What is causing the problem?

Players are experiencing unexpected crashes in Unreal Engine games using 13th & 14th gen CPUs from Intel. These crashes can occur at any time, but typically happen after 10-20mins of gameplay. 


The problem is thought to be caused by Intel's failure to define clear stock power specifications for these CPUs, allowing motherboard manufacturer's to run without power limits. Doing so can drastically alter the maximum clock speed and performance capabilities of a CPU. However, this leads to increased power consumption and heat output. While this will reflect favourable on these CPUs in performance benchmarks, it has inevitability compromised stability. 


Running without power limits may cause rapid silicone degradation, shortening the lifespan of these CPUs and leading to instability when using default settings. 


A few motherboard manufacturers have introduced "Intel Baseline" settings, which are intended to impose power limits that more closely match the specifications provided by Intel. However, some of these profiles are still above what would be considered "stock" settings.


What can I do to resolve this?

Ultimately, we would recommend that you contact your motherboard manufacturer for advice, as they are responsible for clearly defining settings that may put your CPU under increased stress. However, at a minimum, we would recommend that players update their motherboard to the latest BIOS and configure the CPU to use "Intel Baseline" settings. If you are not comfortable updating or configuring the BIOS, please seek assistance from your local computer specialist. Ultimately, we are waiting for an official statement from Intel to explain how affected players are going to be supported.


Sources:


Update:

The instability issues are thought to be due to a combination of manufacturing defects (Oxidisation) and elevated voltages. At this time, it is unclear which 13/14th gen models are affected, or how long it has been a problem for. 


Intel hopes to resolve the voltage issues with a microcode update that will be delivered in a BIOS update from your motherboard manufacturer. The exact timing of these updates have not been confirmed.


If your CPU is affected by manufacturing defects, it will need to be returned, and we encourage you to get in contact with Intel Customer Support.


Source: Intel's Biggest Failure in Years: Confirmed Oxidation & Excessive Voltage - Gamers Nexus


Official Statements from Intel