Hello,

I recently purchased a new PC primarily to run MSFS 2024 (replacing current PC running X-Plane 11).  The new PC (Dell Alienware) has an Intel i9-14900KF processor.  I was not aware before I purchased the PC of the Intel 13th and 14th Gen CPU instability issues (my bad).  Intel has provided three BIOS fix updates which they represent solves the instability problem (primarily over-voltage).  Since MSFS 2020 & 2024 are very demanding applications, I would appreciate any input from those whose PC utilizes one of these CPUs whether you have experienced any instability that might be attributed to the aforementioned when running Flight Simulator (realizing that MSFS 2024 separately has had a bit of a rocky start).  I am still in the return window for the PC and trying to decide whether to keep it or return it.  

Thank you very much.

Hi

I am running the latest Dell alienware computer with a i7 14900k cpu and RTX 4080 super gpu in both 2020 and 2024 with no issues.

Runs both with normal temps and I am very happy with the computer. had it now for about 3 months. Hope this helps.

 

14 hours ago, hitter439 said:

I was not aware before I purchased the PC of the Intel 13th and 14th Gen CPU instability issues (my bad).  Intel has provided three BIOS fix updates which they represent solves the instability problem (primarily over-voltage).

If you are still In the return window I would certainly consider returning it. This generation of CPUs had bad issues, and Intel's insistence that a microcode update would fix it doesn't help if your CPU has already been damaged. And you can't really tell for sure!

For peace of mind, if nothing else, I would return it and get a system that has a current generation CPU. As long as it's free to return, why not get something that you KNOW isn't affected by Intel's recent issues? 

14 hours ago, hitter439 said:

decide whether to keep it or return it.  

Oh boy, my 14900 KS just died 3 weeks ago. I hate to say this, considering that I was an intel guy all my life. Not everyone had issues with these CPUs; I was one of them, and customer support was "NIL" in this case. Anyhow, I just built a 9800x3d. From what I see, performance-wise, fluidity, temperatures, etc., there is such a positive experience that words can't do any justice. Considering what I experienced and witnessed between the two systems, I would not hesitate for a second to return it, if you can. 

 

Intel Core-i9 14900KF (6.0GHz boost clock) 24 core and zero issues. I have fired up 2024 almost every day since the release with no problems.

Interestingly enough, I am in the process of building a brand new rig to run MSFS 2024.  I am working with the folks at Nerds to go to do this since I don't have the time or knowledge to build my own rig, and the consultant working with me recommended against an Intel chip because the failure rate is currently 35% on the recent processors.  He recommended an AMD processor instead.  He says Intel has gone down in quality since Covid and that they have shifted more to software vs hardware as before when they were king.

Just find it interesting.

AMD is the best for MSFS.

 

1 hour ago, LRBS said:

Oh boy, my 14900 KS just died 3 weeks ago. I hate to say this, considering that I was an intel guy all my life. Not everyone had issues with these CPUs; I was one of them, and customer support was "NIL" in this case.

 

My new  i9-14900KF (in January) lasted about 4 months before it was fried.  Basically, the default settings in my ASUS Mobo BIOS over-clocked it and burned it.  Intel replaced the chip under warranty and ASUS put out a new BIOS and I've been fine ever since (fingers crossed).

The latest BIOS fixes these issues and all the bad PR likely means you get a good deal. The initial bad batch of original chips was recalled/replaced long ago.

54 minutes ago, Flyfaster_MTN002 said:

The latest BIOS fixes these issues and all the bad PR likely means you get a good deal. The initial bad batch of original chips was recalled/replaced long ago.

Unfortunately, these BIOS updates came too late for many; THERE IS NO FIX, THERE IS AN ATTEMPT TO FIX STABILITY, but the damage was already done. Intel has stated that there is no recall for the i9 14900k and other 13th or 14th-generation CPUs. THE INTEL SAID PEOPLE EXPERIENCING ISSUES "MAY BE ABLE" TO GET A REPLACEMENT. I WENT THROUGH THIS AMBIGUE PROCESS ALREADY.

 

WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS TOTAL DISINFORMATION! 

