You're in for some good news if you own a modern Ryzen desktop CPU. AMD has partnered with Microsoft to release a new optimisation patch that enhances gaming performance on Ryzen CPUs. Originally planned for the upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2, this update has now been backported to the existing 23H2 version, making it available sooner than expected.
How to get the performance boost
This update significantly improves gaming performance across various Ryzen CPUs, including the widely used 7800X3D model. To take advantage of this enhancement, look for the update labelled KB5041587. You can find it by going to Windows Update, selecting ‘Advanced options', and then choosing ‘Optional updates'. According to AMD, “The performance uplift will be very similar between 24H2 and 23H2 once KB5041587 is installed.”
Reviewers have already begun testing this update before the official release of Windows 11 version 24H2, which is expected to be available by late September. Early tests have shown that the update can lead to an average 10 per cent improvement in gaming performance at 1080p resolution on the older Ryzen 7700X chip. For those using the latest Ryzen 9700X, benchmarks from Hardware Unboxed show an 11 per cent performance boost across multiple games with the same Windows 11 24H2 update.
The background behind the update
The decision to optimise gaming performance on Ryzen CPUs came after initial benchmark results for AMD's latest Zen 5 desktop CPUs fell short of expectations. In response, AMD and Microsoft have been collaborating to optimise AMD-specific branch prediction code in Windows 11. This cooperation has resulted in a performance patch now available in the upcoming 24H2 and the current 23H2 versions of Windows 11.
By backporting this optimisation to the existing Windows 11 version 23H2, Microsoft has made it easier for you to enjoy these performance gains without participating in the Release Preview programme to test the 24H2 update. The update aims to deliver a smoother and more responsive gaming experience, a welcome improvement for gamers using Ryzen CPUs.
What's next for Ryzen users?
With the release of this update, you no longer need to wait for the full 24H2 update to enjoy better gaming performance on your Ryzen-powered PC. The optimisation patch is expected to roll out to all users soon, so keep an eye on the optional updates section in your Windows Update settings. For those of you looking for even more enhancements, the official 24H2 update will bring further improvements when it becomes available.
