AMD has made a noteworthy commitment to enhancing the performance of its Ryzen CPUs with the forthcoming 24H2 update for Windows 11. This update is particularly beneficial not only for the latest Ryzen 9000 series but also for several older models, promising a significant uplift in gaming performance.
Performance Boost Across Generations
Recent tests conducted by Hardware Unboxed on the Zen 4-based Ryzen 7 7700X and the newly released Ryzen 7 9700X (Zen 5) reveal impressive results. When comparing performance on Windows 11 version 23H2 and the anticipated 24H2, the findings indicate an average performance increase of 10 percent for the older Ryzen 7700X at 1080p resolution. Meanwhile, the Ryzen 9700X benefits from an 11 percent boost under the same conditions.
Further validation comes from KitGuru, which assessed AMD’s flagship gaming CPU, the 7800X3D, alongside the older Ryzen 9 7950X. Their results echoed similar performance enhancements in various gaming scenarios, highlighting the effectiveness of the 24H2 update.
This surge in performance arrives shortly after AMD's launch of its Zen 5 desktop CPUs, which initially garnered mixed reviews. Critics noted that the previous generation, particularly the Ryzen 9 7950X, often outperformed the new Ryzen 9 9950X in gaming contexts, raising questions about the value proposition of the latest offerings.
While the 24H2 update is set to enhance the capabilities of the new Zen 5 CPUs, it also underscores a lingering performance gap between the two architectures. Nevertheless, for Ryzen users, the update represents a straightforward opportunity to unlock enhanced performance for their existing hardware.
Microsoft is expected to roll out the 24H2 update for Windows 11 by late September. However, for those eager to experience the improvements ahead of the official release, joining the Windows Insider program allows access to the Release Preview builds. Alternatively, users can opt for a clean installation or manual upgrade, with ISO files for 24H2 readily available.