
Intel Addresses Arrow Lake CPU Performance Issues with Key Updates | Image Source: www.theverge.com
SANTA CLARA, California, December 20, 2024 – The Intel Arrow Lake ​processors, launched in October 2024, were designed ​to deliver high performance while maintaining efficiency. However, the ​first critics, including one ​by Tom Warren ​of ​The Verge, noted a disappointing game performance, with the ultra Core 9 285K undervalued compared ​to his predecessors of the 14th… “In many tracks, it provides ​a performance worse than the 14th Gen chips that was designed ​to replace,” Warren says. ​In response, Intel has implemented a number of updates to fill the gaps.
Key performance issues
According to The Verge, Intel ​has faced significant criticism for the game reference points of Arrow Lake’s lack of brightness. Robert Hallock, Vice President of Intel and Managing Director of IA and Customer Technical Marketing, acknowledged these ​problems in an interview with HotHardware, explaining that four root ​causes had been identified and addressed. Hallock said, “In the ​end, there were four fundamental problems that we had to solve, and the arrangements for ​those who ​are already on the ground right ​now.” These arrangements have ​been gradually launched in recent weeks.
Windows optimization updates delayed
One of the main ​causes of low performance was ​a delayed ​update ​to optimize the power management system for Intel Core Ultra 200S processors. ​PPM dynamically adjusts processor performance based on energy plans such as Balanced, ​High Performance ​or Power Saver. The update, originally postponed for ​publication before the start of the processors, was published after the chips became widely available. This delay prevented evaluators from seeing the improvements expected in the initial tests, as Tom’s Hardware reported.
Impact on key features
Delayed PPM optimization also prevented the efficiency of the Intel Application Performance Optimization (APO), a feature designed to increase ​performance in games. In addition, ​the configuration of ​”badly configured” performance had ​a negative impact ​on the reference results. Intel addressed ​these ​issues with a solution included in Windows 11 to build 26100.2161, ensuring a better alignment between hardware and software ​to improve ​game performance.
Solving the game compatibility problem
Another ​major problem identified was a compatibility problem with Easy Anti-Cheat, a software ​widely used in games like Star Wars Outlaws. This incompatibility has ​resulted in blue screen death errors for users. Intel worked with Epic Games to solve the problem, ensuring a stable ​gaming ​experience for Arrow Lake users. According to The Verge, this resolution removes a ​critical barrier to the ​adoption of processors among players.
Intel’s response to critics
Intel has been proactive in ​addressing these challenges, noting that corrections have been progressively implemented as update schedules ​are allowed. By resolving performance and compatibility issues, Intel aims to restore confidence in the Arrow Lake line. According to HotHardware, the company ​is optimistic ​about the potential of processors now ​that these obstacles have been overcome.
While early critics have painted a dark image for Arrow ​Lake processors, Intel’s quick response underscores its commitment to ​deliver a high-performance product. With ​these updates in place, players and evaluators can expect ​a significantly improved experience, reaffirming Intel’s place in the competitive processor market.