Intel's microcode update will prevent the overclocking features of K-suffix processors from operating on anything but high-end Z87 motherboards.
Intel has confirmed that it plans to issue a microcode update for its processors that will prevent the use of K-series overclocking tweaks on all but Z87-based motherboard chipsets.
Intel has long tolerated overclocking on its products, competing enthusiastically with rival AMD to encourage overclocking competitions that allow its chips to hit ever-higher clockspeeds in the name of headlines. The company balances this, however, with a desire not to harm its revenue stream: if customers can get the same performance as a £150 processor from a £100 processor, there's little incentive to spend that extra £50 on a higher-margin product.
Accordingly, it limits overclocking to its more high-end products: only chips that feature a K suffix include unlocked multipliers for full control over the clock speed, and only Z-series chipsets include the controls required to adjust said multipliers. At least, that is how it has worked in the past.
Recently, however, several motherboard manufacturers have been releasing BIOS updates for their non-Z-series motherboards - which sell for less than their high-end Z-series equivalents, even when offering much the same feature set - which allow the user to play with the overclocking features of K-series chips. While they don't offer the same overclocking potential as the premium Z-series motherboards, largely thanks to corners cut in other areas such as voltage regulation, they do offer the chance for buyers on a budget to eke a little more power out of their purchases.
Until now. French enthusiast site
Hardware.fr has confirmation from Intel that its motherboard partners are going to be given a slap on the wrist in the form of a microcode update that blocks all current K-series processor overclocking features from operating on anything but a Z87 motherboard.
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Intel plans to release a firmware update that limits processor core overclocking to Intel Z87 based platforms,' the short statement reads - confirming rumours that have been spreading from motherboard manufacturers over the past week. The update will patch the microcode of the processor via the motherboard's BIOS, and while its installation will not be mandatory for those who have already purchased a board and chip it will soon find its way into the retail channel as a preinstalled update.
Intel's statement suggested that the update was provided to motherboard manufacturers in Week 30 of 2013 - this week, in other words. As a result, we'd recommend that anyone enjoying the benefits of a K-series processor on B85 or H87 chipset motherboard treat any BIOS update from their manufacturer with suspicion from this point on.
18 Comments
Discuss in the forums ReplyBut, I haven't bought an intel processor myself since I think 2005 (though I did get an intel-based netbook in 2009) so I don't really care either way.
Seeing as how I'm not much of an Intel or Windows user anymore, I'm not 100% sure on this but I don't think it's that simple, because I think newer versions of Windows keep the microcode up to date without warning. I'm sure it is actually possible to reverse the microcode but I guess my point is something is bound to set it to something newer again whether you like it or not.
In Linux anyway, you have to go out of your way to tell the OS to upgrade the microcode. It isn't hard but it isn't something you just simply know to do off the top of your head either.
I cant see this affecting many people, i mean how many people have a K series on a B85 or H87 chipset ?
it's not like they are stopping people from OC'ing via the FSB, they are just stopping the B85 or H87 chipset from going higher than the default multi when using K series CPU's.
EDIT: some sites are even saying this is Intel fixing something that wasn't intended, a bug, all be a good one :)
The only reason Haswell K's could be used in B85 or H87 chipsets was because of a workaround developed by MoBo manufactures.
You could run k chips in low end boards, as far as I'm aware at least.
They could be trying to limit their potential replacements. Since I doubt they have a valid way to prove if a chip has been overclocked.
Besides, build a ten foot wall and someone will inevitably build an eleven foot ladder
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The haswell K chips are not designed for the B85 and H87 chipsets last I checked most of those boards did not even support the newer chips.
Also not sure why you would buy a £40 board a £200 cpu thats like buying a ferrari and sticking some crappy tires on it.
1) ASUS hasn't yet received any official documentation or instruction from Intel.
2) It's a fact that already shipping and channel products won't be affected and you can still get the unlocked BIOS from the product pages.