Microsoft Releases Performance Boost for AMD Ryzen in Windows 11 23H2

In a notable development for AMD Ryzen users, Microsoft has announced the backporting of branch prediction optimizations from the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update to the current 23H2 version. This initiative aims to enhance performance for users sporting AMD's Zen 3, Zen 4, and Zen 5 CPUs without the need to wait for the full rollout of the 24H2 update, which is still in the release preview phase.

Key Details of the Update​

The update, designated as KB5041587, is now accessible and users can locate it through the Windows Update section under Advanced options > Optional updates. This backport will bring a significant performance uplift for Ryzen processors. According to an AMD spokesperson, the expected performance difference between the 23H2 update with the new optimization and the forthcoming 24H2 update will be minor, thus, the update is well worth the installation.

Previous Expectations and Current Realities​

Originally, many AMD users were anticipating enhanced performance solely with the forthcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. However, with this new backport to 23H2, users can experience immediate benefits. Reviewers have noted gains in various games; however, performance may vary as regressions have been observed in some titles following early testing of the 24H2 build. AMD's recent CPU lineup, particularly the Ryzen 9000 series, faced scrutiny for not delivering the expected performance uplift. Some reviewers have expressed concerns about the Ryzen 9 9950X, pointing out that it has not lived up to gaming and productivity expectations compared to competing chips, particularly from Intel's 13th and 14th-generation Core series. AMD attributed these mixed results to a variety of external factors, such as stability issues with Intel’s recent chipsets and testing environments that favored non-standard user profiles, like using administrative access instead of standard configurations.

Implications for Ryzen Users​

The introduction of improved branch prediction capabilities could breathe new life into AMD's products, offering enhanced performance in gaming and some productivity applications. If the performance improvements seen in Windows 11 24H2 preview builds are consistent, users of Ryzen 9000 chips may finally see the performance edge initially promised by AMD.

The Technical Angle: What is Branch Prediction?​

Branch prediction is a CPU performance optimization technique that attempts to guess the paths that programs might take during execution. By predicting the probable direction of branches—decision points in code—a CPU can pre-load the necessary commands, thereby reducing wait times and latency when executing programs. AMD's specific implementation of branch prediction optimizations is expected to show tangible benefits for its processors, significantly improving their efficiency and performance.

Performance Testing and Community Reactions​

As with any performance enhancement, the real-world impact can vary considerably depending on the specific hardware configuration and software environment. Users on forums have already begun sharing their update experiences. Many express encouragement and optimism regarding the incremental benefits of this backport.

• User Feedback: Discussions have ranged from excitement over immediate performance enhancements to skepticism about potential bugs and issues stemming from the optimizations.
• Reactions to Past Performance Reviews: Some users express frustration over mixed reviews of Ryzen 9000 performance, while others await concrete benchmarks to see if these software changes play a significant role in performance uplift.

Future Considerations​

While this news predominantly favors those invested in AMD’s ecosystem, it raises questions about whether similar updates will be made available for Intel CPUs in the future. With AMD labeling this branch prediction improvement as "AMD-specific," users wonder if Intel might release an equivalent optimization in the future or if there will be any measurable performance difference for Intel's latest offerings.

Recap of Key Points​

• Update Release: KB5041587 now available for Windows 11 23H2 for Ryzen CPUs.
• Performance Enhancements: Expected to be comparable to what users might see in the full 24H2 release.
• Community Testimony: Early feedback from users points toward variable results, promising but also having some regressions.
• Technical Insights: Branch prediction optimizations could significantly improve CPU efficiency and speed. In conclusion, AMD Ryzen users should consider installing the latest Windows update to take full advantage of the newly backported optimizations. The potential for substantial performance improvements not only rejuvenates current hardware but also adds a competitive edge in the gaming and productivity landscapes. For further details, visit the original report on Tom's Hardware Microsoft backports AMD branch prediction improvement to Windows 11 23H2, update available now — more users will see Ryzen performance improvements.

