Intel is confident that its latest 0x12B microcode patch is the final fix for the Vmin Shift Instability plaguing its 13th and 14th Gen chips. Owners can now install the fix to protect their CPUs from future degradation.
We’ve come a long way from the initial signs of Intel 13th and 14th Gen Core processors suffering from a bug that pushes excessive voltage. Originally, fingers pointed at GPUs and game developers being the cause, as shader compilations stressed CPUs enough to crash apps and force reboots. Eventually, it came to light that Core processors were at the heart of the issue. While i9 models get the most flack because they degrade faster than others, any chip above 65W is susceptible, including i5 and i7.
Following an investigation, Intel gave the sad news that there’s no saving degraded chips with now irreversible damage. After some questionable decisions, Team Blue eventually made things right by offering full replacements and refunds for anyone affected, on top of extended warranties.
To avoid this issue damaging these replacement parts or any freshly sold ones, the brand has published multiple microcodes, the latest of which is 0x12B. This patch deals with four scenarios causing processors to irreversibly degrade. To be specific, the 0x12B microcode includes:
- Default settings recommendations to avoid motherboard power delivery settings exceeding Intel’s power guidance.
- Addressed eTVB algorithm issue preventing CPUs from operating at higher performance states while under high temperatures.
- Addressed high voltages requested by the processor to stop Vmin shift.
- Addressed elevated voltage requests by the processor during low loads which caused Vmin shift during idle and/or light activity.
It’s important to remember that this patch will not fix any CPUs already damaged by the issue. For that, you will need to contact Intel for a replacement part.
If you are using a 13th or 14th Gen Intel processor, I highly recommend you install this patch. To do so, head to your motherboard’s product page and download the latest BIOS update. There should be a note indicating that the update is adding the 0x12B microcode.
Intel seems confident about this being the final bit needed to permanently fix the issue. Great, since BIOS updates always come with some stress, not to forget the annoying settings wipe.