You can’t download more RAM, but for owners of modern Ryzen desktop CPUs, a significant enhancement in gaming performance is now available. Last week, AMD announced its collaboration with Microsoft on an optimization patch designed specifically for Ryzen CPUs, initially slated for the upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2 update. However, Microsoft has taken the initiative to backport these improvements to the current 23H2 version.
Performance Boost for Ryzen Users
This update, identified as KB5041587, promises a notable uplift in gaming performance across a range of Zen 4 and Zen 5 desktop Ryzen CPUs, including the widely popular 7800X3D chip. According to AMD, users can locate this update by navigating to Windows update > Advanced options > Optional updates. The company anticipates that the performance gains will be comparable between the 24H2 and 23H2 versions once KB5041587 is installed.
Reviewers have already begun testing the forthcoming 24H2 update for Windows 11, which is expected to roll out in late September. Initial findings indicate an average performance improvement of approximately 10 percent across various games at 1080p resolution when using an older Ryzen 7700X. Meanwhile, tests conducted on the latest Ryzen 9700X revealed an even more impressive 11 percent boost in performance under similar conditions.
Despite initial benchmark results for AMD’s latest Zen 5 desktop CPUs not meeting expectations, the collaboration between AMD and Microsoft has focused on optimizing AMD-specific branch prediction code within Windows 11. With the backporting of these enhancements to the existing Windows 11 version 23H2, users can now access these performance improvements without needing to enroll in Release Preview testing for the 24H2 update.
