This thread will be updated as more information becomes available, please read this thread in full and check back regularly for any updates.
Over the last several months, there have been ongoing problems with instability issues on some desktop 13th and 14th Gen Intel CPUs.
Official Intel Statement: — July 2024 Update on Instability Reports on Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen Desktop Processors
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.
TL;DR: If you have a system with an Intel Core 13th or 14th Gen Intel Raptor Lake or Raptor Lake Refresh CPU, the first thing you should do is download the latest BIOS/Firmware for your system or motherboard and check back regularly for any other BIOS/Firmware updates.
I have an Intel CPU, am I affected?
Intel says that only socketed desktop 13th and 14th Gen CPUs are affected.
Intel claims that 13th - 14th Gen HX/H/P/U mobile CPUs are not affected.
If you have any other generation of Intel CPU, for example Intel Core Ultra (Meteor Lake), 12th Gen (Alder Lake), 11th Gen (Rocket Lake), 10th Gen (Comet Lake) or any other generation of Intel CPU, Intel says these CPUs are not affected.
I have an Intel 13th - 14th Gen Desktop CPU and I'm having crashes and instability, what should I do?
First, make sure any crashes or instability are caused by the CPU and not the result of an unstable overclock, faulty RAM, bad power supply, bad motherboard, graphics card or any other hardware or software issues.
If you bought your system as a pre-built desktop (e.g. from Dell, HP, Lenovo) then reach out to the manufacturer of your pre-built system for additional support.
If you bought your CPU for a system you've built yourself, then you should contact Intel's Customer Support.
I have an Intel 13th - 14th Gen Desktop CPU and I'm not currently experiencing crashes or instability, what should I do?
Update your motherboard's BIOS and check regularly for any BIOS updates published over the coming weeks and months. These updates will include the microcode updates the Intel press releases have mentioned that resolve the issue.
Ensure your power settings within your BIOS are set to Intel's recommend settings
UPDATE - 2nd August 2024
Intel has confirmed that they are extending boxed retail 13th and 14th Gen desktop CPU warranties by two years.
They have also provided more information on the reported Oxidation issues.
Details here
UPDATE - 6th August 2024
Intel has confirmed that they are extending OEM/Tray 13th and 14th Gen desktop CPU warranties by two years.
Details here
UPDATE - 8th August 2024
Some vendors are now releasing BIOS updates for motherboards and systems which contain the 0x129 microcode.
Intel says this microcode update resolves the voltage spikes that occured under certain conditions, subsequently causing degradation to the CPU and that this newer microcode update will prevent degradation occuring in future for non-affected CPUs.
Please check your support page for your motherboard/system and make sure you install the latest BIOS and check regularly for future versions.
UPDATE - 30th August 2024
Intel has released an additional update, confirming that future processors, including Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake are unaffected by the Vmin Shift Instability (what this thread is about) and provided further clarification on which CPUs are affected.
Intel confirms these currently available processors are not affected by the Vmin Shift Instability issue:
12th Gen Intel Core desktop and mobile processors
Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen i5 (non-K) & i3 desktop processors
Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen mobile processors – including HX-series processors.
Intel Xeon processors – including server and workstation processors.
Intel Core Ultra (Series 1) processors
Details here
UPDATE - 25th September 2024
Intel has released an additional update, confirming the root cause of the Vmin Shift Instability issue and confirmed there will be an additional Microcode release (0x12B) that will contain everything included in the 0x125 and 0x129 Microcode updates and will address elevated CPU voltages when in an idle state.
Details here
Videos
In May 2025 Intel noted an issue with Intel 13th and 14th Gen CPU systems continuously running for multiple days with low-activity and lightly-threaded workloads that may contribute to Vmin Shift Instability.
As of June 2025 motherboard manufacturers are still rolling out BIOSes with the 0x12F microcode update noted by Intel in the official May 2025 blog post.
As part of its effort to continually improve its products, Intel is releasing a new microcode update (0x12F) ... This new microcode further improves system conditions that can potentially contribute to Vmin Shift Instability on Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop-powered systems. Intel is releasing this 0x12F update based on Intel's investigation of a limited number of reports regarding systems continuously running for multiple days with low-activity and lightly-threaded workloads.
Users with Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors should ensure that a BIOS is installed with the 0x12F microcode update and utilize the Intel Default Settings profile in the BIOS to mitigate all currently known triggers/causes of Vmin Shift Instability risk with their systems.
NOTE: motherboard BIOS updates with the 0x12F microcode may be under the vendor's BETA section. As for why this post is present in r/nvidia - see https://www.reddit.com/r/nvidia/comments/1l13kbp/_/mvk59g8/
EDIT: added note section