Unstable CPUs on LGA 1700: New BIOS Updates Come with Microcode 0x12f 3 comments
Intel released a new microcode update for LGA-1700 processors on May 1st, continuing the history of unstable processors. A small microcode update was already released in March, but many motherboard manufacturers have recently stopped issuing updates. Now, however, the first new BIOS updates are coming.
After a long wait, Intel finally confirmed that the processors had a problem for the LGA base last fall. At that time, a supposedly final microcode was released, but since then, there has been movement. Because voltage fluctuations weren’t the only problem Intel had found during the many months of investigation. Microcode update 0x12b released in the fall was followed by update 0x12c in March of this year, which, in addition to voltage, also addressed the ETVB bug. Now, there’s microcode 0x12f, which was released with a blog post on May 1st. The update starts over again and further optimizes systems, particularly in the voltage area, when there’s little load over a long period of time.
This new microcode further improves system conditions that can potentially contribute to VMIN lag instability on 13th and 14th Gen Intel Core desktop systems. Intel is releasing this update 0x12f based on Intel’s investigation of a limited number of reports of systems running continuously for several days with low activity and lightly threaded workloads.
Intel
The March microcode update has no longer been implemented by all manufacturers, at least there are initial movements with the new update. Among other things, Asrock has started delivering the new update via BIOS. The last updates were previously from late 2024 and early 2025.
New microcode update via BIOS update
According to Intel, the new update should have no impact on performance. Nothing changes to the PL1 and PL2 values; Intel’s own specifications still list solutions with a maximum of 320 watts.
This also does not change the procedure for affected systems. Processors can also be overclocked, even in China, even under warranty. The IPO program, which began there, includes not only Intel Arrow Lake, but also 14th Gen K-series processors. These are overclocked by system integrators to a higher PL1/PL2 and sold with faster memory under warranty.
The Intel Performance Optimization Pilot Program is a People’s Republic of China (PRC)-specific collaboration between Intel partners, ecosystem partners, and participating system integrators, targeting high-end enthusiast customers. As part of the program, Intel and its SI partners work closely together to maximize system performance without compromising reliability, with SI partners retaining responsibility for system warranty and service coverage.
This is made possible by Intel’s robust quality control and its SI partners can ensure throughout the system design and validation process.
Intel
Topics: Intel Intel Raptor Lake Processor Source: Asrock, Intel
Marc deciphers processors by testing their performance for gaming, content creation, and artificial intelligence.
