BIOS Configuration

1. Reset BIOS to optimal defaults
   • Most BIOS provide an option for this in one of the available menus
2. Set the Package C-State Limit
   • When higher C-States values are made available such as C6, C7, C8 the more latency is introduced due to the time it takes to restore and transition the active power state.
   • Some configurations may be negatively impacted by disabling all avaiable C-States, if this is the case then try limiting the value to C2 or C3. This is likely due to a bottleneck in memory or cpu.
3. Disable Intel (R) Speed Shift Technology
4. Disable CPU Enhanced Intel Speedstep Technology (EIST) Function
5. Disable Turbo Boost
   • If you'd like to use Turbo Boost frequencies I'd recommend using a static overclock instead.
6. Enable Memory XMP Profile
7. Set any Fast Boot Settings to OFF
   • This may be in the Memory and other sections which let you control what devices that are powered up before it reaches the OS to save boot times.
8. Disable any Active State Power Management (ASPM)/Aggressive Link Power Management (ALPM) settings
   • This may be in the SATA and/or PCI configuration sections, check each section
9. Set your SATA disk controlled mode to AHCI
10. Disable OnBoard Video, Audio or Lan Controller if you have a PCI/USB one that is or will be installed.
11. Set your Primary Display Output to your dedicated graphics card if present
12. Leave High Precision Event Timer (HPET) ON in the BIOS if present or if it is enabled by default
13. Make sure Platform Power Management is disabled
14. Disable any onboard LED/RGB traces/lights, e.g. Gigabyte Ambient LED
15. Set your PCI Express Max Link Speed to Gen3, devices can negotiate lower spec as needed.

Other Considerations

• Disable or Enable Legacy USB Support & Port 60/64 Emulation
  • Having them enabled may cause the CPU to enter System Management Mode (SMM) via System Management Interrupt (SMI) which is a non blocking interrupt and may introduce minor latency.
  • If you're setting up a non UEFI operating system this may need to be on during install and can be turned off afterwards.
  • Your mileage may vary on this configuration option, typically the default is Legacy USB Support enabled. Try it and see if it negatively impacts your perceived user experience.