Here are all the BIOS updates that come with Intel’s microcode patch to fix faulty Raptor Lake CPUs

Key Takeaways

Be prepared for Raptor Lake CPU microcode updates for 13th and 14th Gen motherboards to prevent instability issues.
August brings good news that Intel will fix the Raptor Lake instability issue, but don’t expect a processor fix.
To protect your Intel CPU from potential damage, check and update your motherboard BIOS.

Intel has been releasing microcode updates to their motherboard partners for the new BIOS releases for boards that support 13th and 14th Gen. These updates are highly recommended for all users using Raptor Lake CPUs, especially if you are not yet experiencing any instability issues. Here is everything you need to know and a list of motherboards that already have their respective BIOS updates available.

What happened to Intel CPUs? Should we be worried?

The CPU is essentially burning itself out

Intel Core i9-14900KS (with box and wafer)

Intel hasn’t been seeing much good news lately. Things only seem to get worse as the company scrambles to release microcode updates for issues with its Raptor Lake (13th and 14th Gen) processors and continues to develop its next-generation product family to fight back against AMD and its Ryzen 9000 series launch. This latest blow to Team Blue came in the form of RMAs from customers, lobbying from the media (including our own Adam Conway), and general uproar online about processor instability.

13th and 14th generation Intel Core processors crash unexpectedly during gaming and other loads. The issue is caused by a microcode algorithm that requests the wrong voltage for the CPU. This increased operating voltage confuses the processor and causes the entire system to halt. Components try to protect the CPU from potential damage, but by the time you start experiencing crashes due to this issue, it may already be too late. Before installing the microcode update from Intel, a simple way to protect your Intel CPU from damage is to reduce its performance with a simple BIOS change.

If you set your CPU to a specific speed and leave everything else on auto, your motherboard will look up a Voltage Identification Definition (VID) table for all configured core clock speeds, which will keep your processor within a safe range unless you push it too hard. If you want to be extra safe, you should not use your system at all until a BIOS update is available.

Intel has finally figured out the cause of Raptor Lake’s instability, and the good news is that it just requires a patch to fix it.

There won’t be a fix until August, but the good news is that the Raptor Lake instability issue has been resolved.

Intel has announced that it has found the cause of the stability issues with its Raptor Lake processors and that patches will be released by motherboard brands around mid-August. With August fast approaching, companies have already released early versions of these patches so that people with the know-how can test the microcode updates. However, it is important to note that this does not fix your processor. If your processor is already affected by this instability issue, the microcode update will not improve its performance.

If you are affected by this issue, Intel is extending warranties on certain processors, we recommend contacting Intel to see if they can find a solution. If not, continue to check your manufacturer’s website (we’ve compiled a list below) to see if they have released an update for your motherboard.

Asus and MSI release first batch of microcode updates to fix Intel 13th and 14th Gen instability issues

The long-awaited microcode patches for Intel’s 13th and 14th Gen CPUs have been released.

List of all released Intel microcode updates

Updated regularly!

Uperfect UGame K118 monitor showing boot options in BIOS menu

Before we go any further, we must first check the model of your motherboard. This is very important as brands like Asus have multiple models for each chipset. BIOS updates for ASUS Prime Z790-P will not work with ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi so you will need to use a BIOS developed specifically for your motherboard. Fortunately, with the flash utility available within the UEFI BIOS, the system will check if the file is compatible with your motherboard, but it never hurts to be cautious. You can check your motherboard model using your BIOS, “msinfo32” in Windows, or the terminal in Linux.