Millions of physical CPU core issues following Intel Core I7 14700K undervolting
Millions of physical CPU core issues following Intel Core I7 14700K undervolting
Hello everyone! To reduce the temperatures of my new processor (Intel Core I7 14700K, 260W Cheap ID Cooling Tower Cooler), I attempted to undervolt it. I explored all available settings on my motherboard (Asus ROG Strix B660G Gaming WiFi), adjusting the VRM Core Voltage offset, lowering the IA AC value, and turning off the IA CEP. However, none of these changes improved performance—I saw a significant drop in speed and even started encountering CPU errors after just a small adjustment. The WHEA errors kept appearing, but sometimes only the WHEA ones. I noticed both cores are efficiency-focused, which is expected.
Reflecting on my past experience with overclocking my older Intel Core I5 12400, I remember facing similar issues: WHEA errors or crashes. Watching many overclocking guides, I realized that even with minor adjustments, the stress caused noticeable problems. Now, with this new setup, I’m seeing far more errors than before—sometimes even at full speed. The overheating becomes a concern, though the system remains stable for longer periods.
If I lower the voltage further, I notice only WHEA errors, which matches what I expected. The situation seems to be worsening, and I’m worried about long-term reliability. The CPU+RAM tests are passing, but the overheating is a red flag. I’m also curious if the PSU or contact issues might be contributing, especially since my power supply is a decent 260W model.
I hope this helps clarify what’s happening and what steps I should take next.
You're asking about the purpose of the PC. If it's mainly for gaming, turn off energy saving features to reduce power use and heat. For heavy workloads, limit core usage to a reasonable wattage—around 160W. You won't get much benefit from small voltage drops like 100mV, especially between 30 to 60V. Also, the B660 board isn't suitable unless you have a Z790 chip to fully adjust the components.
Some B660 motherboards include a BIOS feature enabling early 0x104 microcode. Running this can help lower voltage while using Windows, which appears preferable for these boards. It seems the microcode predates Intel’s Undervolt Protection feature. Searching online may provide more details. Intel B660 microcode 0x104 undervolt might not be compatible with newer Intel XTU versions, possibly due to restrictions. ThrottleStop 9.7.3 performs well for significant voltage reduction and cooler temps. The standard voltage for K-series CPUs is relatively high, and overclocking an unlocked K-series CPU on a B660 board isn’t recommended. Extra voltage isn’t essential and can be adjusted easily. Some believe early BIOS use introduces reliability issues, especially with 13th and 14th Gen CPUs, making the early BIOS a safer choice for stable performance.
Hello! I mainly use my computer for gaming, but also handle some work tasks. I know I can turn off the E Cores, but thinking about it feels like a big decision. Since the processor is already handling most of the load, cutting power won’t really help with games at all—only stress tests and work activities where temperatures stay below a hundred degrees. For those, the power drop is minimal and doesn’t impact performance much. In games like PUBG, temperatures usually stay between 70-90 watts, which is normal. I think the real solution would be better cooling or a stronger power supply, not just lowering voltage.
Regarding the idea of heavily undervolting, I’ve read many stories about people claiming their processors can handle extreme voltages and still pass tests. But honestly, only a few of us have processors that really tolerate lower voltages without issues. Some of those reports might be exaggerated or not tested properly. There are probably many people who succeed at undervolting, but they often don’t do proper stress tests. So it’s possible that some processors are stable at lower voltages than others, even if they sound impressive.
As for the motherboard, it’s only three years old and was bought with an older I5 12400. It’s a solid build and supports LGA1700 CPUs well. It has two SSD slots, which I’m using. The downside is that the BIOS is very basic and lacks many useful settings, including Undervolt Protection. I can’t overclock now, but it runs at high speeds even with the low temperature. This board is actually why I chose the Intel LGA1700 CPU—it’s expensive, but it covers my needs.
About the errors you mentioned—some people get WHEA errors or BSODs, while others just face crashes. Those can be serious signs of hardware problems. If you notice unusual errors, it’s best to check your system carefully or consult a professional. Don’t ignore them, even if they seem minor.
Boost your gaming performance by turning off ecores—they’re not needed by the games and only generate unnecessary "intercore" traffic. Don’t worry about overheating at 90°C; the system is built to handle it, and as long as you stay below 100°C, your B660 will run smoothly. AMD’s BIOS already offers a better jump here compared to Intel.
Hello! You can indeed change the microcode to version 0X104. It might allow you to safely undervolt in Intel XTU and other systems, but the microcode is quite old. Using it could impact your processor due to known Intel CPU issues in the 13/14 generations. It's a trade-off you should carefully consider.
I reviewed the tests and understand that performance cores don't boost game speed. In very few instances, they might even slow things down. Mostly it's not their responsibility—even the latest games can't fully use many cores, with eight being the typical limit. Building multi-threaded programs is tricky, let alone games. Regarding temperatures, 90°C is acceptable, but my tower cooler becomes noisy when trying to keep the CPU cool. I plan to adjust the fan settings to reduce noise, and I'll monitor the temperature changes. As for CPU errors, few people experience them under any conditions, just crashes.
Utilizing outdated microcode can enable substantial undervolting of your CPU, potentially offering long-term benefits. The outcome isn't guaranteed. Users who experimented with 0x104 observed reduced temperatures, enabling full performance without thermal or power restrictions. If you're unsure or uncomfortable applying microcode 0x104, avoid it.