{"id":64143,"date":"2024-09-26T07:35:33","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T05:35:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/?p=64143"},"modified":"2024-10-03T09:08:59","modified_gmt":"2024-10-03T07:08:59","slug":"news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/","title":{"rendered":"Info about the stability of current Intel Core CPUs in laptops"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Intel has reaffirmed that laptop processors are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">not<\/span> affected \u2014 our own investigations support this claim. For affected desktop processors, there are microcode updates and extended warranties. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation, including detailed sources, our own test results, and an analysis of \u201cfalse positives\u201d and the differences between laptop and desktop processors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_79_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/#article-update\" >Article update<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/#updates-since-original-publication\" >Updates since original publication<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/#summary-for-laptops\" >Summary for laptops<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/#original-article\" >Original article<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/#current-status-on-desktops-intel-core-cpus\" >Current status on desktops: Intel Core CPUs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/#current-status-on-laptops\" >Current status on laptops<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/#our-own-findings\" >Our own findings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/#requests-to-intel\" >Requests to Intel<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/#no-immediate-measures-for-laptops-for-the-time-being\" >No immediate measures for laptops for the time being<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/#support-procedure-for-desktop-pcs\" >Support procedure for desktop PCs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/#notes-regarding-possible-%e2%80%9cfalse-positive%e2%80%9d-reports\" >Notes regarding possible &#8220;false positive&#8221; reports<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/#differences-between-desktop-and-laptop-processors\" >Differences between desktop and laptop processors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/#an-analysis-of-the-voltage-behaviour-of-laptop-processors\" >An analysis of the voltage behaviour of laptop processors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-update-intel-core-cpus-laptops-stability\/#feedback-and-discussion\" >Feedback and discussion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"article-update\"><\/span>Article update<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Date: September 26, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"updates-since-original-publication\"><\/span>Updates since original publication<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the publication of our article on August 2, the following updates have occurred:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Intel has since released microcode updates 0x129 and 0x12B for desktop processors (<a href=\"https:\/\/community.intel.com\/t5\/Blogs\/Tech-Innovation\/Client\/Intel-Core-13th-and-14th-Gen-Desktop-Instability-Root-Cause\/post\/1633239\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">source<\/a>). In the same post, Intel firmly reiterated that mobile processors of the Intel Core 13th and 14th generations, as well as future consumer product families \u2014 including those codenamed Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake \u2014 are not affected by the &#8220;Vmin Shift Instability&#8221; issue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regarding a second issue called &#8220;Via Oxidation,&#8221; Intel explained that it was resolved through improved manufacturing processes and stricter controls (&#8220;screening&#8221;) since early 2023. Only a small number of affected processors reached the market (<a href=\"https:\/\/community.intel.com\/t5\/Processors\/Addressing-Manufacturing-Speculation-on-Intel-Core-13th-14th-Gen\/td-p\/1620097\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">source<\/a>). It is widely believed that the oxidation issue leads to a relatively quick failure of the affected CPUs, typically within the warranty period. As such, it does not pose a long-term risk or &#8220;slow-burn defect&#8221; like the &#8220;Vmin Shift Instability&#8221; problem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Since mid-July, we have been running a well-received <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/XMG_gg\/comments\/1e6hs65\/psa_notes_on_recent_reports_of_potential\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">thread on Reddit<\/a> and a dedicated channel on <a href=\"https:\/\/discord.gg\/xZykwQf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">our Discord server<\/a> about this issue. Despite this extensive platforming, we have not seen a single confirmed case within our customer base \u2014 even though we have been selling affected systems in significant numbers since early 2023.