A powerful combination of 13700K and 104 microcode
Intel's 13th Gen Core processor series brings unprecedented computing power to mainstream desktop platforms with a revolutionary performance hybrid architecture. As a mid-range flagship, the i7-13700K has an 8-core, 16-thread design that allows it to perform well under multi-threaded loads, while also being an excellent gaming processor.
Compared with the previous generation, the biggest highlight of 13700K is the blessing of 104 microcode technology. 104 microcode is actually a microcode program that is capable of making subtle adjustments and optimizations to the hardware behavior of the CPU. On the 13700K, the 104 microcode is mainly used to fine-tune the CPU to significantly reduce power consumption and heat generation without compromising performance.
According to the evaluation, the power consumption and temperature of 13700K are quite high at the default settings, and the power consumption of Peak can reach 253W, and the temperature at full load can easily exceed 90°C. However, as long as the CPU is properly de-pressured via the 104 microcode option in the BIOS, the temperature can be reduced by more than 30°C, while the multi-core all-core performance remains basically the same. This not only facilitates the long-term stable operation of the system, but also leaves more room for overclocking tuning.
Paired with the 13700K GIGABYTE B760M Ice Sculpture X motherboard, it is a product that makes full use of the advantages of 104 microcode. It is designed with 6+2+1 digital phases to provide sufficient and accurate power supply to 13700K. The BIOS options also have 104 microcode settings built-in, making it easy for users to find the appropriate buck parameters.
In addition to the 104 microcode, the B760M Ice Sculpture X is also a pretty good motherboard product in its own right. It has a sleek white chassis design style and a rich and practical rear interface. It supports DDR5-7600+ memory, and the storage interface provides two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots. The overall cost performance is high, and it is a good choice for 13700K.
104 microcode step-down overclocking hands-on
Through the above introduction, we have learned the importance of 104 microcode for 13700K buck regulation. Next, let's get our hands dirty and experience the process.
Benchmarking before bucking
We need to get the performance of the CPU at the default settings as a benchmark. Taking the CINEBENCH R23 multi-core test as an example, the 13700K can get a score of 35162 points in fully automatic Turbo mode, and a single-core score of 2143 points. Power consumption peaks up to 270W and the maximum temperature is close to 95°C.
Such power consumption and temperature values are too exaggerated for a processor with 8 large cores and 16 small cores. Running in this state for a long time will not only accelerate the aging of the CPU, but also put a heavy burden on the cooling system.
Set 104 microcode to buck via BIOS
Go to the BIOS of the GIGABYTE B760M Ice Sculpture X motherboard and find the "104 Microcode" setting under the "CPU Upgrade" option. By default it is "Auto" mode, we need to switch it to "Manual" and set a suitable buck value.
Generally speaking, reducing the CPU core voltage to about 1.2V can significantly reduce power consumption and temperature, while the performance is basically lossless. Due to the different silicon quality of each CPU, the optimal buck value will also vary, which needs to be determined through multiple tests.
After setting the buck value, the system automatically reboots to apply the new microcode settings. After the reboot, we can see that the core voltage of the CPU has been successfully reduced to around 1.272V.
Performance and temperature performance after bucking
AFTER A 104 MICROCODE BUCK, WE RAN THE MULTI-CORE TEST OF CINEBENCH R23 AGAIN AND FOUND THAT THE SCORE REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED AT 35158, WHICH IS NOT FAR FROM THE 35162 SCORE AT THE DEFAULT SETTINGS. The single-core score was 2141 points, which was only a slight decrease.
The peak power consumption is only 240W, which is 30W lower than the default setting of 270W, and the maximum temperature is only 65°C, which is nearly 30 degrees lower than the previous 95°C! 104 microcode brings unprecedented energy control to the 13700K.
In the case of full load operation, the 104 microcode step-down can also keep the CPU at a lower temperature level, effectively extending the life of the CPU and reducing the burden on the cooling system.
Even with buck down, the 13700K's performance is not inferior to other high-end Z790 motherboard solutions. It still works best in most gaming and productivity apps.
The value and significance of 104 microcode bucking
Through the above practical operations, we can clearly see the great value that 104 microcode brings to 13700K. Not only does it drastically reduce the power consumption and temperature of the CPU without compromising performance, but it also leaves more room for overclocking tuning.
For a mainstream-level processor, 104 microcode is undoubtedly an unprecedented black technology. It disrupts conventional wisdom and allows users to find the best balance between performance and energy consumption based on their needs.
Advantages and disadvantages of 104 microcode bucking
There are two sides to any technology, and 104 microcode is no exception. We might as well make a simple comparison of its advantages and disadvantages
Merit:
It can greatly reduce CPU power consumption and temperature, and extend the service life
Leave more room for overclocking and tuning to get the most out of your CPU
It's easy to operate, just set a few parameters in the BIOS
Shortcoming:
Excessive bucking may affect the single-core/single-threaded performance of the CPU
It takes a certain amount of trial to find the best buck parameters
Stability issues may occur with low-voltage CPUs
The advantages of 104 microcode bucking far outweigh the disadvantages. With the right way to use it, it's a sharp blade that maximizes the performance potential of your CPU.
The overall performance of the GIGABYTE B760M Ice Sculpture X
In addition to taking full advantage of the 104 microcode, the GIGABYTE B760M Ice Sculpture X motherboard also has a lot of highlights. It features a sleek white chassis design with a rich and practical rear interface and support for the latest DDR5-7600+ memory.
The power supply adopts a 6+2+1 phase digital phase design, and the 60A DrMOS can provide sufficient and accurate power supply for 13700K. The storage interface provides two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots to meet high-speed storage requirements.
The B760M Ice Sculpture X is a pretty good motherboard, and the combination with the 13700K can give full play to the best value for money. If you have a higher budget, you can also consider Gigabyte's Z790 series motherboards, which will be another level of experience.
For mainstream gamers and enthusiasts, 13700K with 104 microcode buck is undoubtedly a very worthwhile solution. It can maximize the power of the CPU under the condition of controllable temperature and power consumption. If you are planning to buy this processor, you might as well try the "black technology" of 104 microcode!