The Intel Binary Optimisation Tool can help push Core Ultra 200S Plus processor performance in games, but the use of the feature in Geekbench 6 has prompted unexpected action from the benchmark’s developer. More specifically, Primate Labs is now flagging all results featuring compatible processors as potentially invalid.
Founder John Poole posted a blog post on the Geekbench website explaining that the company currently has no way to detect whether results reflect the use of the Binary Optimisation Tool or not. This is a problem as it muddles the comparability of scores, with Intel’s feature boosting point totals by up to 6% as per our Core Ultra 7 270K Plus review.
In light of this, any results featuring processors compatible with the Binary Optimisation Tool now display a banner that reads: “this benchmark result may be invalid due to binary modification tools that can run on this system.” Primate Labs describes this measure as a “hopefully temporary workaround”, presumably until it can figure out a longer term solution with Intel.
I believe Primate Labs’ wording here is a touch harsh, as I wouldn’t go so far as to describe results using the Binary Optimisation Tool as invalid. However, it’s easy to understand the firm’s reasons for flagging the potential use of the feature. After all, looking back at our own experience, the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is only able to overtake the Ryzen 5 9600X in single-core benchmarks through its use.
Teething problems like this are par for the course for most bleeding-edge applications, particularly ones of a nature akin to the Binary Optimisation Tool. I remember Application Optimisation facing struggles of its own upon launch, but the software’s since grown into something I recommend to anyone running an Intel gaming PC. With this perspective in mind, I’m sure it won’t be too long before this feature and Primate Labs can play nice.
For more on Arrow Lake Refresh, check out our my Core Ultra 7 270K Plus vs. Ryzen 7 9700X guide for a close analysis of how the two chips fare relative to one another.
