CPU performance Archives

Winsage

July 5, 2026

I tested the new ASUS Zenbook A14 Windows laptop, and its 2026 upgrade to Snapdragon X2 Elite impressed me

ASUS has released the Zenbook A14 (UX3407) featuring the Snapdragon X2 Elite processor, retailing at ,999.99. It includes 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB SSD, with a 14-inch non-touch OLED display at 1920 x 1200 resolution and a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz. Best Buy offers a version for ,349.99 with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, and another for ,799.99 with the same RAM and storage as the ASUS configuration. The laptop weighs 2.18 lbs (0.99 kg) and has a "Ceraluminum" chassis with a 'Zabriskie Beige' finish. It has a maximum brightness of 407 nits, with a peak brightness of 600 nits for certain areas, and covers 100% of the sRGB and P3 color gamuts. The Snapdragon X2 Elite processor outperforms Apple's M5 chip in benchmarks and shows significant improvements over its predecessor. Battery life is claimed to be over 33 hours under ideal conditions, but real-world testing showed a maximum of 23 hours and 38 minutes. The laptop features decent speakers and an adequate webcam, though some pre-installed applications may not be preferred by all users.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

How I think Microsoft’s campaign to fix Windows 11 is going so far — the verdict now we’re 3 months in

Microsoft is working to improve Windows 11, having started this initiative in late March 2026. Key changes include a customizable Start menu, a repositioned and adjustable taskbar, and a refined widgets board that removes the default MSN feed with ads. Windows search results have been optimized to reduce clutter, and new options allow Home users to delay updates indefinitely, along with bundling updates to minimize reboots. Performance enhancements include faster File Explorer launch speeds, a 'Low Latency Profile' for improved CPU performance, a 'turbo mode' for quicker installations, and a 'Driver Quality Initiative' to enhance OS drivers and reduce battery drain. A point-in-time restore feature has also been introduced. Microsoft is engaging with the Windows community for feedback and has established panels for user testing. However, bugs remain a concern, particularly with the Recycle Bin and storage issues, indicating a need for a stronger quality assurance process. Users have expressed interest in removing intrusive recommendations, installing Windows 11 with a local account, and disabling telemetry in the Home version.

Winsage

July 4, 2026

How to Enable Windows 11 CPU Boost

Modern processors can automatically adjust their clock speeds based on demand. Windows 11 includes a feature called CPU boost that allows users to manage CPU performance responsiveness, balancing power efficiency and performance. CPU boost modifies how often Windows prompts the CPU to enter boosted states without changing the maximum turbo speed or hardware limitations. Users can select aggressive settings for improved responsiveness or less aggressive modes for reduced heat and power consumption. To enable CPU boost, users can either modify the Registry Editor or use a command in the Command Prompt. Once enabled, users can configure their preferences in the Control Panel under Power Options. Available boost mode settings include Disabled, Enabled, Aggressive, Efficient Enabled, and Efficient Aggressive, with options varying by CPU model and Windows version. Monitoring performance and system metrics after selecting a mode is recommended.

Winsage

July 2, 2026

Windows 11’s Start menu redesign is getting a redesign

Microsoft is redesigning the Windows 11 Start menu in response to user feedback about its size and layout. The new design will utilize native WinUI technology for improved performance and include a Low Latency Profile feature to optimize CPU performance. Key changes will allow users to customize the Start menu with resizing options (Large and Small modes) and the ability to hide specific sections, including the pinned section, apps list, and recommended section. These updates are currently being tested in an Insider build and are expected to be released with Windows 11 26H2 in October.

Winsage

June 22, 2026

I forced Windows 11’s CPU boost on a 10-year-old PC, and it feels surprisingly new

Windows 11 has introduced the Low Latency Profile to enhance the responsiveness of the Start menu, Search, and Action Center by rapidly increasing CPU frequency during user interactions. Testing on a Lenovo ThinkCentre M700 Mini Desktop with a 6th Generation Intel Core i3-6100 processor showed that the Low Latency Profile could be activated via the June 2026 Patch Tuesday update (KB5094126) and the third-party tool ViVeTool. Initially, no significant CPU frequency spike was observed, but after enabling the feature, the CPU frequency increased from approximately 800MHz to 3.0GHz and then to 3.7GHz almost instantaneously during interactions. This resulted in a marked improvement in the responsiveness of the Start menu and Action Center, with the latter showing the most significant enhancement. The Low Latency Profile effectively improved performance on older systems without adverse effects on battery life or thermal output.

