ACPI.SYS high DPC latency problem

Question

Hi,

I have a Dell Latitude 5420 and recently purchased an external sound card. However, I've been experiencing issues where the audio signal cracks, drops, and glitches at times. After running LatencyMon to check the DPC latency, I discovered that the latency is very high.

I've tried various solutions, but the issue persists. I suspect it might be related to the Dell laptop, as I don't encounter this problem when using the same sound card on my Mac or my son's PC.

Can someone please give me a hint how to eventually solve that?

fireberd · Accepted Answer

A clean install is the best way, but installing the extra drivers can cause problems. Background and what I did with a Dell Inspiron Gaming 15 that I used in my studio for client on-site recordings, such as a live concert. I tried getting the Dell Win 10 install cleaned for recording but couldn't. The 5577 had space and connections to install a second hard drive or SSD. I had a spare SSD so I installed it and made a dual boot system. One was the Dell disc image for any general PC use, the second was Windows 10, with only the Windows automatically installed drivers - NO additional drivers except the drivers for my MOTU recording interface unit. Only apps installed were my recording programs (Cakewalk and Studio one 4) the MOTU control program and Latency Mon. I could run Latency Mon for hours without problems.

I mention this because you noted doing a reinstall and like mine was OK until you added drivers. If this is only going to be used for recording I would do another clean install, with no additional drivers except the Focusrite 2i2 drivers. (And recording software). I didn't look at the spec's whether a second drive can be in

installed but like mine if you want dual use that is something to consider. Otherwise the install you noted was clean until additional drivers were installed will be best troubleshooting. Install one driver then run Latency Mon. If OK repeat with each additional driver until you find the one causing the problem.

I don't like telling someone to reinstall, but in this case it looks like the best option.

banderrras · Answer

My servicetag is <personal info removed> And here is the result of the latencyMon

fireberd · Answer

Not much to go on, your problems can run from the recording interfaces drivers to PC issues.

First, disable Dell Support Assist and the Dell supplied Antivirus (McAfee or Norton). Then restart the PC with those apps disabled and see how latency is.

Also what is brand and model of audio interface unit?

banderrras · Answer

@fireberd​ Thanks I've disabled Dell Support Assist and all antivirus programs, but unfortunately, the issue persists. Audio Interface is Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4 gen). I also opened a ticket with Focusrite, and they mentioned that the issue is most likely on the manufacturer's end.

fireberd · Answer

What do you have running at startup? I just ran Latency Mon on my Dell Laptop that is not configured for DAW use and not as bad as yours. Do not have thee 2i2 connected when you run Latency Mon and see if there is a difference.

I hate it when companies point fingers and don't give real support.

Which CPU and amount of memory do you have? There are several versions of your model PC

fireberd · Answer

Update?

banderrras · Answer

@fireberd​  What do you have running at startup?  I just ran Latency Mon on my Dell Laptop that is not configured for DAW use and not as bad as yours.  Do not have thee 2i2 connected when you run Latency Mon and see if there is a difference. I hate it when companies point fingers and don't give real support. Which CPU and amount of memory do you have?  There are several versions of your model PC There are no significant applications running at startup—just a few standard ones. The latency issue remains the same whether or not the 2i2 audio interface is connected. I recently performed a fresh installation of Windows 10. Before installing the laptop drivers, LatencyMon showed excellent results. However, after installing the drivers, the latency issue returned, even without the audio interface connected. Here are the CPU and memory specifications: Processor: 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1185G7 @ 3.00GHz, 1805 MHz, 4 Cores, 8 Logical Processors Installed Physical Memory (RAM): 16.0 GB

banderrras · Answer

@fireberd​ Thank you for the detailed response. I will go with the option of using a second 'clean' OS

Latitude

ACPI.SYS high DPC latency problem

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