Information on stability problems with Raptor Lake CPUs - TUXEDO Computers

We are currently following the reports about possible stability problems with the 13th and 14th generation Intel Core CPUs closely. Intel has already publicly clarified that these problems do not occur in the same way with laptop processors. In this article, we provide an overview of the current state of the discussion and supplement it with our own measurements. The article will be updated accordingly as new findings emerge.

Current status of desktops: Intel Core CPUs

Intel has publicly announced that it has found a possible cause of stability problems in desktop processors, which is to be rectified by a microcode update. This preventive update is intended to protect processors that have been running stably from problems in the long term. However, unstable processors must be replaced under the Intel warranty.

According to Intel, the update will only have a “minimal” impact on CPU performance. It is expected in mid-August and will then be made available via BIOS updates from the motherboard manufacturers.

In addition, Intel has extended the warranty for all “boxed” Intel Core desktop processors of the 13th and 14th generation by two years, which increases the warranty period to a total of five years. These boxed processors are usually used in DIY PCs. It remains to be seen whether this warranty extension will also apply to tray processors used in OEM desktop builds.

Current status of laptops

Intel has explained in the same posts that the cause of stability issues in desktop processors does not apply in the same way to laptop processors. However, a detailed explanation for this has not yet been provided. Intel attributes isolated reports of stability issues in mobile processors to a variety of typical hardware and software problems.

However, the issue generally only affects 13th and 14th generation HX CPUs, as these CPUs are identical to the processors installed in desktops. It is still unclear whether the planned microcode update for desktop processors will also be available for laptop processors. Although it would theoretically be compatible, Intel has not yet confirmed whether the update will be officially supported for laptop CPUs.

Own findings

For our laptops (e.g. devices from the Stellaris and Gemini series) of the Intel Core HX series of the 13th and 14th generation, we have not yet noticed an increase in the RMA rate compared to models with other CPUs, although devices with the i9–13900HX have been in our range for around 1.5 years.

Requests for Intel

In addition to Intel’s public statements, we have contacted the company directly to obtain further comments. We asked Intel the following questions:

• Is it possible that mobile processors are also affected by possible oxidation problems? Or was the affected batch possibly used exclusively for desktop processors? Current leaks and rumors point to a batch from the production facility in Arizona that was manufactured between March and June.
• Will the planned microcode update for desktop CPUs also be available for laptop CPUs?
• Are there any additional findings that explain why laptop processors do not appear to be affected by the stability issues that desktop CPUs are experiencing?

As soon as we receive concrete answers to these questions, we will include them in our assessment of the facts. Whether some of the answers can be published will be decided on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the general partner NDAs.

No immediate measures for laptops

In view of the current state of information on Intel Core HX laptop processors of the 13th and 14th generation, we currently see no reason to deviate from the existing standard provisions in our warranty promise.

• Cancellation policy
• Warranty conditions

Support procedure for desktop PCs

The standard warranty on Intel CPUs is 3 years (since Intel Core 12th generation). Whether Intel will also grant a warranty extension for the “tray” processors used in OEM desktop PCs is still being clarified.

The general news situation regarding stability problems with Intel Core desktop processors of the 13th and 14th generation 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 can have a wide range of possible causes, which do not necessarily have anything to do with the actual stability of the CPU.

Feedback

We continue to keep ourselves informed about the current situation with Intel laptop and desktop processors. We will immediately add new findings to this article and publish them via our newsletter or our blog This Week in TUXEDO OS.