For the past month, there has been ongoing discussion about Intel 13th and 14th gen CPU’s crashing without any “explanation”.
We cannot confirm if this is causing crashes with Microsoft Flight Simulator but it is such a big issue that regardless of if you see the issue or not on your PC, you should apply the fixes to ensure your CPU doesn’t start to cause problems in the future.
Intel has finally confirmed that this issue is caused by motherboards pushing too much voltage to the CPU. Below, you can find the official statement from Intel regarding the issue.
Based on extensive analysis of Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors returned to us due to instability issues, we have determined that elevated operating voltage is causing instability issues in some 13th/14th Gen desktop processors. Our 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 is delivering a microcode patch which addresses the root cause of exposure to elevated voltages. We are continuing validation to ensure that scenarios of instability reported to Intel regarding its Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors are addressed. Intel is currently targeting mid-August for patch release to partners following full validation.
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.
To help streamline the support process, Intel’s guidance is as follows:
- For users who purchased 13th/14th Gen-powered desktop systems from OEM/System Integrator - please reach out to your system vendor’s customer support team for further assistance.
- For users who purchased boxed/tray 13th/14th Gen desktop processors - please reach out to Intel Customer Support for further assistance.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU OWN ONE OF THE AFFECTED CPU’s?
Recommended steps for 13th and 14th gen Intel CPU users is to update your BIOS as soon as possible and ensure your CPU is not asking too much voltage from your motherboard. Please check your motherboard manufacturers website for more information about how to update your BIOS and what the latest version is.
If you update your BIOS before Intel provides the patch for motherboard manufacturers and they can provide new BIOS update, you need to update your BIOS one more time after the latest Intel patch is available.
Article going through the whole saga that is updated as soon as new information is available:
Intel 13th and 14th Gen ‘Raptor Lake’ instability troubles: Everything you need to know | Tom’s Hardware (tomshardware.com)
Videos talking about this issue in more detail:
Intels in serious trouble (youtube.com)
Do this NOW if you want your Intel CPU to live… (youtube.com)
Intel’s Biggest Failure in Years: Confirmed Oxidation & Excessive Voltage (youtube.com)
This could be a Big Problem for Intel (youtube.com)