Intel Core i9 14900K CPU

I purchased the i9 CPU six months ago with high expectations for top-tier performance. Initially, it lived up to those expectations, running smoothly for about four months. However, my experience took a turn for the worse when instability issues began to plague my system.

Games started crashing randomly to the desktop, and I encountered frustrating VRAM errors in Fortnite, which are known issues with 13th and 14th gen i9 CPUs. I soon realized that my motherboard's default settings were likely to blame, as they inadvertently cooked my CPU, causing it to degrade rapidly over a short period. Despite my efforts to disable overclocking features...view more I purchased the i9 CPU six months ago with high expectations for top-tier performance. Initially, it lived up to those expectations, running smoothly for about four months. However, my experience took a turn for the worse when instability issues began to plague my system.

Games started crashing randomly to the desktop, and I encountered frustrating VRAM errors in Fortnite, which are known issues with 13th and 14th gen i9 CPUs. I soon realized that my motherboard's default settings were likely to blame, as they inadvertently cooked my CPU, causing it to degrade rapidly over a short period. Despite my efforts to disable overclocking features like ASUS Multicore Enhancement, the motherboard continued to apply overclocks, exacerbating the problem.

In response to widespread complaints, Intel and motherboard manufacturers released BIOS updates touted to fix the issue by reducing power limits, known as the Intel Baseline Defaults profile. Initially, this seemed to restore stability to my system, but the respite was short-lived. After about a month, the same issues resurfaced, casting doubt on the effectiveness of the solution.

I am currently dealing with Intel support over this CPU, and I have a case number with them as we work to resolve the ongoing issues. The fact that these issues are still ongoing and Intel is actively investigating the root cause speaks to the severity and complexity of the problem.

Based on my experience and the prevalence of similar issues, I urge potential buyers to think carefully before investing in the i9 CPU. Considering the reported stability of i7 CPUs, it may be a safer choice for those prioritizing reliability.

Unfortunately, my attempts to return the i9 CPU to PB Tech and exchange it for an i7 were met with resistance due to the length of time I've had it. Despite the widespread nature of the problem, PB Tech denies the extent of returns on these CPUs, leaving customers like myself in a frustrating predicament.

In conclusion, while the i9 CPU promises impressive performance, its stability issues and the lack of adequate support from both manufacturers and retailers make it a risky investment. Proceed with caution and consider alternative options such as the i7 CPU for a more reliable computing experience.

I've been waiting for this to come out for some time, and the wait was well worth it. Next day delivery was a bonus too I've been waiting for this to come out for some time, and the wait was well worth it. Next day delivery was a bonus too

Went from a 3770k to this beast. Saying it's an improvement is quite an understatement. This thing rocks Went from a 3770k to this beast. Saying it's an improvement is quite an understatement. This thing rocks

A great CPU comes with a dire need of better cooling system. A great CPU comes with a dire need of better cooling system.

Has been a great CPU so far, updated the BIOS asap & a small undervolt which hasn't affected speeds. Using with a 280mm cooler and managing so far Has been a great CPU so far, updated the BIOS asap & a small undervolt which hasn't affected speeds. Using with a 280mm cooler and managing so far

This thing rips. Made sure I had an up-to-date BIOS and the installation went like a dream. Off the bat with Asus' MCE turned on some cores hit 97 with my 350mm AIO, but as soon as I turned that off, everything purrs along nicely around 60-70 at full load with occasional 80 max's. Great for gaming and production. Super happy with it. This thing rips. Made sure I had an up-to-date BIOS and the installation went like a dream. Off the bat with Asus' MCE turned on some cores hit 97 with my 350mm AIO, but as soon as I turned that off, everything purrs along nicely around 60-70 at full load with occasional 80 max's. Great for gaming and production. Super happy with it.

Installed the CPU and 1st thing i did was update the bios on the mainboard to the latest - which included the micro code update shenanigans.
No issues so far - fingers crossed. Installed the CPU and 1st thing i did was update the bios on the mainboard to the latest - which included the micro code update shenanigans.
No issues so far - fingers crossed.

By: VadimH 30/11/24

Verified Owner