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intel has clarified that the three-year warranty extension for 13th and 14th generation desktop processors also applies to &#8220;tray&#8221; processors \u2014 those installed by system integrators (<a href=\"https:\/\/community.intel.com\/t5\/Processors\/Additional-Warranty-Updates-on-Intel-Core-13th-14th-Gen-Desktop\/m-p\/1620853\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">source<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"summary-for-laptops\"><\/span>Summary for laptops<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Laptop processors are most likely not affected by the &#8220;Vmin Shift Instability&#8221; issue seen in Intel Core 13th and 14th generation desktop processors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following points support this conclusion:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Intel has repeatedly affirmed that mobile processors are not affected by the issue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Our own experiences corroborate this, as there have been no reported cases involving mobile processors from our customers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is plausible that mobile processors behave differently from their desktop counterparts. They come from different &#8220;binning&#8221; pools and are operated under different parameters than desktop processors. More details are provided <a href=\"#differences-between-desktop-and-laptop-processors\">further down<\/a> in the article.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If contrary assumptions have appeared in forums or comments from other providers, we attribute them to &#8220;false positive&#8221; cases \u2014 where other system issues (software problems, instability due to overclocking\/tuning, faulty memory, etc.) have been incorrectly attributed to the issue described here (see <a href=\"#notes-regarding-possible-%e2%80%9cfalse-positive%e2%80%9d-reports\">details<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"original-article\"><\/span>Original article<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Date: August 2, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"current-status-on-desktops-intel-core-cpus\"><\/span>Current status on desktops: Intel Core CPUs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/newsroom-innovation-13th-gen-intel-core-1-feat.jpg.rendition.intel_.web_.1648.927-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Intel Core CPUs\" class=\"wp-image-40845\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/newsroom-innovation-13th-gen-intel-core-1-feat.jpg.rendition.intel_.web_.1648.927-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/newsroom-innovation-13th-gen-intel-core-1-feat.jpg.rendition.intel_.web_.1648.927-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/newsroom-innovation-13th-gen-intel-core-1-feat.jpg.rendition.intel_.web_.1648.927-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/newsroom-innovation-13th-gen-intel-core-1-feat.jpg.rendition.intel_.web_.1648.927-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/newsroom-innovation-13th-gen-intel-core-1-feat.jpg.rendition.intel_.web_.1648.927.jpg 1648w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Intel has announced in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/intel\/comments\/1e9mf04\/intel_core_13th14th_gen_desktop_processors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">public post<\/a> that it has found a possible cause for stability problems with desktop processors. The cause is to be rectified with a microcode update. This update would be preventative in nature: processors that have not yet exhibited any issues should be protected from stability problems in the long term after the update has been installed. Processors that have already become unstable, on the other hand, would have to be replaced under the Intel warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Intel, the microcode update should only have a &#8220;minimal&#8221; impact on actual CPU performance. Whether this will be confirmed in practice remains to be seen. The update was announced for mid-August and will then presumably be made available promptly by desktop mainboard manufacturers via BIOS update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/intel\/comments\/1ehv0v8\/extended_warranty_update_on_13th14th_stability\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">later post<\/a>, Intel announced a 2-year warranty extension for all &#8220;boxed&#8221; Intel Core desktop processors of the 13th and 14th generation. Intel\u2019s standard warranty is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intel.de\/content\/www\/de\/de\/support\/articles\/000024255\/processors.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3 years<\/a>. These &#8220;boxed&#8221; CPUs are commonly only used for DIY builds. We expect further guidance as to whether this warranty extension will also affect &#8220;tray&#8221; desktop processors used for OEM desktop builds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"current-status-on-laptops\"><\/span>Current status on laptops<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/intel\/comments\/1e9mf04\/intel_core_13th14th_gen_desktop_processors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">same public post<\/a>, Intel has announced that the cause of the problem, which can apparently lead to stability problems with desktop processors, does not affect laptop processors in the same way (&#8220;not exposed to the same issue&#8221;). Intel has not yet substantiated this assessment any further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the same statement, Intel attributes any isolated reports of stability problems with mobile processors to the usual variety of random hardware and software problems (&#8220;broad range of potential software and hardware issues&#8221;).