Update on Intel's stability problems with Raptor Lake CPUs - TUXEDO Computers

In this update, we address the latest developments regarding the stability issues with Intel Core CPUs of the 13th and 14th generation. Since the publication of our article on August 22, there have been the following updates:

• Intel has released microcode updates 0x129 and 0x12B for desktop processors (Source). In the same announcement, Intel assured that neither the mobile processors of the 13th and 14th generations nor upcoming product lines, including Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake, are affected by the „Vmin Shift Instability“ issue.
• Another issue, referred to as „Via Oxidation,“ has reportedly been resolved by Intel through improved manufacturing processes and stricter controls since early 2023. Only a small number of affected processors made it to the market (Source). It is believed that this issue leads to rapid failure; however, it should occur within the warranty period, so it does not pose a long-term risk.
• Intel has also confirmed that the three-year warranty extension applies to „tray“ processors as well, which are those used by system integrators (Source).

Summary for Laptops

Laptop processors of the 13th and 14th generations are very likely not affected by the „Vmin Shift Instability“ issue that occurs with desktop processors. This assessment is based on the following facts:

• Intel has repeatedly confirmed that the issue only affects desktop processors.
• There have been no reported cases with mobile processors among our customer base.
• Mobile processors differ from desktop processors due to different manufacturing processes and operating parameters, which explains their stability.

We attribute contrary assumptions in forums or comments from other vendors to „false positives“—cases where other system failures are incorrectly attributed to the „Vmin Shift Instability“ issue.

What Do You Need to Do?

You Use Only Linux

In this case, no further action is required on your part. Under TUXEDO OS or Ubuntu, the necessary patches will be automatically provided with the update of the intel-microcode package released on September 25, 2024. You just need to ensure that you install the updates via the Discover package manager or the command line. Other Linux distributions will also release the microcode update in a timely manner. For more information, please refer to the Changelog published by Intel.

sudo apt update

sudo apt full-upgrade

After installing all updates, the package manager should display the installed version as 3.20240910.0ubuntu0.22.04.1 (or newer). To ensure that the system loads the microcode after applying the updates, you need to restart your computer.

apt policy intel-microcode
(out)intel-microcode:
(out)  Installed: 3.20240910.0ubuntu0.22.04.1
(out)  Candidate: 3.20240910.0ubuntu0.22.04.1
(out) ...
...

For Users of Dual-Boot Systems with Linux and Windows

Microsoft will also publish corresponding microcode updates (or has already done so). Optionally, however, you can also update the BIOS of your TUXEDO computer and thus install the Intel patch independently of the operating system. For our desktop systems, please check the homepage of the mainboard manufacturer to see whether a BIOS update is available.