Intel CPU Owners Rejoice as Asus and MSI Begin Rollout of Microcode Stability Fix

by Arthur Herring
in $$$, Release, VR
on 8 August 2024

Owners of 13th and 14th-gen Intel CPUs can breathe a sigh of relief as Asus and MSI have started releasing a new microcode stability fix for these processors. This fix aims to address an error in the microcode that has resulted in CPU instability issues, including game crashes in titles built on Unreal Engine 5.

The update is recommended for CPUs with a TDP of over 65W, which includes a majority of processors in the Intel 13th and 14th-gen lineups. Even the flagship gaming CPU, the Core i9 14900K, falls into this category. To install the update, users need to update the firmware on their motherboards, which is commonly referred to as flashing the BIOS. Both Asus and MSI have confirmed that they are rolling out the update for their motherboard models.

Gamers who own Intel CPUs have been plagued by stability problems, especially in games developed using the latest Unreal Engine. One specific error message claiming insufficient video memory has been a recurrent issue, pushing affected users to seek help from Intel support, even if they possess high-end graphics cards with ample VRAM. The problem, known as the “First Descendant out of video memory error,” has affected multiple games.

MSI has announced that all its motherboards based on Intel 700 and 600-series chipsets will receive a BIOS update by the end of August 2024. They have already begun the process by providing BIOS updates for several of their top gaming motherboards on their website. Similarly, Asus has made beta BIOS updates available for select motherboards featuring the Z790 chipset. These updates include the microcode fix, aiming to address Intel CPU instability.

While the new updates are not yet available on official online support pages for these motherboards, Asus’ ROG team has made them downloadable via Google Drive. As for Gigabyte and ASRock, there is no information regarding their stance on this matter. However, it is hoped that they will release new BIOS updates soon.

For those who have never updated their motherboard firmware, a comprehensive guide on how to flash the BIOS is available to provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the process.

Key Questions and Answers:
1. Which Intel CPU generations are affected by the microcode stability issue?
– Owners of 13th and 14th-gen Intel CPUs are affected by the microcode stability issue.

2. What is the purpose of the microcode stability fix?
– The fix aims to address an error in the microcode that has resulted in CPU instability issues, including game crashes in titles built on Unreal Engine 5.

3. Which CPUs should install the update?
– The update is recommended for CPUs with a TDP of over 65W, which includes a majority of processors in the Intel 13th and 14th-gen lineups.

4. How can users install the update?
– Users need to update the firmware on their motherboards, commonly referred to as flashing the BIOS, to install the update.

Key Challenges/Controversies:
1. Stability problems in games developed using the latest Unreal Engine have been plaguing Intel CPU owners.
2. Gamers have experienced the “First Descendant out of video memory error” message, even with high-end graphics cards.
3. There is no information available regarding Gigabyte and ASRock’s stance on releasing new BIOS updates.

Advantages:
– The microcode stability fix addresses CPU instability issues and game crashes.
– The update is recommended for a majority of processors in the affected Intel CPU lineups.
– Guide available for users who have never updated their motherboard firmware.

Disadvantages:
– Some manufacturers have not yet released BIOS updates or information about their stance on the issue.