CPU C3/C6 support - disable?

[Bellzemos]

Hello!

Another quick question - some guy wrote on some forum that he disabled the CPU C3/C6 support on his Sony VAIO laptop and that now his DAW and audio production works generally better. He claimed that disabling C3/C6 state eliminates latency problems. I have a Sony VAIO too and am wondering if there's any truth in this. What do you think, would I benefit in any way doing it?

Thank you!

[outteh]

Actually, you need this enabled to get full capacity from your processor. Disabling it doesn't. Let the computer start or shut down cores as needed.

[Vibrant Audio]

Actually, disabling C-states should improve performance.

C3/C6 support is not for getting "full capacity" from processors, rather it allows for shutting down and throttling cores as a power saving feature - not usually helpful for audio computers. The time it takes for a cores to wake up can cause crackling and drop-outs.

The best thing to do is try it and see if you get improved performance.

[Bellzemos]

I think so too, that's what I've read. But I'm not sure what exactly should I check/try to notice the difference. Any idea?

[outteh]

If there is a way to leave all cores active, you are correct. This must be a newer feature of the latest Intel processors. Most of the past articles that talked about "throttling" cores recommended leaving them all on all the time.

[Vibrant Audio]

I think so too, that's what I've read. But I'm not sure what exactly should I check/try to notice the difference. Any idea?

You can make a new project and start adding tracks and effects. When you get to a point where you start to notice glitches, re-save that project.

Then restart your computer, disable C3/C6 during that process and open the project again. See if it still glitches and/or see if you can add more tracks and effects without glitches creeping in.