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is currently still unclear whether the microcode update planned for desktop processors will also be available for laptop processors. Theoretically, it would be compatible (due to identical CPUID codes), but Intel has not yet been able to confirm to us whether the update will also be officially supported for laptops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"our-own-findings\"><\/span>Our own findings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Across the range of laptops that are shipped with Intel Core HX parts, we have not observed any measurable increase in RMA or defect rate compared to models with other CPUs, despite selling i9-13900HX for about 1.5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A single suspected case reported so far from the community could <strong><u>not<\/u><\/strong> be confirmed despite intensive tests lasting several days during an RMA return. Stability issues were not reproduced, neither with standard settings nor with the end user&#8217;s undervolting settings. Our tests included those particular stress tests that are currently recommended to isolate unstable desktop processors, such as certain decompression workloads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Should further findings emerge, we will inform you immediately via our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/community\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">community channels<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"requests-to-intel\"><\/span>Requests to Intel<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a system partner of Intel, we are in an ongoing process of attempting to obtain further information directly from Intel. Our questions to Intel include the following topics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Could mobile processors be affected by any oxidation issues? Or was the affected batch possibly not used for mobile processors at all? <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/ZFE4q35buKs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Leaks and rumours<\/a> currently speak of a batch from March to June in Intel&#8217;s Arizona fab.<br>Will the upcoming microcode update for desktop CPUs also support laptop CPUs?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is there any further information available to explain why laptop processors are reportedly not affected by the stability problems that occur with desktop CPUs?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As soon as we receive conclusive answers to these questions from Intel, we will include them in our assessment of the situation. Whether we can publish some of the answers will have to be decided on a case-by-case basis due to general partner NDAs. We have encouraged Intel to use our questions as guidance for Intel\u2019s own public communications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"no-immediate-measures-for-laptops-for-the-time-being\"><\/span>No immediate measures for laptops for the time being<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to our current assessment of the situation with Intel Core laptop processors of the 13th and 14th generation, there is currently no reason for us to deviate from the existing standard regulations in our general warranty promise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Instructions on cancellation: <a href=\"https:\/\/bestware.com\/en\/company\/instructions-on-cancellation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/bestware.com\/en\/company\/instructions-on-cancellation\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Warranty terms and conditions: <a href=\"https:\/\/bestware.com\/en\/service\/warranty\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/bestware.com\/en\/service\/warranty\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Should the situation change in the future, we will re-evaluate this decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"support-procedure-for-desktop-pcs\"><\/span>Support procedure for desktop PCs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Buyers of XMG, SCHENKER or bestware desktop PCs should first <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact us<\/a> by e-mail if they suspect instability. We will first apply our normal support and RMA processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The standard warranty on Intel CPUs since Intel Core 12th generation is 3 years. Whether Intel will grant an additional warranty extension for the &#8220;tray&#8221; processors used in OEM desktop PCs is still being clarified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"notes-regarding-possible-%e2%80%9cfalse-positive%e2%80%9d-reports\"><\/span>Notes regarding possible &#8220;false positive&#8221; reports<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The general news situation regarding stability problems with Intel Core 13\/14th Gen desktop processors understandably leads to all possible system phenomena or stability problems being subjected to particularly critical scrutiny. However, we would also like to point out that software crashes, performance drops and other stability problems have a wide range of possible causes that have nothing to do with the actual stability of the CPU. The following FAQ articles usually help to narrow down and resolve such causes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/xmg.gg\/en\/faq\/tips\/#drivers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Do I need *all* drivers or is it enough to just install the most essential ones?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/xmg.gg\/en\/faq\/troubleshooting\/#device-manager\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How can I check if all my device drivers are properly installed?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/xmg.gg\/en\/faq\/tips\/#bios-updates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How can I update the EC\/BIOS firmware of my laptop?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/xmg.gg\/en\/faq\/tips\/#system-software\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What tuning and monitoring software is recommended by XMG?