NVMe InterruptSteeringMode: spreading NVMe interrupts across processor cores
Short answer
UpdatedAn NVMe drive raises an interrupt when a read or write finishes. InterruptSteeringMode tells the Windows storage driver how to distribute those interrupts across cores instead of concentrating them. In the registry it sets InterruptSteeringMode to 1 under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\stornvme\Parameters\Device.
HKLMSYSTEM\
InterruptSteeringMode01
What it does
An NVMe drive raises an interrupt when a read or write finishes. InterruptSteeringMode tells the Windows storage driver how to distribute those interrupts across cores instead of concentrating them.
In the app the switch is called "NVMe IRQ Spread", described there as: Spreads NVMe MSI-X across CPUs to reduce ISR contention.
When it helps, and when it hurts
When it helps
- Heavy loading on fast NVMe drives, where one core handling every storage interrupt can become a bottleneck.
When it hurts
- On most desktops the default is already fine, and the change is not measurable.
- It needs a restart to apply.
What it writes
Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.
| Key and value | With the tweak | Switching it off |
|---|---|---|
| HKLMSYSTEM\ | 1 | 0 |
From the app's source (nvme_affinity_spread.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked .
The same change by hand
You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\stornvme\Parameters\Device" /v "InterruptSteeringMode" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /freg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\stornvme\Parameters\Device" /v "InterruptSteeringMode" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /freg query "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\stornvme\Parameters\Device" /v "InterruptSteeringMode"How to undo it
In the app: Yes
Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.
Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. It writes InterruptSteeringMode back to 0.
Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.
Verdict
A niche setting for storage-heavy loads. It is harmless, but do not expect to feel it in a game.
Questions
- What does the "NVMe IRQ Spread" tweak change in Windows?
- In the registry it sets InterruptSteeringMode to 1 under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\stornvme\Parameters\Device.
- What is the standard value of InterruptSteeringMode?
- Frozen Tweaks writes 0 when you switch the tweak off, which is the value it treats as the Windows standard. With the tweak on, InterruptSteeringMode is 1.
- Is "NVMe IRQ Spread" safe to switch on?
- A niche setting for storage-heavy loads. It is harmless, but do not expect to feel it in a game. The main cost: On most desktops the default is already fine, and the change is not measurable.
- How do I undo it?
- Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.
- Is "NVMe IRQ Spread" 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.
In the app
- Switch
- NVMe IRQ Spread
- Category
- Memory
- Plan
- Pro
- Undo
- Yes
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Written by
Frost LIVEFounder of Frozen Tweaks, based in Hamburg, Germany. Publishes settings guides for competitive games on his YouTube channel, Frost LIVE.
In the app
- Category
- Memory
- Plan
- Pro
- Undo
- Yes
Frozen Tweaks
Free for Windows 10 and 11
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.
The free Windows app for competitive games.
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Frozen Tweaks runs on Windows. Send the link to your PC and download it there.
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.