The software manufacturer Bitsum recently made the small program Coredirector available as a free download. The software is specifically designed for Intel processors with performance and efficiency cores, including all CPUs from the Alder Lake generation onward (tested). Intel offers a similar software called Application Optimizer (APO), but it comes with limitations.
Intel APO requires a supported Raptor Lake Refresh CPU (tested), currently only functions in two games, and requires a motherboard that supports the function as well as its own driver. Coredirector, on the other hand, doesn’t have these limitations but requires users to manually find the best settings, whereas APO operates automatically.
Typically, Windows, along with UEFI settings and the Intel chipset driver, automatically assigns all threads to the most suitable CPU cores. While this works often, it’s not always perfect. In cases where it fails, Coredirector aims to provide a solution.
Completely disabling E-cores is rarely practical
Three different modes are supported. The Efficiency mode allows for complete deactivation, similar to disabling E-cores in the UEFI. Applications won’t use the E-cores at all. The CPU Affinity mode prioritizes P-cores unless the application explicitly selects E-cores. The third mode aims to provide a certain level of control to the operating system, but less than usual.
For those with a compatible CPU interested in trying the program, the lightweight application of just 300 kilobytes can be downloaded directly from the manufacturer Bitsum or via the Microsoft Store.
It’s important to monitor the game’s frame rate while experimenting with different modes. In some cases, improvements in the double-digit percentage range are possible, but typically Windows assigns all threads to the correct cores even without manual intervention.
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