Windows 11 Update Boosts Ryzen CPU Gaming Performance

While you can't download more RAM, you can now improve your gaming performance if you own a modern Ryzen desktop CPU. AMD recently announced a collaboration with Microsoft to release an optimization patch for Ryzen processors. Initially set for the upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2 update, Microsoft has made this patch available for the current Windows 11 version 23H2.

This update brings a significant performance boost to gaming on various Zen 4 and Zen 5 Ryzen CPUs, including the popular 7800X3D chip. AMD has instructed users to check for KB5041587 in Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates to access the enhancement. The performance improvements with this patch are anticipated to be similar between the 24H2 and 23H2 versions.

Early reviews of Microsoft's 24H2 update indicate an average 10 percent performance gain for games running at 1080p on the older Ryzen 7700X. For the newer Ryzen 9700X, Hardware Unboxed found an 11 percent increase in performance under similar testing conditions.

Initial benchmarks for AMD’s latest Zen 5 CPUs had been disappointing, leading to the revelation that AMD and Microsoft were working on optimizing AMD-specific branch prediction code within Windows 11. With this update now backported to 23H2, users no longer need to join the Release Preview program to benefit from the 24H2 improvements and enhanced Ryzen CPU performance.

This optimization not only boosts gaming performance but also addresses prior criticisms of the new CPUs, providing a more compelling case for Ryzen processors in the competitive market of gaming and high-performance computing.