Issue with CPU performance following the addition of an extra M.2 SSD.
Issue with CPU performance following the addition of an extra M.2 SSD.
I recently purchased an i9-14900KS approximately two months ago. I’ve been aware of certain problems associated with this Intel generation, but my motherboard was also on the pricier end and I hadn’t decided to replace it yet. Still, a CPU upgrade was necessary because it was limiting my performance in the areas I valued most. At the time, I believed the microcode problems should have been resolved with the latest BIOS firmware (dated 01/10/2024). I had already installed that firmware before even using the CPU.
From the beginning, I had to lower the Core Multiplier from 58 due to crashes during game launches, which were caused by CPU-related errors. These crashes were consistent and could be fixed simply by reducing the Multiplier by 1 or 2. It was clear there was something unusual going on.
Last night I added an extra M.2 SSD without modifying the CPU. This change seemed to make the CPU completely unstable—applications would crash, browser tabs would freeze, and almost every program would shut down within a minute. I removed the new SSD because it appeared to be the likely cause, but the problem persisted.
I was anticipating a Windows installation next and prepared a bootable USB drive, reinstalled the SSD, and attempted to install Windows. Unfortunately, even the Windows Installer crashed repeatedly, forcing me to restart the PC each time. After removing one of the RAM sticks (alternating both), the issue still remained.
Now I removed the i9-14900KS and reinstalled the original CPU. The system runs smoothly now. I’m puzzled by this outcome, as it seems highly unlikely that the CPU failed at the exact moment I installed the new SSD. Still, based on what I’ve experienced, it probably points to the CPU itself. My PSU is a 850W Plat (BeQuiet DP 12), and since the problems persisted even without the SSD, power supply issues don’t seem likely.
The challenge now is: What further steps can I take to stabilize the i9-14900KS? I’ve struggled to find specific undervolt guides for this model, and while there are plenty of resources for the regular K version, I suspect the differences might be significant. Given my early troubles, I think it’s time to consider an RMA and possibly upgrade to a different motherboard or CPU.
Well, from what you mentioned, your CPU seemed to have issues right away. The M.2 slot then made things worse. (Since M.2 connects directly to the CPU via PCI-E lanes.) You might attempt to disable a few cores, essentially running the processor as if it were an older 14th generation model—like disabling four E-cores to get an i7-14700.
Currently, it's hard to determine whether the entire chip is faulty or just a few cores are bad. It's also tough to identify if the defective core is P-core or E-core and how many are failing. However, you can adjust cores through the BIOS settings.
Before making changes, check what JayzTwoCents discussed about 13th and 14th generation CPUs and their tips for identifying bad chips: (It might be worth noting severe undervolting problems.)
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7Eyv5d2Rq8
What is the model and BIOS version of your motherboard? Are you referring to the BIOS date as January 10, 2024 or October 1, 2024? The relevant updates for the 13/14 generation issues were near the end of the year. CPU-Z can determine the motherboard and BIOS level. Have you chosen a pre-set BIOS such as Load Optimized settings? This could have led to some overclocking. Did you buy the 14900K from an authorized seller in new condition? If you obtained it used, it may have been damaged by the previous owner.
I understand why the M.2 setup might be relevant here.
That seems quite a bit to unpack. I’m also uncertain if adjusting BIOS settings would interfere with the RMA procedure. I’ll probably opt for a fresh MB+CPU instead.
Even when XMP is disabled, I can’t run any of the software he recommends for extended periods before they fail. That alone seems sufficient. Still intriguing to observe how one would assess CPU health generally—I’ll keep that in mind for the future. This would have been a useful step when I first received the CPU, though it’s too late now.
It’s an MPG Z690 Carbon Wi-Fi, and the BIOS version is definitely from October, not January. I recall checking the version carefully, noting the Microcode update to 0x12B was required at that time. It appears there are now even two versions that include Microcode updates, but I’m unsure if it’s worth testing to see if they address the issue. I’m getting frustrated with the CPU removal process, haha.
No changes were made to the CPU since I got it. Because I couldn’t locate any KS-specific tuning instructions, I left it untouched as I’m not confident in these matters.
I purchased it from Alternate, a reputable seller, right? They didn’t mention any prior use or boxed version, so it should have been new. Maybe just a coincidence?
To obtain an RMA from Intel, the purchase must have come from an authorized seller.
It’s likely your trusted dealer will consider it.
You might have observed something about the packaging that suggested it had been opened prior.
Some unscrupulous staff have been found exchanging faulty chips for working ones.
Well, I think I need to find out. I haven’t dealt with this before, so I’m completely unsure about the legal stuff. There’s a return option on their site, so I’ll just submit it and check the outcome.
The packaging of this CPU seems tricky to identify. As I recall, the silver box it comes in isn’t sealed, you just twist it open. There’s also some cardboard around it that you could easily take apart.
Here’s the product link:
https://www.alternate.de/Intel/Core-i9-1.../100044072
(It’s based in Germany, so the site is in German)
The Intel 14900KS box features the phrase "special edition". The image linked may not confirm its authenticity, as it appears to be labeled incorrectly despite claims of being a 14900KS. You might have been misled, or the documentation could be incomplete.