, though validation continues to ensure that scenarios of instability reported to Intel regarding its Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors are addressed.
Intel is investigating options to easily identify affected or at-risk processors on end user systems.
It is possible the patch will provide some instability improvements to currently impacted processors; however customers experiencing instability on their 13th or 14th Generation desktop processor-based systems should contact Intel customer support for further assistance.
What will Intel do for 13th Gen buyers after supply of 13th Gen parts runs out? Final shipments were set to end last month, I’m reading.
Intel is committed to making sure all customers who have or are currently experiencing instability symptoms on their 13th and/or 14th Gen desktop processors are supported in the exchange process. This includes working with Intel’s retail and channel customers to ensure end users are taken care of regarding instability symptoms with their Intel Core 13th and/or 14th Gen desktop processors.
Will replacement / RMA’d chips ship with the microcode update preapplied beginning in August? Is Intel still shipping replacement chips ahead of that update?
Intel will be applying to microcode to 13th/14th Gen desktop processors that are not yet shipped once the production patch is released to OEM/ODM partners (targeting mid-August or sooner). For 13th /14th Gen desktop processors already in service, users will need to apply the patch via BIOS update once available.
What, if anything, can customers do to slow or stop degradation ahead of the microcode update?
Intel recommends that users adhere to Intel Default Settings on their desktop processors, along with ensuring their BIOS is up to date. Once the microcode patch is released to Intel partners, we advise users check for the relevant BIOS updates.
Will Intel share specific manufacturing dates and serial number ranges for the oxidized processors so mission-critical businesses can selectively rip and replace?
Intel will continue working with its customers on Via Oxidation-related reports and ensure that they are fully 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 that reported instability scenarios on Intel Core 13th/14th Gen processors are properly addressed.
This includes ongoing analysis to confirm the primary factors preventing 13th / 14th Gen mobile processor exposure to the same instability issue as the 13th/14th Gen desktop processors.
Source: The Verge