Re: Intel's High-End CPU Problem

On Mon, 29 Jul 2024 07:44:11 -0700, Justisaur <justisaur@yahoo.com>
wrote:

On 7/27/2024 9:16 PM, Spalls Hurgenson wrote:

On Sat, 13 Apr 2024 15:06:16 -0400, Spalls Hurgenson
<spallshurgenson@gmail.com> wrote:
 

>
This isn't really news - in fact, I posted about the problem being
reported back in February - but the story* is gaining more traction
recently.

 
Just a bit of an update on this story:
 
Intel is working on a microcode update that should prevent this bug on
future 13900K/14900K CPUs. It turns out not /all/ the blame can be
laid on motherboard manufacturers, as there were issues in the CPUs'
microcode and manufacturing which allowed the CPU to overvolt.
 
Unfortunately, people who already are experiencing crashes won't find
relief from these updates; the damage has been done. The only way to
restore stability is to undervolt/down-clock the CPU through the BIOS.
However, long term the only real solution would be to replace the CPU.
 
Despite acknowledging the flaw was at least partially to blame on
Intel, they've steadfastedly refused to recall the chips, replace them
at Intel's cost, or even extend the warranty. Real classy, Intel.
 
Obviously I'm a bit sore about this. I really don't want to have to
spend $500 on a new CPU. But I might have to.
 
 
Read more details here:
https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/26/24206529/intel-13th-14th-gen-crashing-instability-cpu-voltage-q-a

>
My i5-12400F is 12th generation, so my slow adoption works in my favor
this time (although didn't I read something that older CPUs may be
affected too?)

Yes. Any of their mainstream processors that can pull more than 65W
are potentially vulnerable, not just the 13900K/14900K models.

    "Intel Core 13th and 14th Generation desktop processors
     with 65W or higher base power – including K/KF/KS and
     65W non-K variants – could be affected by the elevated
     voltages issue."

It seems your 12th generations hould be safe, however.

The problem was caused by microcode in the CPU that sometimes asked
for more voltage than the 65W the processor was rated for, and an
"oxidation manufacturing issue" and not -as first thought- overzealous
motherboard/BIOS settings. While the latter may not have helped the
issue, the core of the issue was caused by Intel, so it's especially
galling that they are washing their hands of it... especially since
the people who bought their high-end processors are the sort of useful
idiots you want to keep happy. Their your evangalists, and the sort
who buy your product regardless of the competition.

On the plus side, EU customer protections may override Intel's desire
to not replace the chips. But I suspect it will take several
years-long lawsuits before that gets resolved in the customers' favor.

In the meantime, there's even less reason to pick Intel now. They
haven't really been the 'best' or most cost-efficient processors for a
while, but they were often the 'safe' choice compared to AMD; you knew
that if it was x86/x64 code, it would run on Intel, and the company
had a reputation for stability and reliability. Certainly the 1994
Pentium FDiv bug --where Intel replaced every affected Pentium-60
free-of-charge-- cast a long shadow on the industry, suggesting that
Intel would stand by their products if there was a problem with them.

Obviously, 2024 Intel is not the same company.

TL;DR: there's absolutely no reason to ever choose Intel anymore.