For months, there have been user reports, especially from the gaming scene, about problems with Intel processors of the 13th and 14th generation - system errors and crashes are increasingly occurring, especially (but not only) when running the Unreal Engine. The anomalies initially seemed to occur mainly with overclocked CPUs, but this has not been confirmed. However, the error is definitely related to the power supply, as Intel recently confirmed after analyzing damaged models that were sent in.
An error in the microcode algorithm is said to lead to increased operating voltages, which gradually causes permanent damage to the processor - a patch is due to be released in mid-August to remedy the situation. However, CPUs that have already been damaged and show instability problems should be replaced, as a BIOS update will no longer be sufficient.
Core i-13000 and i-14000 processors (Raptor Lake) of the 65W class or higher (i5 / i7 / i9) can be affected by the problem, but according to Intel only the desktop variants.
As reported by The Verge, Intel is not planning a recall campaign - the CPU series in question are still on sale. It is still to be decided whether the warranty will be extended. It is not known how high the rate of problematic processors is, nor does Intel release serial number ranges. There is therefore no way of checking whether a specific processor is at risk or not.
Ultimately, it cannot even be ruled out that other factors besides the microcode problem could also play a role. Nevertheless, according to Intel, the upcoming patch should be effective in preventing the damage. Until it is released, the manufacturer recommends that processors should only be operated with default settings and the latest BIOS version, as some mainboard manufacturers have already made adjustments.
Some major game and VFX companies have caused a stir in recent weeks with reports of extremely high failure rates of systems with Intel's Core i9 processors. Blackmagic Resolve, for example, also seems to be able to trigger the infamous blue screen of death in some cases.
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