I just updated my BIOS from version 1.30 to version 1.80 with Z790 Gaming Pro Wifi, and the thermal performance of the CPU is way better now. All that I changed in my bios settings after that is setting CPU Lite Load to 8. Benchmark is performing much better with all cores running at 5.4 GHz and temps are staying below 90C (and my PC is just aircooled). Just a reminder if someone happens to have a similar setup as me.
Moved to User Support Hub User Support Hub > Hardware & Peripherals that is more appropriate.
Everyone with 13th gen or 14th gen really needs to update their BIOS to one with at least microcode 0x12b (released around September 26th and later), especially those who haven’t updated in the past few months (to 0x125 or above).
Staying with the old microcode will, on all powerful CPUs (such as all 1*600K, 1*700X, 1*900K), eventually cause irreversible physical damage, at which point a warranty replacement is the only way to get a fully working CPU again.
This is one of the two most important BIOS updates I can remember basically since forever. (The other being the fix for the issue with 7800X3Ds exploding near release.)
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That update looks like it is solving the same issue
Would it be possible for me to tell if my CPU does have irreversible damage currently?
Ok so with this do I need to change the short and long duration power package limit? I was using 253 and 153 respectively.
I can’t say what settings are appropriate for your computer because it depends on your cooling setup. I would adjust those and then run the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility CPU Stress Test to see if your CPU either gets too hot (so then you would reduce the power limit) or not getting hot enough and overly limiting itself (so then you would raise the power limit).
The ideal I’ve found for myself is to use a slight thermal velocity boost reduction right at 90C so that the clocks themselves slow down a little when it starts getting up to those high temps. The power limit is still there but it usually never triggers.
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Apologies, when I said “Benchmark” I actually meant the CPU Stress Test that lasts for 5 minutes.
I’m not sure if there is a good check. The one thing that seemed to trigger the crashes more than almost anything else is shader compilation in Unreal Engine 5 games, so that can probably be used as a stress test. I don’t know which game(s) would work for this though, or if it can be done elsewhere.
If you never have any BSODs/crashes you’re probably fine, though.
You forgot to mention the exact model of your motherboard.
Is it difficult to update the bios?
I seen some stuff online and apparently not advised to do it yourself if not tech savvy?
Z790 Gaming Pro Wifi. Updated the original post.
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I have been having crashes so I’m worried. This was all before the BIOS update that I just did, so I’m hoping it’s solved. The crashes never happened in FS2020 but it was happening in some other games intermittently.
I just ran a benchmark and it did perform below average, so I’m a bit concerned the Intel bug knocked by CPU a bit.
Thank you for adding model of your motherboard; it really clarifies things. Unfortunately, this isn’t great news for you. BIOS version 1.30 you mentioned is dated November 2023, which is quite old - so old that, due to Intel issues with microcode, your CPU may already be damaged or could be at risk of failing sooner in the future.
You mentioned that you only changed the CPU Lite Load setting - based on my experience, my Intel CPU (i9 13900K) that I returned to Intel worked fine with CPU Lite Load 1.
You didn’t mention what you did with the default Intel settings. After BIOS update, did you select “Intel default”?
You didn’t mention what you did with the default Intel settings. After BIOS update, did you select “Intel default”?
Yes, that was already set that as default after the BIOS update.
Unfortunately, this isn’t great news for you. BIOS version 1.30 you mentioned is dated November 2023, which is quite old - so old that, due to Intel issues with microcode, your CPU may already be damaged or could be at risk of failing sooner in the future.
I don’t think they have been accepting replacements through warranty for that reason though.
If you experienced frequent CTD issues, you should consider contacting Intel for a free replacement, as your processor may be slightly damaged. The reason you’re not experiencing CTDs now is likely because the BIOS default settings are currently set to Intel’s defaults, which include limited power for CPU.
edit
The CTD issues you experienced before the BIOS update provide a valid reason for getting a new processor or a refund.
FYI, Intel refunded me because I preferred the money over a new CPU. I didn’t have CTD issues—I just mentioned that I have an Intel i9 13900K 
If you purchased CPU this year, you should be entitled to a full refund if you want.
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Thanks for the info, I think I have to yank off my heatsink to see the serial number tho 
CPU S/N (serial number) can be found on the sticker on the CPU box.
I don’t think I have the box anymore unfortunately.