Intel compels motherboard producers to deactivate AVX-512 functionality across all Alder Lake processors through forthcoming BIOS updates
During our examination of Intel Alder Lake desktop CPUs, we observed that AVX-512 support remained unaltered and could be readily enabled; however, this instruction set is slated for deactivation via the upcoming BIOS.
Upcoming motherboard BIOS update will eliminate AVX-512 instructions on Intel Alder Lake desktop processors
While Intel Alder Lake processors lack official AVX-512 instruction support, activation is achievable by deactivating the “Gracemont” cores and keeping the “Golden Cove” performance cores operational. This configuration yields marginally enhanced performance and better power efficiency compared to standard AVX2 instructions. Although electronic cores offer benefits in specific workloads, the AVX-512 instructions also appear to boost efficiency.
However, this situation is poised to change. According to Igor’s Lab, Intel has directed motherboard manufacturers to eliminate AVX-512 support for Alder Lake processors through a forthcoming BIOS update. This action, unsurprisingly, precedes Intel’s imminent launch of its non-K Alder Lake series, which will comprise primarily P-core models (Core i5 and Core i3 will be non-hybrid).
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Intel’s Sneaky Alder Lake BIOS Update: Killing AVX-512, Stifling Performance Potential?
Intel’s latest move regarding its Alder Lake processors has sent ripples of discontent through the tech community. According to reports from Igor’s Lab and others, Intel is mandating a BIOS update that will disable AVX-512 support across the entire Alder Lake desktop CPU lineup. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a significant performance limitation imposed on a feature that, while unofficially supported, offered tangible benefits.
The situation is particularly perplexing. While Intel never officially claimed Alder Lake supported AVX-512, savvy users discovered that by disabling the “Gracemont” efficient cores and sticking to the “Golden Cove” performance cores, AVX-512 could be enabled. This resulted in measurable performance boosts and improved power efficiency in certain workloads, exceeding even AVX2’s capabilities in some instances (as illustrated by the chart from Igor’s Lab). The fact that performance was improved, even marginally, using AVX-512 in this workaround indicates Intel has known about this capability all along.
So, why the sudden, forceful removal? Intel’s timing is suspicious. This mandatory