Winsage

June 19, 2026

Sorry Microsoft, Windows 10 taskbar is still better than Windows 11, and here’s why

The taskbars of Windows 10 and Windows 11 differ significantly in design and functionality. Windows 11 features a centered icon layout by default, while Windows 10 has left-aligned icons. The search functionality in Windows 10 includes a larger "Type here to search" bar, whereas Windows 11 offers a more compact search button or box. Windows 10's right-click menu provides extensive customization options directly, while Windows 11's is more minimalistic and requires navigating to settings for customization. Windows 10 allows users to toggle small taskbar buttons, a feature that was initially absent in Windows 11 but has since been reintroduced. Taskbar repositioning in Windows 10 is straightforward, while Windows 11 requires accessing settings for repositioning. Windows 11 combines app icons by default and hides labels, complicating navigation compared to Windows 10's clearer visual cues. The Start menu in Windows 10 is resizable and features Live Tiles, which are not present in Windows 11's fixed-size Start menu. Windows 10's News and Interests feature contrasts with Windows 11's Widgets board, which has been criticized for being intrusive. Windows 11's Quick Settings separates toggles and notifications into two panels, enhancing user experience, while Windows 10's clock flyout offered a native agenda view that has been removed in Windows 11. Windows 11 includes a performance enhancement for taskbar flyouts to improve responsiveness on budget hardware, a feature not needed in Windows 10. Additionally, Windows 11 introduces a Resume function for Android activities and is developing AI integrations for the taskbar, which are not available in Windows 10.

Winsage

June 17, 2026

Windows 11 Quietly Added A Feature That Could Speed Up Your Old PC

Windows 11 has introduced a feature called Low Latency Profile, which enhances CPU performance by allowing it to reach maximum clock speeds quickly during application launches or actions. Users can observe these performance changes in real-time through the Task Manager or use third-party applications like HWiNFO for more detailed metrics. The feature's toggling is not straightforward, leading to uncertainty about its impact on battery life for laptops and tablets. It is particularly beneficial for gamers who can enable performance mode within Windows.

Winsage

June 15, 2026

Windows 11’s June update makes PCs feel faster. Here’s what’s new

On Patch Tuesday in June 2026, Microsoft released a significant update for Windows 11, designated as KB5094126. Key enhancements include: - Low Latency Profile: Boosts CPU clock speeds temporarily for specific tasks, reducing lag during operations. - Simultaneous Webcam Access: Allows multiple applications to use the webcam simultaneously. - Shared Audio: Enables two users to connect headphones to one PC for shared audio enjoyment. - NPU Usage Monitoring: Task Manager displays Neural Processing Unit usage for individual processes, with new columns for NPU and NPU Engine. - Enhanced Windows Search: Users can locate files with just two characters instead of three. The update also introduces new Secure Boot certificates for improved security. After installation, Windows 11 build numbers will show either 26200.8655 (25H2) or 26100.8655 (24H2). Updates are rolled out gradually, so some users may experience delays in accessing features.

Winsage

June 13, 2026

Windows 11’s Low Latency Profile Is Available Now. Here’s How to Use it

Microsoft has rolled out its Low Latency Profile to all Windows 11 users, optimizing CPU performance for quicker frequency ramp-up when using Windows features. This update enhances responsiveness, particularly in tasks like opening the Start menu and other native elements. To access the feature, users need to download the June 2026 Patch KB5094126 for specific OS builds and reboot their systems. The update also includes improvements such as better Shared Audio capabilities, multi-app camera support, and refinements to Windows Search.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Windows’ June update finally makes your sluggish PC feel snappier

Microsoft has rolled out the "Low Latency Profile" feature for Windows 11 as part of the June update KB5094126, available for all Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 PCs. This feature enhances responsiveness during tasks like launching applications and accessing the Start menu by temporarily increasing CPU clock speed to its maximum for 1 to 3 seconds during actions that cause lag. Users must install update KB5094126 and check for a build number of 26200.8655 for 25H2 or 26100.8655 for 24H2 to access the feature. The activation of the Low Latency Profile may not be immediately visible, and the HWiNFO app can be used to monitor CPU activity for confirmation of its activation.