Nvidia Promises Fix for DPC Latency Issues
Nvidia has assured users that a fix for its DPC latency issues with drivers is on the way. The company is currently working on an update that will undergo standard QA testing before being released. Despite previous efforts to minimize input latency and improve responsiveness through initiatives like Nvidia Reflex, users have still experienced DPC latency problems across multiple GPU generations.
If you've ever encountered stutters, skips, or glitches in your video or audio, you may have experienced DPC latency. This refers to system latency caused by a Deferred Procedure Call (DPC) in Windows, which can interrupt activities such as gaming, video viewing, and music creation or listening.
While there are tools available to check and minimize DPC latency on your PC, a proper fix requires a device driver that has been coded to avoid excessive latencies in DPCs. Fortunately, Manuel Guzman, Nvidia's spokesperson for software quality assurance, has confirmed that the company has resolved its driver DPC latency issues.
"We have fixed it," says Guzman, "but it's currently going through the standard QA [quality assurance] process." However, he adds, "it's already done," indicating that the fix has already been developed and is ready for release.
Guzman states that the effectiveness of the fix will become apparent once the updated drivers are available. Nonetheless, it is reassuring to know that Nvidia has put in the necessary work to address this long-standing issue.
In the meantime, you can consult our list of systems and their tested DPC latencies to assess your own setup. Additionally, Nvidia recommends closing GPU monitoring applications before updating your drivers to avoid potential issues where the GPU monitor utility inadvertently reduces performance.
Furthermore, if you are a Windows 11 user with an Nvidia GPU, be aware that Timeout Detection and Recovery (TDR) errors have been known to disrupt gaming sessions. Updating to the latest version will ensure that you are protected.
Stay tuned for the release of the fixed drivers. In the meantime, you can explore our top gaming graphics card picks for the best Nvidia options or consider the best AMD graphics card alternatives.
