MSI Introduces “Latency Killer” Feature in Updated X870E AM5 Motherboards to Resolve High DDR5 Memory Latency Issues

MSI recently addressed a peculiar problem with their AGESA 1.2.0.2a update for AM5 motherboards, which inadvertently introduced latency issues for DDR5 memory. This hiccup is managed by their new "Latency Killer" feature, specifically designed for the X870E motherboards.

MSI’s Latency Killer promises improved memory performance, but at a potential cost to CPU efficiency

Many motherboard manufacturers rolled out the AGESA 1.2.0.2a update, which assured full compatibility with Ryzen 9000X3D processors across the latest X870/X870E series. Unexpectedly, however, this update came with an unforeseen drawback—an increase in memory latency. MSI has now provided a fix by implementing a new feature to tackle this issue head-on.

Users reported that their MSI X870/X870E boards saw an increase of about 10 nanoseconds in memory latency with the AGESA 1.2.0.2a update. Though most users might not notice it without conducting specific tests, MSI’s addition of the Latency Killer feature brings relief to its X870/X870E owners.

A user, highlighted by @unikoshardware, observed that after accessing the BIOS of the MSI MEG X870E GODLIKE, they could enable Latency Killer. This setting offers three choices: Auto, Disabled, and Enabled. While the inner workings of the feature aren’t entirely transparent yet, it reportedly trims memory latency by around 8ns.

In further exploration, the MSI MPG X870E Carbon Wi-Fi was utilized alongside AIDA64 for memory benchmarking. Results showed a reduction in latency from 74.7ns to 66.7ns on an EXPO-enabled 8000 MT/s memory operating with the High Efficiency Mode (Tightest). Luckily, updating to the latest AGESA 1.2.0.2a BIOS doesn’t require a fresh download—a simple adjustment is all it takes.

Unikos Hardware notes that reverting to an older BIOS isn’t necessary; the latest update suffices with Latency Killer implemented. While the adjustment did positively affect benchmark scores in AIDA64, don’t expect to see substantial changes in most standard applications, including gaming.

Interestingly, the BIOS reveals a note for the Latency Killer option, stating:

Improves latency performance but may lower CPU performance.

This gives pause as it’s uncertain what level of impact, if any, users might experience concerning CPU performance when enabling Latency Killer. It’s termed "Potentially," suggesting that the impact could vary or be negligible. We are eager to hear back from users as they try out this MSI innovation and share their findings.

Source: @unikoshardware, FB

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