I remember checking CPU performance before the BIOS updates. Before the changes, I tested it the way Intel processors are usually benchmarked—by setting the BIOS so it wouldn’t limit the CPU, allowing it to run at full performance. I used Cinebench R23 for those tests; I typically use 3DMark only for GPU benchmarking, as that’s what it’s mainly designed for.
After installing the updated BIOS and configuring it according to Intel’s recommended settings (i.e., with limits applied), if I recall correctly, there was a noticeable difference in CPU performance.
Since you bought your system in December 2024 - well after Intel’s microcode and BIOS revisions were released - you wouldn’t have been able to test your own machine “before” those updates, nor directly compare its performance pre- and post-patch.
edit
I found my old benchmarks - one from December 2022, right after I bought CPU and another from August 2024, after the microcode update to version 0x129.
There’s definitely a noticeable drop in scores after the Intel controversy and the subsequent updates. As I mentioned earlier, Intel’s patches had a clear impact on CPU performance.
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I know that and never said performance was changed on my system with the microcode update. The main point I was trying to make is my CPU has not shown any performance degradation even with the latest microcode update and since I started using my computer.
BTW, the main reason I bought from Alienware was the sale price. I also received Dell credits which I used to purchase a wireless gaming keyboard and mouse. And I got two free games to boot. Indiana Jones and Throne and Liberty.
Thank you for posting the screen shots. I learned something new today thanks to you. I learned Cinebench is free so I gave it a whirl.
I used the default Alienware OC’ing setting which is labeled as performance. While that setting gives the best scores, there is no way to adjust the fans using that preset.
The only way to adjust fan speeds is to use the Custom preset and that has several OC settings, but the scores are worse. However using Custom preset I have been able to adjust my fan curves and prevent throttling. This is the setting I prefer, and I still get great performance.
I know someone made software that eliminates Alienware Command Center and it has many more settings. I haven’t tried it and don’t intend to.
Alienware locks down many settings in the bios so there isn’t much I can change there.
I might be able to improve the CPU scores using Intel’s XTU but I don’t want to mess with it.
Anyways, I also learned I believe you are right that the microcode has decreased scores.. 
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Thanks for your reply! As you probably noticed, my i9 13900K (from 2022, before the microcode updates) was actually faster than your 14900K with the current microcode patches in place. Unfortunately, these microcode updates do impact performance and we as gamers end up paying the price. In your case, it means you paid for a newer CPU that now performs worse in some scenarios.
On some of Intel’s own pages, it was claimed that microcode updates wouldn’t affect the performance of 13th and 14th gen CPUs. Unfortunately, Intel wasn’t honest with us - again. This isn’t funny anymore; it’s downright embarrassing.
That’s actually one of the reasons I ended up switching from Intel to AMD.
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Use intel settings and apply a undervolt to get your performance back without any risk of damage. I played around a bit and an undervolt of 0.7 up to 0.8 on my i14900 is working great
Hey Guys!
I just wanted to post a little advise for those of you that often encounter CTDs!
If you are running a Intel 13th or 14th Gen CPU, Intel has recently released a mirrorcode update, since they admitted, that there could be a too weak clock-tree-circuit within those Gen CPUs.
Most Mainboards of Generation 600 or 700 did make this update available via. a BIOS Update.
As always, there is no guarantee this will solve anything, but i heard of many users, including myself, they are more vulnerable to rare ctds with those CPU Gens, so updating is always a good idea.
Intel Update Post:
Updating MSI BIOS:
https://www.msi.com/support/technical_details/MB_BIOS_Update
Updating Asus BIOS:
Find out your mainboard type:
What Motherboard Do I Have? | CORSAIR.
You can always just google your mainboard type and search for a bios update.
Save flights y’all!
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