 

Intel confirmed that the company will not be recalling 13th and 14th gen Intel Core CPUs that were affected by microcode issues, which negatively impacted CPU stability in recent months. In severe cases, users may experience elevated voltages on their Intel CPUs, leading to irreparable damage to the chips.

Intel first responded to reports of stability issues affecting a wide range of Intel Core 13th and 14th gen CPUs, such as the flagship i9 14900K, in April. The company confirmed that high voltage and frequency caused the CPUs to run outside the recommended operating conditions, leading to stability issues and crashes. Moreover, Intel determined that the issue was common in systems running with underclocking and overclocking settings. Despite the release of new BIOS updates for 600 and 700 chipset motherboards, the issues continued to be persistent for months. This month, the results of Intel's investigation revealed that the microcode algorithm in the affected CPUs would send incorrect voltage requests, leading to instability and internal damage.

Edited December 24, 20241 yr by LRBS

Yeah these chips aren’t a good buy especially when the AMD chips are just SO good right now. 
 

there’s a reason intel stock is dead and the CEO just suddenly “retired”.  The company has issues it needs to fix. 

Thank you everyone so much for your replies. Great information.  My apologies for forgetting to mention that I have not powered up the PC yet, so the issue of potentially having CPU damage occur prior to applying the BIOS fixes fortunately does not apply in my situation.  Additionally, I did receive a nice pricing discount during Cyber Monday week but appear to be subject to a re-stocking fee should I return the PC.

I will have to decide whether to trust that Intel's latest BIOS fix (in combination with the previous ones) eliminates the instability issue, protects the CPU and allows the CPU to perform as advertised. Otherwise, the prudent course appears to be to return the PC, absorb the re-stocking fee and purchase another with a comparable AMD CPU.

Thank you all again very much for your help.

3 hours ago, DMullert said:

Interestingly enough, I am in the process of building a brand new rig to run MSFS 2024.  I am working with the folks at Nerds to go to do this since I don't have the time or knowledge to build my own rig, and the consultant working with me recommended against an Intel chip because the failure rate is currently 35% on the recent processors.  He recommended an AMD processor instead.  He says Intel has gone down in quality since Covid and that they have shifted more to software vs hardware as before when they were king.

Just find it interesting.

Yes, by all means get an AMD processor and make sure the name ends in X3D. Nothing else will approach those.

I would get an Nvidia GPU and NOT an AMD. A series 4000 Nvidia. At least a 4070. A 4070ti super has 16GB RAM. A 4070 and 4070 ti and 4070super have only 12GB, therefore a 4070tisuper is worth the small extra amount. For bigger bucks a 4080 or 4090 are best of all.

15 minutes ago, hitter439 said:

My apologies for forgetting to mention that I have not powered up the PC yet, so the issue of potentially having CPU damage occur prior to applying the BIOS fixes fortunately does not apply in my situation.

Keep in mind that your machine has been switched on many times already .. Dell would have done that as they need to install stuff. It’s not a brand new processor that was just taken out of the box that you KNOW was never used. 
 

Thus, you can never be 100% certain that your CPU is undamaged. I mean, it most likely is, I’m not paranoid. But equally, this is an expensive purchase that ought to last many years.. I would not like this thought at the back of my mind. 

37 minutes ago, hitter439 said:

Thank you everyone so much for your replies. Great information.  My apologies for forgetting to mention that I have not powered up the PC yet, so the issue of potentially having CPU damage occur prior to applying the BIOS fixes fortunately does not apply in my situation.  Additionally, I did receive a nice pricing discount during Cyber Monday week but appear to be subject to a re-stocking fee should I return the PC.

I will have to decide whether to trust that Intel's latest BIOS fix (in combination with the previous ones) eliminates the instability issue, protects the CPU and allows the CPU to perform as advertised. Otherwise, the prudent course appears to be to return the PC, absorb the re-stocking fee and purchase another with a comparable AMD CPU.

Thank you all again very much for your help.

If you keep your PC, please use this tool to check your CPU https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000005567/processors.html and act accordingly. If everything is okay, adjust your BIOS accordingly. There are plenty of YouTube videos on this topic.