You're about to see a significant improvement in performance for AMD's new Zen 5 CPUs, thanks to Microsoft's upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2 update. Launched earlier this month, the Ryzen 9000 series initially struggled to meet performance expectations, leaving many reviewers underwhelmed. However, AMD has now confirmed that the upcoming Windows update will include optimisations specifically designed to enhance performance for its Zen 5 processors.
Performance improvements across Zen 5, Zen 4, and Zen 3 CPUs
According to AMD, the performance boost won't be limited to just the Zen 5 CPUs. The company has revealed that the update will also improve the efficiency of the Zen 4 and Zen 3 chips. While exact figures for these older processors haven't been disclosed, AMD predicts a 13% performance increase for its flagship Ryzen 9 9950X CPU when running Far Cry 6 on Windows 11 version 24H2, compared to the current version 23H2. Additionally, you can expect a 7% performance boost in Cyberpunk 2077, a significant gain from a single Windows update.
These optimisations are linked to the AMD-specific branch prediction code, which will be fine-tuned in the new Windows release and is expected to roll out next month. AMD has assured that it's working closely with Microsoft to ensure this update is available to all Windows 11 users soon. If you're using one of the older Zen processors, this update might provide the uplift you've been waiting for.
Initial Ryzen 9000 series performance raises concerns
In the initial reviews, AMD's new Ryzen 9 9950X didn't quite deliver the expected performance leap over its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X. For example, in a 13-game average at 1080p with an RTX 4090, the 9950X was found to be only 1% faster than the 7950X. In productivity benchmarks, the difference was a mere 3%. Such results raised questions about whether the new processor was worth the upgrade.
Given these modest improvements, you might wonder whether the upcoming Windows update will genuinely offer the performance gains AMD claims. Reviewers and users alike are now eagerly waiting for testing with the 24H2 update to see if the performance gap between the Ryzen 9 9950X and its predecessor can be widened.
AMD remains confident in the Ryzen 9000 series
Despite the underwhelming initial benchmarks, AMD is confident that the Ryzen 9000 series will still offer leading performance, particularly in content creation, productivity, and AI applications. The company insists that with the new Windows 11 update, you will experience a more powerful and responsive system, whether gaming, working, or engaging in creative tasks.
As the release date for Windows 11 version 24H2 approaches, it's worth monitoring how these updates will affect your system's performance. Whether running the latest Zen 5 CPUs or sticking with an older Zen 4 or Zen 3 chip, this update could make a noticeable difference to your computing experience.
