Unusual CPU Clock Behavior After BIOS Update with Intel Microcode 0x129 on ROG STRIX Z790-E

[Richard Dewey Hammers]

I recently updated my BIOS to version 1503 for my ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI II motherboard, which includes the new Intel microcode 0x129. I have an i9-13900K processor, so I wanted to ensure I updated as soon as it was released. However, I've noticed something unusual in HWiNFO: my clock speeds frequently drop to 800MHz and then rise back up to either 5500MHz or 4300MHz for the P and E cores, respectively (Note: It's not as noticeable when  polling period is at 2000ms, but at 20ms they move extremely quickly). This mainly happens when I'm performing light tasks on my PC or when the system is idle. This behavior didn't happen when I was using BIOS version 1202. Is this normal? It seems rather odd. 

I really only noticed this when I was looking at Argus Monitor where it will read my cores at 20ms

[Rast3rMan]

Power saving feature called speed step m8 nothing to worry about.

[hellowalkman Reporter]

Intel has limited to the CPU voltage to 1.55 volts with the 0x129 update so essentially they are voltage-throttling the 13th and 14th Gen K / KF / KS CPUs to make them more stable. It may be hitting those limits (although HWinFO does not suggest so) and Intel's SpeedStep may also have been tweaked with this new firmware with new P-state perhaps. As long you are not noticing any amount of significant performance loss you should not have to worry.

[Haxzion]

This is the new Intel "solution" to their crashing products.   What an innovation.

Anyways if i was one of those poor ppl running an intel cpu i would use an older microcode and manually tweak the cpu voltage and frequencies.

I would never trust a bios to automatically  fix anything especially when it comes to intel

[Richard Dewey Hammers]

With the new micro code I noticed that my Core VIDs is a little higher then the last BOIS update as was

[OldGuru]

Do yourself a favor and lock P cores.

[hellowalkman Reporter]

On 12/08/2024 at 03:25, Richard Dewey Hammers said:

With the new micro code I noticed that my Core VIDs is a little higher then the last BOIS update as was

so does that mean the issue is resolved?

[OldGuru]

On 06/09/2024 at 08:09, hellowalkman said:

so does that mean the issue is resolved?

It is rather inconclusive. I  have 14900k and locked P cores from day one to prevent unnecessary high voltage going into the CPU. This boost is completely useless and brings zero benefits.

[hellowalkman Reporter]

On 06/09/2024 at 20:50, OldGuru said:

This boost is completely useless and brings zero benefits.

yes, except space heater benefits 😛