Processor · critical

How to fixINTEL_13_14_DEGRADATION

Intel 13th & 14th Gen Raptor Lake Instability

What this error means

Intel 13th & 14th Gen Raptor Lake Instability ranks as a critical-severity processor (CPU) issue in our database. A critical microcode and hardware degradation issue affecting Intel Core 13th and 14th Generation desktop processors. The CPU requests excessive voltages, leading to physical degradation of silicon, out-of-memory errors in games, and system crashes. This usually traces back to elevated operating temperatures and aggressive motherboard power limits (PL1/PL2 profile limits). See the troubleshooting steps below for the fix.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Note any recent driver or hardware changes. If Windows cannot start, use the startup guide first.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Update BIOS to apply microcode patch 0x129 or 0x12B

Update BIOS to apply microcode patch 0x129 or 0x12B.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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02Select 'Intel Default Settings' profile in BIOS

Select 'Intel Default Settings' profile in BIOS.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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03Decrease CPU core ratio multiplier by -1x or -2x in Intel XTU

Decrease CPU core ratio multiplier by -1x or -2x in Intel XTU.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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Possible causes

  • Excessive Vcore voltage requests
  • Elevated operating temperatures
  • Aggressive motherboard power limits (PL1/PL2 profile limits)