It was recently reported that Intel has finally identified the source of the problem with mass instability in top-end 13th and 14th generation processors – the cause of the failures is too high voltage, caused by an error in the processor microcode algorithm. Intel is already preparing a microcode update, which is scheduled for mid-August.
Today, company representatives in interview The Verge also commented on the situation. According to Intel, the new microcode will not be able to fix processors that have already started to glitch: they are irreversibly damaged. However, the update will protect processors that have not yet encountered this problem. Intel also reported that the company will not initiate a recall procedure for processors. At the same time, Intel is considering the possibility of creating a user notification with a potentially problematic processor.
Owners of glitchy processors are advised to contact Intel support. Intel cannot yet say what the warranty return of glitchy processors will look like. The company advises updating the microcode to the current one, while new batches of 13th and 14th generation processors will receive updated microcode immediately at Intel factories, they will not need to be updated.
Most likely, if the company does not announce a recall of the processors, it will face more than one year of litigation with the owners of damaged processors, as well as a mass return of failed processors under warranty. This will probably become one of the company’s biggest failures in its history, which will bring it billions in losses and a significantly damaged reputation, since now the reliability of future processors from Intel among buyers will also be in great question, which will definitely strengthen AMD’s position in the processor segment.
