Do you have a PC with an AMD Ryzen CPU?
If so, be aware that AMD has found an issue that causes "temporary pauses in system interactivity or responsiveness."
The issue affects some Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems with the Firmware Trusted Platform Module (fTPM) enabled.
If you're not familiar with it, the fTPM handles cryptographic operations and is one of several minimum hardware requirements systems need to have in order to get support for Windows 11 installations. In other words, you can't get support for your OS unless you are hardware compliant, and you can't be hardware compliant unless you've got fTPM enabled.
AMD statement
Apparently, users have been complaining about these issues since January, but it has taken some time for AMD to research a proper explanation for why it is happening.
Apparently, the root cause can be traced back to the following: "Select AMD Ryzen system configurations may intermittently perform extended fTPM-related memory transactions in SPI flash memory ("SPIROM") located on the motherboard."
AMD had this to say about a BIOS update
And this can lead to what the company is describing as "a performance stutter."
Reddit users who have been tracking the issue say that it happens 3-4 times a day, regardless of what programs are running and tends to last about 2 seconds.
Now for the good news. The company has a temporary workaround you can make use of which is detailed on their site.
"AMD expects that flashable customer sBIOS files to be available starting in early May, 2022. Exact BIOS availability timing for a specific motherboard depends on the testing and integration schedule of your manufacturer. Flashable updates for motherboards will be based on AMD AGESA 1207 (or newer)."
My perspective
In the larger scheme of things, a two-second stutter isn't the end of the world, but it is annoying. If it's happening to you, either head to the AMD website for the workaround or wait until late May. A fix is coming.
I can just hear Osgood saying " Well, nobody's perfect"
By Denis Wilson
Thanks for reading this post. I always take into mind that your time and attention are precious. And these posts need to be timely, to the point, and short.
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I am also a published author and speaker on cloud computing, work-at-home, and cybersecurity. I work extensively with business and professional associations to provide free small business technology education programs.
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