Intel wants motherboard vendors to add Baseline performance profiles imminently

Since the release of the Intel 13th Gen Core K-series (extended to the 14th Gen series CPUs), users have reported stability issues, particularly with the Core i9 SKU. The reason for that seems to be linked to motherboard vendors using what would be considered “overclock” settings by default. Intel has since then shared a statement recommending vendors add a Default/Baseline profile to motherboard settings. Until recently, there wasn't a deadline for introducing these new profiles, but Intel now wants them available by the end of May.

Most motherboard vendors were keen to offer the Extreme power profile (the most power-intensive profile) out of the box. However, the higher power profile has resulted in stability issues for users. In response to this, Intel is purportedly adopting a new Default/Baseline configuration by default, which would limit the CPU's PL2 (Power Limit 2/Maximum Turbo Power) to 188W. This is much lower than the Performance and Extreme profiles, which support up to 253W.

Image credit: Uniko's Hardware

Users who previously used the Extreme profile would witness a performance loss, but their processors at least should become more stable overall. Alternatively, users can change their power profile to what they used before the update. 

According to Benchlife, motherboard manufacturers have been using the “Extreme Profile” since the introduction of Coffee Lake. Up to now, Intel hasn't prohibited motherboard manufacturers from using such profiles or making them the default setting. However, after numerous reports on the stability of the 13th and 14th Gen Core K-series chips, things had to change. Biostar (via Uniko's Hardware) seems to be the first motherboard maker to automatically apply the Default profile after installing fresh firmware.

This month, Intel is expected to share more on its investigation into stability issues with 13th and 14th Gen processors. The company is also claimed to have begun asking motherboard makers to adopt the new standard power profile for all motherboards by the end of the month. 

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KitGuru says: Do you own an Intel 13th or 14th Gen Core K-series CPU? Have you had any stability issues with it? Which motherboard are you using?

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