Is disabling the MSI CEP microcode for the 14th non-K model worth it?
Is disabling the MSI CEP microcode for the 14th non-K model worth it?
It appeared in my tech news feed recently and caught my interest, so I saved it. I’m using an MSI board that got the latest microcode. My current chip is a 13700F, which likely isn’t affected by this update. Would switching to a 14700F be worthwhile for the CEP feature? My system has about 270W of cooling (FC140), and it throttles during Cinebench multi-core runs with power usage just over that amount. How much would CEP performance improve with a 14700? I don’t have heavy workloads that keep the CPU busy often.
At that stage you could better wait for Arrow Lake or Zen 5 instead of trying to downgrade on a dead platform. I’ve heard that non-Z boards really struggle with proper undervoltage, so maybe a small tweak on a Z board wouldn’t be effective. I didn’t even notice this before reading the reply above—it’s definitely a surprise. I’m sure you’ll all be covering this Intel situation in a video soon. I might consider buying the stock now before it drops too much =p. Apparently, the Intel server chip issues are causing degradation, so it could just depend on luck whether the CPU will be impacted or not.
Z790 Tomahawk DDR4 WiFi offers improved performance compared to previous models. Considering the cost difference between non-K and CEP disabled options, it might have been worthwhile if the gains were significant. However, I'm interested in seeing the actual numbers before making a decision. I prefer to stick with this architecture for a longer period rather than jumping to a new one soon. My previous experience with the X58 lasted about ten years, so I want to maximize its lifespan.
x58 ran smoothly with triple channel and six-core processors. Intel was still in a slow phase before Ryzen arrived, but overclocked versions kept up with Zen+. It was often called the "Ryzen killer" at first because of that comparison. The six-core chips gained real value for gaming only recently. Spoiler: it was ahead of its time with DDR3 2800+ speeds across all channels—most chips were capped around 2600 unless you used higher voltages. I managed stable runs lasting over 48 hours (around 60), though a blackout occurred on the third day while I slept, leaving only a 12-hour capture. It was also the first consumer board with six cores, though I’m now considering Xeon W for better value and support. For future-proofing, switching to an AM5 platform would have been ideal, letting you upgrade CPUs and RAM without replacing the whole system. If you really needed longevity, Z boards offered decent options, and you could undervolt them if you were careful. Some guides exist for that setup, but it seems you missed out on K-cores and full clock control, making it harder to adapt later.
It looks like we’re dealing with a comparable configuration. My setup uses a GA-X58A-UD3R rev.2 equipped with a 12-phase VRM and a W3680 chipset. Initially, I had an engineering i7-920 from a salvaged gold scrap—perfect for my budget in 2011. Later, I upgraded to a W3680 and also ran an older $80 Titan Black in the same rig, which performed well until recently. I’ve since switched to a Quadro after converting the Titan Black. I no longer purchase AMD for personal use because some virtual machines don’t handle its cores well, and I prefer not to deal with masking issues. The board itself wasn’t costly, and B760 and Z790 are similarly priced, so it made sense to get the Z for the same budget. You’re asking me about a K-processor? That sounds like you have a lot of money. I’ve found a used 13700F that’s quite pricey, and at the time, paying double for a K-segment would not have justified the limited benefits. Right now, I’ve disabled power limits and adjusted the load line—I’m actually undervolting it, which was challenging but ultimately successful. It benchmarks in the low to midrange K-build range, even with DDR4 RAM, which is impressive considering my investment. However, disabling CEP on the 14th feels tempting—if I were really after performance, I’d have gone for a DDR5 board and new memory.
you also have a solid board and a chip with unlocked RAM and decent CPU performance. It should handle 2800+ triple-channel stability, similar to what i’m working on. I’m just mentioning current PCPP prices. Tomahawks tend to be pricier than K or KF models, and sometimes non-K options are more expensive than K variants. This seems like a solid deal on the board and CPU for its price, possibly even cheaper than a 7600 + B650M HDV/equivalent or Hynix DDR5 (6000C30/32 6400C32). Usually, such a setup points to someone who isn’t well-informed about component selection and got taken advantage of. The DDR4 Tomahawk is telling because no beginner builder would choose it when DDR5 is faster in theory. If you’re wealthy, you might want more X58 boards or similar options. Evga Classified or Foxconn Bloodrage are usually not good value. It looks like a mix of choices—somewhat confusing but potentially worth exploring further. I’d also consider building a phase-change cooler that can drop to -100°C under load, possibly using the Joule-Thomson effect, similar to what Hyperspace Pirate is doing. I’m curious about submerging an entire PC in dry ethanol for cooling, since pure ethanol isn’t conductive and freezes at -114°C.
You play Cinebecmch regularly. It supports multiplayer. Raids can reach large sizes. Crafting options are extensive enough. Just focus on what works for you rather than assumptions.
After work I linger at the desk, staring blankly at the screen, sipping cheap beer while reflecting on life's meaninglessness and comparing it to my past. The rest of my days feel like a distant memory.