Intel is reportedly working on a microcode update to address performance concerns with its Arrow Lake desktop CPUs. This update is expected to optimize the processors' voltage-frequency (VF) behavior.
Following a somewhat disappointing launch, Intel's Robert Hallock acknowledged the need for improvements in an interview with HotHardware. Now, renowned overclocker "SkatterBencher" has hinted at upcoming changes to Arrow Lake's VF curve via a new microcode.
While the exact nature of these changes remains undisclosed, they are significant enough to alter overclocking strategies depending on the Management Engine (ME) package. SkatterBencher suggests having access to the new microcode, but specific details are still under wraps.
This follows a previous microcode update that restricted Digital Linear Voltage Regulator (DLVR) bypass, a setting that allowed for more granular voltage and frequency control but also affected other processor functions. Intel reserved this setting for extreme overclocking scenarios.
Intel's Core Ultra desktop CPUs have struggled to compete with AMD in terms of market share and performance. This upcoming microcode update could be crucial for improving performance, particularly if it successfully optimizes VF configurations.
