'Fixing' Intel Core Ultra Gaming Performance - RAM Speed Scaling & Core Isolation Tested

In this video I'm looking at memory scaling (DDR5-6000 up to DDR5-8200) and Core Isolation on/off testing on the new Intel Core Ultra Processors. *Do check the pinned comment for some notes!*

If you have any questions, just ask!

*Shopping Links:* (affiliate links)

**Lego Used* (affiliate links)
*No Lego was harmed in the making of this video.

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*Test System Specs* (affiliate links)
For Intel Core Ultra 200S
OS - Windows 11 PRO 24H2

For AMD 7000 Series CPUs:
OS - Windows 11 PRO 24H2

- Links above are affiliate links.
- All boards were set to their defaults, EXPO/XMP memory settings applied, ReBar On.
- Core Isolation was disabled. Game Mode On.

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If you want to support what I do, check these out:

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*Timestamps*
0:00​ - Introduction
0:40 - Components & Test Setup
1:20 - Memory Speed Scaling - DDR5-6000, DDR5-6400, DDR5-7200, DDR5-8200
5:05 - Core Isolation ON/OFF Testing
7:55 - Performance Summaries & Should You Buy Faster Memory?

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*Disclosure:*
- This product was provided by Intel for the purpose of testing. As per my own guidelines, they don't get any say about anything in this video or any of my other reviews. It's not sponsored by them, they also didn't get to preview this video beforehand, or any other nonsense like that. My reviews reflect my own views, nothing more, nothing less.
- Amazon links I provide are (typically) affiliate links. Using these does not cost you anything at all. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means they do provide me with a small commission when you decide to buy a product, at no cost to you.

#Intel #Gskill #CoreUltra

[TechTesters]

Hope you enjoy the video! I thought some of the data was very interesting at least. If you have any questions, ask! If you want to help support my channel and this type of content, maybe consider sharing it somewhere <3

Notes:
- I see some confusion about the memory used. These *are* CUDIMM modules. All data is using that same kit, just with the frequency scaled. Obviousy timing is another factor, but that's not part of this video.
- A clarification from Intel. Apparently there was a little bit of a misunderstanding. They would like to clarify that:

"VBS (or Core Isolation) does affect performance. But Arrow Lake has architectural improvements that make VBS more performant than on previous generations"

Basically, Core Isolation was in fact expected to impact performance, just that the impact should be smaller on Arrow Lake than on 12-14th gen CPUs. Or if we turn that around, any testing with Core Isolation ON would make Arrow Lake look better *relative* to Raptor Lake, not better in *absolute* numbers. This doesn't affect any of the data you see here of course.

[eclipticsight]

The most level headed overview of 285k not bashing or singing praise and glad to see that core isolation off is still the way to go.

[mkyeny]

Interesting results, thanks for the retests.

[UruguayOC]

nice video as always!
Core Isolation requires Virtualization to be ON in BIOS and it's bound to it, so, my guess is that when you don't use VT, Core Isolation stays OFF. I'm a overclocker and also a gamer and never use VT, in fact, you can test this by disabling VT on BIOS and then when you search for Core Isolation in Windows it will say "page not avaiable" or something like that and instead it will show you TPM etc, but not Core Isolation anymore. Sometimes it takes some reboots, but, it will be gone with VT OFF.
All the Best, Sergio!

[Patrick]

Thank you Nada. The 285K is a paper launch so far, but it's nice to see there's at least some benefit to faster memory despite the high latency design Intel decided to go with. Looking forward to your 9800X3D review.

[bounce]

You have one of the most straight forward channels I have ever had the privilege of watching. Your words are so concise your remarks are so clear. Thank You !!

[demiankeaough]

Did intel even test these things before launch? Doesn't seem like it. Thanks for doing intels job for them. Great video.

[giovannigio]

I am a 12th gen owner, to be onest I never heard of core isolation up until this week. I checked, it is fortunately off so I didn't give away performance for no reason over the past 2 years. thanks for informing us

[MatthieuPinheiro-bu]

Great video and investigations ;) I immediately disable Core Isolation ! Thank you for your researchs.

[MoreThanTech]

Hi there, can you share the RAMs model code?
I cannot find the 2x16 GB model that you quote on Gskill website or anywhere around!
And both the kits i received from MSI/ASUS are the same as yours, but 2x24 GB

I am trying to understand if 2x24 can influence performances, because from my testing 8200 MHz CUDIMM have little to none improvement over 6000 MHz UDIMM, while 7200 Mhz UDIMM grant a little +5% as per your video!

Thank you for your content, always on point!

[Igbon]

I'm still waiting for my CU-DIMM 9600 to arrive. This Friday. Also having just got my 285k up and running it was good to learn about Core Isolation. I should notice some good improvement when I replace the 4800 with the 9600. Thanks.

[yacinebotingo]

Always useful and great vids .. Happy to see u back keep goiing 💜

[atariplayer]

Hartelijk dank voor de Intel Core Ultra Gaming Performance-test Tech Mama 🤓💯

[oXiGaming]

Great test including the well known core isolation problem for 12/13/14th gens, maybe you can test further with core isolation off and resizable bar on/off, sometimes resizable bar can decrease gaming performance.

[blondegirl]

Your videos always make me chill and smile :) thank you 🥳

[imlucaswhitecastle]

As always, great work and review! I love your graphics. Unfortunately, we will have to wait a bit before buying any new Intel. Thank you!

[thestrykernet]

Appreciate the continued coverage and look forward to more though I imagine with Zen 5 X3D about a week out the CPU testing feels endless.

There's so much for everyone to figure out about these ARL CPUs I feel like it would have been beneficial for Intel to at least have given guidance in review guides as to what matters most. I've seen OC'd E-cores improve some gaming performance, as well as ring and D2D. Memory definitely has a more universal impact, but it'd be interesting to see whether or not latency has similar results to speed.

[DS-pkeh]

But going for faster memory means paying more?
So, value /performance is worse or better compared to others?

[XtrackerPx]

I loved this thrumbnail xD on your vid

[techwizard]

Do you recommend turning off core isolation for 12th and 13th gen ?