diff --git a/.github/workflows/pr_perf_blocks_exec.yaml b/.github/workflows/pr_perf_blocks_exec.yaml
index 869ae7370a5..57ca4011740 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/pr_perf_blocks_exec.yaml
+++ b/.github/workflows/pr_perf_blocks_exec.yaml
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ jobs:
       - name: Install Hyperfine
         uses: taiki-e/install-action@v2
         with:
-          tool: hyperfine@1.16
+          tool: hyperfine@1.20
 
       - name: Fetch base binary
         uses: actions/cache/restore@v3
diff --git a/crates/storage/store.rs b/crates/storage/store.rs
index 1b2263fb6e9..70e67df3349 100644
--- a/crates/storage/store.rs
+++ b/crates/storage/store.rs
@@ -2382,6 +2382,15 @@ fn apply_trie_updates(
         storage_updates,
     } = trie_update;
 
+    if parent_state_root == child_state_root {
+        // if roots match it means the block doesn't change the state, thus we
+        // avoid emitting a diff layer
+        result_sender
+            .send(Ok(()))
+            .map_err(|_| StoreError::LockError)?;
+        return Ok(());
+    }
+
     // Phase 1: update the in-memory diff-layers only, then notify block production.
     let new_layer = storage_updates
         .into_iter()