After months of speculation and concern, Intel has finally confirmed that its 13th and 14th Gen laptop chips do not appear to have any instability issues. This comes as a relief to many who were worried about potential permanent damage that could affect a wide range of flagship desktop chips.
While Intel is still investigating the root cause of the crashes, a company spokesperson has reassured users that laptop chips are not affected by the instability issue. This confirmation comes after game developer Alderon Games expressed concerns about the potential impact on laptop chips. Additionally, Intel has stated that several desktop chips, including 13th and 14th Gen i5 chips that are not part of the K-series, i3 chips, and Xeon chips, are also not affected.
Unaffected Products
Intel has provided a list of unaffected products, which includes:
– 12th Gen Intel Core desktop and mobile processors
– Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen i5 (non-K) & i3 desktop processors
– Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen mobile processors, including HX-series processors
– Intel Xeon processors, including server and workstation processors
– Intel Core Ultra (Series 1) processors
Intel has also recommended that users ensure their systems are running the latest BIOS updates and follow specific guidance for their Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors to prevent any potential issues.
In addition to addressing current concerns, Intel has reassured users that future chips, such as those on the Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake architectures, will be protected against the Vmin Shift Instability issue. This commitment aims to give users peace of mind when upgrading to newer Intel chips in the future.
For users who may have already experienced damage to their i9, i7, or K-series i5 desktop CPUs, Intel has advised contacting them or their PC builder immediately for a replacement. Most motherboard makers have released BIOS updates to reduce the risk of damage, and with the two-year warranty extension offered by many PC makers, users can have their CPUs replaced if necessary.
Intel’s recent announcement regarding the stability of its laptop chips brings clarity and reassurance to users who were concerned about potential issues. With ongoing investigations and proactive measures to address any issues, Intel is striving to protect its users and ensure a smooth experience with their products.