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/xmg.gg\/en\/faq\/troubleshooting\/#bluescreens-or-artifacts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bluescreens or random visual glitches in Windows<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For our laptops with Intel Core HX processors in particular, we would like to point out that we equip them with a number of BIOS tuning options that allow users to operate the system outside of the settings recommended and validated by Intel. For all laptops with Intel Core HX series, we offer the option of undervolting the P-cores of the CPU. In the XMG FUSION and NEO series, we also offer the option of undervolting the E-cores, Ring and Cache, and overclocking the DDR5 memory. It is also possible to tune the AC\/DC Loadline. The following articles provide some information on these options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/news-deep-dive-ddr5-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Overview of DDR5 memory speed and support in XMG &amp; SCHENKER laptops<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.xmg.gg\/undervolting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Guide: CPU Undervolting in XMG Laptops<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.xmg.gg\/ac-loadline-tuning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Launch] Undervolting via &#8220;AC Loadline&#8221; in XMG and SCHENKER with Intel Core 12th\/13th Gen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If such settings are pushed to the limit, they can also cause problems with system stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stability problems with undervolting and memory overclocking are also known for the fact that they do not always occur during the initial stress tests and benchmarks, but only become noticeable much later with sporadic and rare crashes. The usual remedy in such cases is to dial tuning settings down by a few steps or to reset them completely back to zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is also not uncommon that some tuning settings remain stable in the first few years of a CPU&#8217;s operation, only to then turn out to be too aggressive later on. Apart from normal ageing of the CPU (see <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Electromigration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">electromigration<\/a>), this can also be caused by firmware updates or new settings after operating system upgrades. Furthermore, increased heat development can also lead to a reduction in the tolerance of system tuning. For example, higher ambient temperatures in summer are often an additional burden for RAM tuning, as the RAM is not directly covered by the cooling system. See also: <a href=\"https:\/\/xmg.gg\/en\/faq\/maintenance\/#clean-cooling-system\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to clean the cooling system<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to the official support of CPU and memory tuning in our laptops with Intel Core HX series, corresponding &#8220;false positive&#8221; reports may occur online or in messages to us &#8211; i.e. cases in which stability problems are reported, which may only occur with overclocking or undervolting, but which <strong><u>cannot<\/u><\/strong> be reproduced with default settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on these circumstances, we will take special care when observing and assessing any suspected cases. The best start in isolating an issue is always to create a log file of all system sensors, as explained in this FAQ article:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/xmg.gg\/en\/faq\/tips\/#sensor-logging\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Creating a HWiNFO64 sensor log (CSV file) to provide hard data for tech support<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A corresponding, standardised test procedure for our support and RMA team with specific CPU stability tests (including decompression) is currently being developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"differences-between-desktop-and-laptop-processors\"><\/span>Differences between desktop and laptop processors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is generally known that the Intel HX series laptop processors in the 13th and 14th generation are based on the same chips (&#8220;die&#8221;, plural &#8220;dice&#8221;) as the corresponding desktop processors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, it is also known that the mobile processors are operated with different parameters (voltages, currents, clock rates) than their desktop counterparts. It can also be assumed that mobile processors are subject to stricter &#8220;binning&#8221; (e.g. optimised for stable operation at lower voltages), which is why they are also more expensive than desktop processors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Binning&#8221; in chip manufacturing refers to the process by which semiconductors such as CPUs are sorted according to their performance characteristics and quality <em>after<\/em> production. Each individual chip is tested under different conditions to assess its performance, energy efficiency and stability. Depending on the results of these tests, the CPUs are divided into different categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chips that run stably even at lower voltages are more likely to be used as laptop processors, while chips that can tolerate very high energy consumption, heat dissipation and correspondingly high clock rates are more likely to be used as desktop processors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"an-analysis-of-the-voltage-behaviour-of-laptop-processors\"><\/span>An analysis of the voltage behaviour of laptop processors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To illustrate the differences between desktop and &#8220;HX&#8221; mobile processors, we analysed a number of previous benchmark protocols. These protocols originate from different XMG and SCHENKER laptops and were collected at different times over the last 1.5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"591\" src=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/13900HX_14900HX_Voltages-in-Benchmarks_2024-07-19-1024x591.png\" alt=\"Core i9-13900HX and Core i9-14900HX voltages benchmarks\" class=\"wp-image-64147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/13900HX_14900HX_Voltages-in-Benchmarks_2024-07-19-1024x591.