Why We Can't Recommend Intel CPUs - Stability Story So Far

Summary

This video discusses the ongoing stability issues with Intel's 13th and 14th-gen CPUs, particularly the crashing problems affecting high-end models like the i9-13900K. The speaker delves into Intel's delayed response, the attempted solutions like power profiles, and the potential degradation of the processors. While Intel has acknowledged the issue, there are mixed reports regarding their support, and no definitive fix has been implemented. The video concludes by outlining plans to revisit the situation once Intel releases a microcode update, but for now, the CPUs remain untrustworthy for purchase.

Takeaways

• 😀 Intel's 13th and 14th generation CPUs are facing widespread stability issues, especially in high-end models like the 13900K and 14900K.
• 🛠️ The stability issues involve crashes during tasks like gaming or running servers, and sometimes present as out-of-video memory errors, though the root cause is CPU-related.
• 💡 Intel has been trying to mitigate the issue by releasing BIOS profiles that cap power limits, but these fixes have not solved the problem and have often resulted in performance degradation.
• ⏳ Despite being aware of the issue, Intel has delayed a fix and is still a few weeks away from a microcode update aimed at addressing the problem.
• 🔄 Intel initially tried to blame its board partners for the issue, but later acknowledged that the problem stemmed from their own microcode and voltage algorithms.
• 😞 Intel's lack of transparency about the extent of the issue, especially concerning possible CPU degradation, has frustrated many users and media outlets.
• 📉 Intel's market share and stock price have been negatively impacted by these ongoing stability issues and broader financial struggles, including mass layoffs.
• 💔 Many game developers, including the creators of the popular game 'ARK', have publicly stated that Intel's 13th and 14th gen CPUs are causing severe issues, with AMD being a more stable alternative.
• 🛑 Intel has not recalled the faulty CPUs, choosing instead to offer an extended 2-year warranty, though users report mixed experiences with RMA claims.
• 🔧 Intel continues to deny that the CPU degradation caused these issues, although multiple sources confirm that degradation is likely the root cause of the instability.
• 📊 The tech review community, including the creator of this video, will continue to test Intel's microcode update when it is released, but they will not recommend 13th and 14th gen Intel CPUs until the issue is fully resolved.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video regarding Intel processors?

The main issue is the stability problems with Intel's 13th and 14th generation processors, particularly with high-end K-series models, which are experiencing crashes during tasks like loading games or running game servers.

Why have Intel's 13th and 14th generation processors been struggling in the market?

Intel's processors have been struggling due to competition from AMD, which offers better performance at competitive prices, and also due to stability concerns that have scared off potential buyers.

What specific processors are most affected by the stability issues?

The most affected processors are the high-end K-series models like the Intel Core i9-13900K and i9-14900K, although lower-power models such as the Core i5-13400 can also experience similar issues.

How did Intel try to address the stability issues with their processors?

Intel attempted to address the issues by issuing different BIOS profiles like 'Baseline,' 'Performance,' and 'Extreme' settings, and also by working with board partners to implement these profiles to mitigate the crashes.

Why did Intel's attempts to fix the stability issue with BIOS updates fail?

The BIOS updates did not fully resolve the issue, as stability problems continued despite these updates. Additionally, there was confusion over which profile to use, and not all board partners implemented the updates as expected.

What is Intel's stance on the potential degradation of their processors?

Intel has neither confirmed nor denied that processor degradation is causing the instability issues, but sources close to the issue have confirmed that degradation is likely a contributing factor.

What role did the oxidization issue play in Intel's stability concerns?

The oxidization issue, which Intel confirmed occurred in 2023, may have affected some processors. However, Intel denied that it is the main cause of the stability issues, and they have not provided detailed numbers on the affected CPUs.

What has Intel done to address consumer concerns regarding faulty processors?

Intel extended a 2-year warranty on its boxed 13th and 14th generation processors and instructed affected customers to contact customer support for potential replacements. However, reports on the effectiveness of this support have been mixed.

What is the speaker's opinion on Intel's handling of the situation?

The speaker believes that Intel has mishandled the situation, suggesting that the company is either avoiding responsibility to save costs or is struggling to understand the root cause of the problem, which raises further concerns.

How does the speaker plan to proceed with Intel's processors in future reviews?

The speaker will continue to test Intel's 13th and 14th generation processors using the 'Extreme' BIOS profile but will not recommend them until the stability issues are fully resolved, including confirming that the microcode update fixes the problem.