The upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2 update is poised to bring a welcome performance boost for AMD's Ryzen processors, particularly benefiting the latest Zen 5 architecture. This news comes as AMD addresses the discrepancies between its internal benchmarks and reviewer findings for the recently launched Ryzen 9000 series.
Performance Improvements Across Generations
While the Zen 5-based Ryzen 9000 series is expected to see the most substantial gains, AMD has confirmed that Zen 4 (Ryzen 7000) and Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000) processors will also experience performance improvements. The update will optimize AMD-specific branch prediction code, a key factor in CPU performance.
AMD has provided some preliminary figures to illustrate the potential impact:
- For the Ryzen 9 9950X, AMD projects a 13% performance boost in Far Cry 6
- Cyberpunk 2077 is expected to see a 7% improvement
These numbers suggest a notable uplift from a single Windows update, particularly for gaming scenarios.
Addressing Launch Controversies
The announcement comes in the wake of the Ryzen 9000 series launch, which faced scrutiny due to performance results that fell short of AMD's initial claims. Many reviewers found the new flagship Ryzen 9 9950X only marginally outperforming its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X, in gaming benchmarks.
AMD attributes part of this discrepancy to the use of an administrative Windows account in their internal testing, which apparently unlocked additional performance through optimized branch prediction. The upcoming 24H2 update aims to bring these optimizations to standard user accounts.
Collaboration with Microsoft
AMD is working closely with Microsoft to expedite the release of these performance enhancements. While the full 24H2 update is expected to roll out next month, AMD has indicated that an optional update containing these specific optimizations may be available sooner.
Implications for Users and Reviewers
This development has several implications:
- Ryzen owners across multiple generations can look forward to potential performance gains, especially in gaming scenarios.
- Reviewers may need to reassess Ryzen 9000 series performance once the update is available, potentially altering the competitive landscape.
- The update underscores the importance of software optimization in realizing the full potential of hardware advancements.
As the update rolls out, users and enthusiasts alike will be keen to see if real-world performance aligns with AMD's projections, potentially redefining the value proposition of the Ryzen 9000 series and its predecessors.