Intel’s latest microcode update, labeled "0x114," hasn’t managed to fix the performance hiccups plaguing their Arrow Lake processors. Instead, recent benchmarks suggest an even further decline in performance.
Struggles Continue for Intel’s Arrow Lake Desktop CPUs Despite Another BIOS Update
Intel’s desktop CPUs are facing a rough patch in the market. Beyond the "Raptor Lake Refresh" concerns over thermal instability, a new issue with Arrow Lake-S processors is causing headaches. Intel had previously noticed a stark difference between their internal tests and performance on consumer systems. This led to the release of the "0x114" microcode, which was supposed to address a handful of core issues as outlined in their latest "Field Update." However, these problems remain unresolved.
One of the more vocal critics, @CapFrameX on Twitter, highlighted that the latest BIOS, Microcode (MC), and Management Engine (ME) patches have significantly reduced performance, particularly evident in the gaming realm. A specific example is Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K running Cyberpunk 2077, where there’s been about an 18% drop in average frames per second (FPS). This decline is considerable, especially when compared to earlier performance stats. Despite Intel’s promises of a "double-digit" improvement with the BIOS update, initial tests tell a different story.
Image from CapFrameX
Adding to the woes, there’s been a reported increase in memory latency by approximately 14%. This uptick is a letdown, especially coming from reliable testing sources concerning the fresh 0x114 microcode. While further verification is needed to fully substantiate claims about the flawed BIOS, it appears Intel needs to rethink its strategy in the desktop CPU market.
As Intel grapples with these setbacks, they’re gearing up for a media briefing at CES 2025, where they plan to address these performance concerns with the Core Ultra 200S series. It’s an event that might shine some light on the future of Intel’s Arrow Lake-S CPUs. In the meantime, users will need to wait for official word from Intel to assess whether these benchmark results indicating performance drops are universally true across all systems using the 0x114 microcode.
