AMD has made a significant stride in enhancing gaming performance for its Ryzen 9000 “Zen 5” and Ryzen 7000 CPUs, with the introduction of branch prediction optimizations now available in Windows 11 23H2. This update comes as a relief for users who prefer not to upgrade to the latest Windows 11 24H2 version, which has been associated with various challenges for those who utilize their machines for more than just gaming.
Branch Prediction Optimizations Now Accessible
Initially, AMD had announced that these optimizations would be exclusive to the upcoming Windows 11 24H2. However, the company has since confirmed that the same enhancements will be backported to Windows 11 23H2, allowing users to benefit from improved gaming performance without the need for a full OS upgrade. The update, identified as “KB5041587,” can be found under the “Optional Updates” section in the Windows Update menu, making it straightforward for users to access.
“We wanted to let you know that the branch prediction optimization found in Windows 11 24H2 has now been backported to Windows 11 23H2. Users will need to look for KB5041587 under Windows update > Advanced options > Optional updates. We expect the performance uplift to be very similar between 24H2 and 23H2 with KB5041587 installed.” — AMD Representative to Wccftech
Early performance tests indicate that both the Ryzen 9000 “Zen 5” and Ryzen 7000 “Zen 4” CPUs can experience notable gains, with some games showing improvements in the double-digit range. However, the extent of performance uplift varies across different titles, with certain games reflecting only marginal improvements that fall within the margin of error. Nonetheless, this update enhances the gaming value of the new AM5 Desktop CPUs compared to their initial launch performance.
While the optimizations specifically target the Ryzen 9000 and 7000 series, it is worth noting that the new “Admin” privileges introduced in Windows 11 also provide a performance boost applicable to all processors, including those from competitors like Intel.
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For those interested in exploring the latest offerings from AMD, the Ryzen 9000 and 7000 series CPUs are now positioned as more compelling options for gamers seeking enhanced performance.