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/13900HX_14900HX_Voltages-in-Benchmarks_2024-07-19-300x173.png 300w, https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/13900HX_14900HX_Voltages-in-Benchmarks_2024-07-19-768x443.png 768w, https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/13900HX_14900HX_Voltages-in-Benchmarks_2024-07-19.png 1263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>All benchmarks were performed with 2x DDR-5600, without undervolting, without AC loadline tuning, and in the maximum performance profile with normal air cooling (laptop flat on the table). The maximum CPU hotspot temperature during load varies between different benchmarks and models, but never exceeds 98\u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Observations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Average core voltages during benchmarks never reach above 1.5 V.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High voltages do not correlate with higher power consumption, on the contrary: those benchmarks with the highest power consumption have lower voltages on average.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A few individual core voltages may peak slightly over 1.5 V for short moments in time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To further illustrate these observations, let&#8217;s take a look at a complete sensor protocol:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"945\" src=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/14900HX_TimeSpy_Voltages_Example-Logfile-1024x945.png\" alt=\"Core i9-14900HX voltages TimeSpy\" class=\"wp-image-64149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/14900HX_TimeSpy_Voltages_Example-Logfile-1024x945.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/14900HX_TimeSpy_Voltages_Example-Logfile-300x277.png 300w, https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/14900HX_TimeSpy_Voltages_Example-Logfile-768x709.png 768w, https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/14900HX_TimeSpy_Voltages_Example-Logfile-1536x1417.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/14900HX_TimeSpy_Voltages_Example-Logfile.png 1562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>(<a href=\"https:\/\/download.schenker-tech.de\/media\/pub\/14900HX_TimeSpy_Voltages_Example-Logfile.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a> for full screen view.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The table shows a run of 3DMark Time Spy on a system with i9-14900HX and RTX 4090 over a period of three minutes. The sensor values are recorded every 2 seconds &#8211; each row in the table is a snapshot of time as the benchmark progresses. High CPU power consumption and voltage spikes are highlighted in red.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Observations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Voltage peaks around and just above 1.5 volts only occur at moments of relatively low CPU power consumption.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Towards the end of the protocol, during the CPU stress test of 3DMark, the total load of the CPU increases, but the voltage values decrease accordingly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We do not seek to draw any specific conclusions from these observations. However, we hope that these sensor readings will help us to better assess the extent to which laptop and desktop processors differ from one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"feedback-and-discussion\"><\/span>Feedback and discussion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We are grateful for any further information on the status of Intel laptop and desktop processors. Customers with stability problems should first contact us <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/kontakt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">by e-mail<\/a>. We provide space for public discussion in the following forum threads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/XMG_gg\/comments\/1e6hs65\/psa_notes_on_recent_reports_of_potential\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">[PSA] Notes on recent reports of potential stability issues with Intel Core K-series desktop CPUs (and how this may or may not apply to HX-series laptop CPUs)<\/a> [Reddit]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.computerbase.de\/forum\/threads\/info-zur-stabilitaet-von-intel-core-13-14th-gen-desktop-und-laptop-prozessoren.2205087\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">[Info] Zur Stabilit\u00e4t von Intel Core 13\/14th Gen Desktop- und Laptop-Prozessoren<\/a> (in German)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We also have a dedicated channel on <a href=\"https:\/\/discord.gg\/xZykwQf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">our Discord server<\/a> called <strong>#raptorlake-stability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope that the information in this article will help you to make a differentiated appraisal of the current situation. As soon as we have new information, we will add the corresponding updates at the beginning of the article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[Update] Intel has reaffirmed that laptop processors are *not* affected \u2014 our own investigations support this claim. For affected desktop processors, there are microcode updates and extended warranties. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":66949,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-64143","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64143","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=64143"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64143\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/66949"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=64143"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=64143"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.xmg.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=64143"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}