In tech news over the past 2-3 weeks, there’s been some serious CPU stuff revealed. As updated in this recent Windows Central item, PCs with Intel’s 13th and 14th generation CPUs (Raptor Lake and Raptor Lake Refresh, respectively) are prey to a microcode bug. Units with a TDP of 65W or greater can run excessive voltage under some conditions. This can cause crashes and BSODs. On July 26, in fact, Tom’s Hardware reported a scary observation. It said “13th Generation Raptor Lake processors have a return rate [4X] higher than … the previous generation” (copy abbreviated). There’s the basis for my claim to see Intel 13th-14th Gen CPU issues unfolding.
What Intel 13-14 Gen CPU Issues Unfolding Means
If you’ve got PCs or laptops with such CPUs inside, you’ll need to keep an eye on them. Intel plans to issue a microcode fix sometime soon. When it’s available, you’ll want to schedule that update sooner rather than later. I’d also recommend that owners think about underclocking as a form of insurance against possible problems that normal voltage level operations might otherwise cause.
Indeed, for those with 13th Gen Raptor Lake devices, you’ve been dodging trouble for some time now. The already-cited Tom’s Hardware story, mentions that “the first sporadic reports of CPU crashing errors surfaced in December 2022 and grew to a crescendo by the end of 2023.” You’ve been warned!
For more info on underclocking, this wikiHow Tech story “Underclock Your Computer Hardware: 2 Easy Ways” looks like a good place to start.
No Raptor Lake Exposure Here…
I have to chuckle as I report that the PCs and Laptops at Chez Tittel aren’t subject to this reported exposure. Because its worst-case consequences could require replacing a CPU, that’s a very, very good thing. I was concerned about my workhorse test PC, a well-equipped Lenovo P16 Mobile Workstation Gen 1. But a quick trip to CPU-Z (which you can use on your PCs to suss out relevant details) showed it running an Alder Lake 12th Gen Intel CPU. I was totally relieved to see that this morning (see lead-in graphic).
