Intel Releases Microcode Update 0x129 for Raptor Lake Processors

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Following a series of financial challenges and stability issues with its Raptor Lake chips, Intel has announced a significant development that could improve the situation for users. This week, the company released the first version of a highly anticipated microcode fix for desktop Raptor Lake processors, along with a detailed explanation of the underlying issues affecting these chips.

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The new microcode release, version 0x129, represents Intel’s initial effort to address the elevated voltage problem that has been linked to the degradation of Raptor Lake processors over the past year and a half. Intel has been actively investigating this issue throughout the year, and after a slow start, the company has made notable progress in identifying what it describes as an \”elevated operating voltage\” issue in high-TDP desktop Raptor Lake (13th & 14th Generation Core) chips. In late July, Intel was targeting a mid-August release date for a microcode patch to implement a fix for the degradation issue, and just ahead of that deadline, the company has begun distributing the microcode to its motherboard partners.

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Despite the release of this new microcode, Intel acknowledges that the stability issue is not fully resolved. The company is still exploring whether it can enhance the stability of processors that have already experienced degradation. The overall tone of Intel’s announcement suggests that this microcode revision is still in a beta phase; it will not be distributed through operating system updates. Therefore, even if this microcode successfully halts ongoing degradation, it appears that Intel is continuing to work towards a more comprehensive solution for a wider release.

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Capping At 1.55v: Elevated Voltages Beget Elevated Voltages

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What does the 0x129 microcode update entail? In essence, it caps the voltage of affected Raptor Lake desktop chips at a maximum of 1.55v. As previously noted in Intel’s announcements, excessive voltages are believed to be the root cause of the degradation issue. By limiting the voltage to what Intel has determined is the appropriate threshold, the company aims to prevent further damage to the chips.

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Additionally, The company’s letter to the community provides insights into the internal mechanics of degraded chips for the first time. Chips that have already suffered from repeated voltage spikes have experienced a deterioration that has raised the minimum voltage required for operation—known as Vmin—beyond Intel’s original specifications. Consequently, these chips are no longer receiving sufficient voltage to function properly.

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This scenario may resonate with seasoned overclockers, as it mirrors the degradation process seen in overclocked processors over time. In such cases, as appears to be the situation with Raptor Lake, increased voltage is necessary to maintain chip stability, particularly during demanding workloads where voltage levels are already declining.

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While indications suggest that this degradation may be irreversible, there is a potential silver lining. If Intel’s analysis holds true, degraded Raptor Lake chips could still operate effectively with a higher Vmin voltage, offering a chance to restore stability to at least some of these processors.

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This phenomenon, referred to as \”Vmin shift\” by Intel, is the next area of investigation for the company. According to their communications, updates are expected by the \”end of August.\”

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In the meantime, Intel’s motherboard partners have begun releasing BIOS updates that incorporate the new microcode. Notably, ASUS and MSI have proactively distributed BIOS updates even before Intel’s official announcement. Both companies are labeling these updates as beta versions, reflecting the early stage of the microcode fix. While many users may wish to implement this microcode promptly to mitigate further damage to affected chips, it is advisable to approach these beta BIOS updates with caution.

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As previously mentioned, Intel is currently distributing the 0x129 microcode exclusively through BIOS updates. This microcode will not be available through operating system updates at this time. Although it is anticipated that OS distribution will eventually occur, Intel has not provided a timeline or additional guidance regarding when this might happen. For PC enthusiasts, a BIOS update remains the sole method to access the fix for now.

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Performance Impact: Generally Nil – But Not Always

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Intel’s announcement also sheds light on the performance implications of the new microcode based on internal testing. The company has previously indicated that they do not expect significant performance impacts, and their expanded testing largely supports this assertion. However, certain workloads may experience performance regressions as a result of the update.

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Intel has identified a few workloads that exhibit regressions, including the PugetBench GPU Effects Score and the gaming title Hitman 3: Dartmoor. Conversely, most other benchmarks, including Cinebench and major games, have not shown any performance declines. Thus, while the outcome of the fix is not entirely flawless, it does not appear to lead to widespread performance losses.

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As for AnandTech, the team plans to conduct its own benchmarking as time permits. There is one more CPU launch coming up next week no shortage of work to be done in the coming days.

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Intel’s Full Statement

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