---
title: "MSI mode for HD Audio devices: can it fix crackling and DPC latency?"
description: "Audio controllers that share a line-based interrupt with another device can cause crackles and high DPC latency. What it changes and how to undo it."
url: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/msi-mode-hd-audio
author: Frost LIVE, Founder of Frozen Tweaks
published: 2026-10-08
updated: 2026-10-08
category: "CPU"
source: Frozen Tweaks (https://frozentweaks.com)
---

# MSI mode for HD Audio devices: can it fix crackling and DPC latency?

**Short answer:** Audio controllers that share a line-based interrupt with another device can cause crackles and high DPC latency. This tweak switches message signaled interrupts on for the audio devices that report support for it.

## In the app

- Switch: Force MSI for HD Audio (CPU, Pro, Advanced)
- Undo: Yes. Switching it off restores the audio controllers' previous MSI setting, which the app saves before changing it. No other device is touched.
- Game profiles that switch it on: Apex Legends, ARC Raiders, Battlefield 6 and 18 more
- Catalog row: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks#t-1045

## What it does

Audio controllers that share a line-based interrupt with another device can cause crackles and high DPC latency. This tweak switches message signaled interrupts on for the audio devices that report support for it.

In the app the switch is called "Force MSI for HD Audio", described there as: Enables MSI for audio devices where supported to cut DPC latency.

## When it helps

- Audio crackling under load on systems where the audio controller shares its interrupt.

## When it hurts

- An audio device that handles MSI badly can go silent, which is why the app saves the device's own setting and puts it back when you switch the tweak off.
- It does nothing for devices that already use MSI.

## What it writes

Read from the app's source. "Switching it off" is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

This tweak has no fixed list of registry values: it works through a driver's own settings, scheduled tasks or values that differ from PC to PC. The app reads what your PC has and changes only that.

## How to undo it

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks.

## Verdict

Try it when you have audio crackle and LatencyMon points at the audio driver. It needs a restart.

## Questions

### Is "Force MSI for HD Audio" safe to switch on?

Try it when you have audio crackle and LatencyMon points at the audio driver. It needs a restart. The main cost: An audio device that handles MSI badly can go silent, which is why the app saves the device's own setting and puts it back when you switch the tweak off.

### How do I undo it?

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off restores the audio controllers' previous MSI setting, which the app saves before changing it. No other device is touched.

### Is "Force MSI for HD Audio" free in Frozen Tweaks?

It is part of Frozen Pro and Elite. You can also make the change by hand with the values on this page.

## Related guides

- [How to Fix Stuttering and Frame Drops: Diagnose Before You Tweak](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/fix-stuttering-frame-drops)
- [How to Reduce Input Lag on PC: The Whole Latency Chain](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/reduce-input-lag)

## More tweak explainers

- [GPU interrupt affinity](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/gpu-interrupt-affinity)
- [HPET (High Precision Event Timer)](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-hpet)
- [Power throttling](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-power-throttling)

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Written by Frost LIVE, founder of Frozen Tweaks. Canonical version: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/msi-mode-hd-audio