 

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Windows 11 23H2 Receives Unexpected Performance Optimizations for AMD CPUs In a surprising turn of events, Windows 11 users with Ryzen 7000 and 9000 processors can now access significant gaming performance enhancements through a recent update. This development comes earlier than many anticipated, as AMD CPUs have undergone a serious optimization effort that has now been integrated into the OS much sooner than expected.

The Details of the Update​

The key component of this performance boost comes from the optional Windows 11 update, known as KB5041587. According to insights from Tom's Hardware, this update tackles improvements in branch prediction code specifically designed for modern Ryzen processors starting from the Ryzen 5000 series onwards. Extensive tests conducted by Hardware Unboxed reveal that these improvements may lead to an impressive average increase of around 10% in gaming performance. While this update is a welcomed surprise, it is important to note that it is still in preview mode. The forthcoming Windows 11 24H2 update, which is currently available only to select devices, was expected to include these performance gains. However, the backporting of these enhancements into the 23H2 version signifies a proactive approach by Microsoft in addressing user needs and potentially boosting AMD's competitive edge.

Implications of the Performance Uplift​

AMD has conveyed optimism regarding the upgrade, indicating that the performance uplift in 23H2 should closely mirror the enhancements noted in the 24H2 preview. However, this promise comes with an inherent caution; while AMD users can expect noticeable improvements, those installed on 23H2 might not experience the exact same results achieved in the 24H2 preview environment. Even with slightly diminished performance enhancements, AMD users should still expect significant gains; a drop-off in performance of merely one or two percentage points would still translate to around an 8% boost. A conservative estimate suggests that users may see improvements closer to 5%, ensuring that playing games on AMD systems will become a noticeably smoother experience.

Timing and Future Updates​

Current users of AMD Ryzen processors are encouraged to adopt this optional update quickly, as the KB5041587 patch will transition into the cumulative update set for release next month. This finalized patch promises to deliver the same performance boosts to users across the Ryzen 5000, 7000, and 9000 series.

Who Will Benefit from This Update​

Interestingly, Ryzen 5000 users are also expected to benefit from these optimizations; however, until further testing is completed, the specific impact on this series remains to be confirmed. It has been suggested that this update will significantly differ for Intel CPUs, which appear to be unaffected by these optimizations. Data from Hardware Unboxed indicates that there is no comparable performance boost for Intel's Core i5 chips with the 24H2 update. For Intel, this update creates a challenging environment, as AMD's Ryzen products suddenly gain enhanced capabilities. Should the performance gains hold firm across various gaming scenarios, the balance in the CPU market could shift, offering AMD an unpredicted advantage in gaming performance.

Performance Testing and Results​

According to Hardware Unboxed, the upfront statistics suggest an average performance increase of 10%, albeit some games may exhibit frame rate drops. This reveals that while some titles benefit substantially from the update — with improvements exceeding 20% — others may not see the same level of enhancement, highlighting the variability in gaming performance relative to individual configurations. Key distinctions in outcomes can also arise from whether games are bottlenecked by the GPU or CPU. The latter can often be the limiting factor in gaming performance, hence measuring frame rates amidst distinct configurations becomes a substantial point of analysis when evaluating this update's overall effectiveness.

Conclusion​

As Windows 11 users gear up to experience this unforeseen gaming performance uplift, it is clear that Microsoft and AMD’s collaborative approach addresses long-standing concerns regarding optimization and performance consistency. The rollout of the KB5041587 patch marks a significant step toward improving AMD’s presence in competitive gaming, simultaneously heightening user experience for many. This unexpected boost positions AMD favorably amid ongoing competition with Intel, sparking renewed interest from PC gamers who will undoubtedly cheer on these enhancements. Source: Thought you’d have to wait for AMD’s big gaming speed boost for Ryzen 7000 and 9000 CPUs? Surprise – it’s here now with a Windows 11 update