AMD fTPM Causes Random Stuttering Issue

[HarrySIX]

More and more people seem to be having this issue, so I feel the need to spread the word. Enabling the 'firmware TPM' causes system wide stuttering on a growing number of AMD based PC's, both on Windows 10 and Windows 11. In most cases these stutters last roughly 1-2 seconds, and happen about 3-4 times a day. Regardless of what programs are running.

 

My current build has the AMD RYZEN 9 5950X + ASUS PRIME X570-P, with all the latest software and drivers installed. This is, however, my 4th consecutive PC with this issue over the last 12 months.

 

I've managed to capture one of these stutters while streaming, here's what it looked like:

https://youtu.be/TYnRL-x6DVI

 

Having a TPM is a requirement for Windows 11, and apparently without it your system has a chance of not installing Windows Updates properly. However, sometimes the fTPM can also be automatically enabled on Windows 10 through updates. You can easily find out if it's enabled by typing 'tpm.msc' in the Windows Run command window.

 

From my experience the best two solutions for now are to roll back to Windows 10 (if you're on Windows 11) so you can disable fTPM safely, or to buy a discrete TPM module which slots into your motherboard. (EDIT: Unfortunately, some users have reported that installing a discrete TPM module does not get rid of the stutters. Your best bet would be to disable the fTPM instead.)

 

In my case, I've rolled back to Windows 10 and disabled the fTPM. No more stutters have happened since. Other users have reported no problems with installing updates with the fTPM disabled on Windows 11, there is however no guarantee this will stay this way.

 

Even though my stutters are gone, this does not tackle the problem at its roots. I believe this needs to be adressed through software updates, by motherboard manufacturers and AMD. I have yet to see anyone figure out what the actual underlying cause is of this issue.

 

I do want to clarify that I'm not an expert, I'm simply trying to shine a light on this issue that seemingly a lot of people are dealing with. I don't have the tools or the time to prove the actual underlying cause of this issue, I just want to share my experience on how I fixed it for myself.

 

Please keep in mind if you are planning to disable the TPM -- If you are using BitLocker, make sure you have your encryption key handy. You will probably need it.

 

Here are a few relevant threads also discussing this issue:

• Linus Tech Tips Forums https://linustechtips.com/topic/1353904-amd-ftpm-causing-random-stuttering/

• AMD Reddit (Recent Thread) https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/sbn10w/amd_ftpm_causing_random_stuttering_any_update_on/

• AMD Reddit (Old Thread) https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/pd9vgh/enabling_ftpm_causes_pc_to_stutter/?sort=confidence

• Lenovo Legion Forums https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Gaming-Laptops/Legion-5P-15ARH05H-micro-stutters/m-p/5067079?page=1

[emosun]

Was there any situation in windows 11 on that machine where the stutter didn't occur? Becuase if your variable was the tpm AND THE ENTIRE OS.... then theres a lot of things that can cause stutters

[HarrySIX]

8 minutes ago, emosun said:

Was there any situation in windows 11 on that machine where the stutter didn't occur? Becuase if your variable was the tpm AND THE ENTIRE OS.... then theres a lot of things that can cause stutters

Yes, it's common for this issue to disappear for days or even weeks, only for it to return at some point. Like I said, I can't prove the actual cause of the issue. Most people have no issues whatsoever with the TPM, but a lot of people do. What I can prove is that either disabling the fTPM or installing a discrete TPM solves this issue for pretty much everyone who tries it. A good place to confirm this is the other LTT forum link I've included.

[emosun]

1 minute ago, HarrySIX said:

What I can prove is that either disabling the fTPM or installing a discrete TPM solves this issue for pretty much everyone who tries it.

ok but other people aren't in question , did it solve the issue for your machine

[HarrySIX]

2 minutes ago, emosun said:

ok but other people aren't in question , did it solve the issue for your machine

Yes, it did. I went from having 3-4 stutters a day as seen in the vid I posted, to having none for 3 weeks already. Most people I've spoken to about this have been trying to find a solution for months, which is why I want to share my experience here. I know there's an ocean of solutions to all kinds of "stutters", which makes this type of stutter very hard to diagnose.