Turning off "Intel Default Settings" with Microcode 0x129 DISABLES THE VID/VCORE LIMIT

Summary

In this video, Buildzoid explores the implications of Intel's default settings on the 129 microcode for 13th and 14th generation CPUs, particularly focusing on the voltage limits set to 1.55 volts for safety. He discusses the potential risks of disabling these settings, which can lead to higher voltages and instability, especially with Gigabyte motherboards. The video offers advice on how to manage voltage settings manually for those who don't trust Intel's defaults, while also criticizing the complexity and lack of clarity in Intel's CPU design and motherboard vendor configurations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video is a follow-up to a previous one about the Intel microcode 129 and its effects on CPU stability and voltage settings.
• 🔧 The BIOS on the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master X with an Intel 14900 K CPU is set to version F7F, which includes the microcode 129.
• ⚠️ Intel's default settings in the BIOS limit the CPU core voltage to a maximum of 1.55 volts, which is considered safe for long-term use by Intel.
• 🤔 The video raises the question of whether 1.55 volts is indeed low enough to be safe for long-term use, given Intel's extension of warranties for 13th and 14th gen CPUs.
• 🛠️ For those who do not trust Intel's default settings, the video suggests adjusting the advanced voltage settings on Gigabyte or Asus motherboards to set a custom voltage limit.
• 🚫 Disabling Intel's default settings can lead to higher voltage spikes, potentially damaging the CPU, and is not recommended unless the user knows what they are doing.
• 📊 The video demonstrates that with Intel's default settings turned off, the CPU can experience voltages higher than 1.55 volts, which can cause instability.
• 💻 The video shows that certain workloads, like Cinebench 15, may crash due to the voltage settings, while others, like White Cruncher, may still run.
• 🔬 The script mentions the issue with the AC load line being set too low by motherboard manufacturers, which can cause CPU crashes under high loads.
• 🧩 The video discusses the complexity and issues with Intel's CPU power delivery and clock management, suggesting that it is unnecessarily complicated.
• 🎁 The video concludes with a reminder to update the BIOS to the latest version that includes the microcode 129 and to use Intel's default settings for stability.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video discusses the implications of turning off Intel's default settings in the BIOS for the 129 microcode on a Gigabyte Z790 ORS Master X motherboard with an Intel 14900 K CPU.

What is the microcode version mentioned in the video?

The microcode version mentioned in the video is 129.

What does Intel's default setting in the BIOS do?

Intel's default setting in the BIOS limits the core voltage to a maximum of 1.55 volts.

Why did Intel extend the warranties for 13th and 14th gen CPUs?

Intel extended the warranties for 13th and 14th gen CPUs, possibly to address concerns about voltage limits and long-term CPU stability.

What is the alternative to Intel's default settings if you don't trust them?

If you don't trust Intel's default settings, you can go into advanced voltage settings and set a custom voltage limit through internal VR control on Gigabyte or Asus motherboards.

What is the recommended custom voltage limit if you don't trust Intel's defaults?

The recommended custom voltage limit if you don't trust Intel's defaults is 1.4 volts, which should not drastically reduce performance on non-KS CPUs.

What happens if you turn off Intel's default settings on a Gigabyte motherboard?

Turning off Intel's default settings on a Gigabyte motherboard removes the voltage limiter, potentially leading to instability in certain all-core workloads due to the motherboard's default settings.

What is the issue with Gigabyte's default settings for the CPU?

Gigabyte's default settings set the AC load line to 0.4 milliohms, which is too low and can cause the CPU to not get enough voltage and crash during high current loads.

Why does the video suggest not turning off Intel's default settings unless you know what you're doing?

The video suggests not turning off Intel's default settings because doing so removes the voltage limit and leaves the system unstable, especially if the motherboard vendor's settings are not properly configured.

What is the video creator's opinion on Intel's handling of CPU stability issues?

The video creator believes that Intel's handling of CPU stability issues is inadequate, suggesting that they do not thoroughly test their products and that the platform is unnecessarily complicated.

What additional content does the video creator plan to make about the topic?

The video creator plans to make another video explaining what AC and DC load lines are and how they interact with the motherboard's voltage regulator.