- Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Is it time to level up?
- Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 10: Which smartwatch is right for you?
- First look: Samsung's newest Copilot+ PC spotlights AI with some major improvements
- Finally, the iPhone 16 Pro will have the same cameras as the Pro Max
- Want to keep getting Windows 10 updates next year? Here's what it will cost
Need Intel's Raptor Lake bug patch? You'll have to download and install it yourself
![Need Intel's Raptor Lake bug patch? You'll have to download and install it yourself Need Intel's Raptor Lake bug patch? You'll have to download and install it yourself](https://www.zdnet.com/a/img/resize/1f6941432adcdf6a39420d2c8534063df0b27f18/2024/08/02/d2c59e3b-f4c1-44dc-ae1d-42e2617940aa/intel-core-i7-14th-gen.jpg?auto=webp&fit=crop&height=675&width=1200)
Intel released information Friday about a patch for the microcode bug affecting 13th- and 14th-generation Intel Core processors, and the chipmaker’s news is a mix of good, bad, and ugly.
Also: If Intel can’t come up with a Qualcomm-killer soon, it’s game over for x86 PCs
The good news
According to Intel, the patch is being distributed to all its partners and is specifically aimed at K, KF, and KS processors. Intel is also investigating possible mitigations for systems already showing symptoms and expects to have an update by the end of August. If your processor shows signs of damage, Intel advises getting it exchanged.
Intel’s testing also indicates that the patch does not adversely affect system performance, so that’s good news for gamers and those who want the fastest system possible.
Also: You can upgrade your old PC to Windows 11 – even if Microsoft says it’s ‘incompatible’. Here’s how
Intel says that “all future products will not be affected by this issue.”
The bad news
There is no word yet on whether mobile (laptop) chips from these generations are affected, leaving owners in a wait-and-see situation. Additionally, there is no straightforward way for owners of affected chips to determine if their processor is flawed and requires an update, other than manually checking their CPU model (using one of the methods I outlined here).
Furthermore, there is no official method for owners of crashing systems to determine definitively whether their chip has been damaged or if the system crashing is due to another factor.
Also: What CPU and motherboard do I have? Here are some fast and easy ways to find out
And then there’s the bit where Intel cautions about overlocking these chips, stating that the update “will not prevent users from overclocking” but also that “overclocking may void their warranty and/or affect system health” and that it recommends owners “utilize the Intel default settings.”
The ugly news
The patch will only be available as part of a BIOS update, meaning owners will need to find, download, and install the correct patch themselves. Distributing the patch via Windows Update would have made it accessible to a broader range of PC owners, not just those aware of the problem.