A Performance Boost for AMD Ryzen CPUs But Not for Intel?

Windows 11 24H2

August 2024

PC Boss

Windows 11 24H2: The AMD Advantage

The AMD Ryzen 9000 series, powered by the Zen 5 architecture, was expected to deliver a 16% IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) boost. However, initial reception was lukewarm, with both reviewers and fans noting that the new processors fell short of expectations. The problem? Windows wasn’t taking full advantage of the improved branch prediction capabilities in Zen 5 CPUs. This issue led to underwhelming performance, particularly in scenarios where branch prediction plays a critical role, such as gaming and complex computations.

Branch prediction is crucial for modern CPUs, helping to reduce the penalties associated with branch mispredictions in highly pipelined processor designs. When the CPU can accurately predict the direction of a branch, it can keep the pipeline full and maintain high performance. If the prediction is wrong, however, the pipeline must be flushed and refilled, leading to delays and reduced performance.

AMD acknowledged the issue and suggested using Windows' hidden Administrator account as a temporary workaround. While this did provide some performance gains, the real solution was baked into the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. According to AMD, this update allows Windows to better leverage the enhanced branch prediction of Zen 5, resulting in noticeable performance improvements, especially in gaming.

Performance Testing: AMD vs. Intel

To assess the impact of the Windows 11 24H2 update, YouTube channel Hardware Unboxed (HwU) conducted a series of tests on AMD’s Ryzen 7 9700X (Zen 5) and Ryzen 7 7700X (Zen 4) processors. The results were impressive:

Ryzen 7 9700X (Zen 5): An average performance boost of 11% compared to Windows 11 23H2.

Ryzen 7 7700X (Zen 4): An average performance boost of 10%.

These tests were conducted at 1080p resolution, which is typically more CPU-bound than higher resolutions. This means that the actual performance gains in real-world scenarios could be even more significant.

In contrast, Intel CPUs did not show any noticeable improvement with the 24H2 update. This suggests that the performance boost is tightly linked to AMD's specific architecture and the improvements in Windows 11’s handling of branch prediction. For Intel users, upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 might not offer any tangible performance benefits, especially in gaming.

Why Intel Misses Out

The lack of improvement for Intel CPUs highlights the importance of software optimization for specific hardware architectures. While Intel processors have their strengths, the Windows 11 24H2 update is tailored to take advantage of the unique features in AMD’s Zen 4 and Zen 5 architectures. This could be due to differences in how AMD and Intel handle branch prediction, pipeline architecture, or other low-level CPU operations.

For Intel users, this means that the 24H2 update may not be worth the hassle if you’re looking for a performance boost. The focus on AMD-specific optimizations underscores the importance of considering your hardware configuration when deciding whether to update your operating system.

With the release of Windows 11 version 24H2, AMD Ryzen users have reason to celebrate. This update brings a significant performance boost, but it’s a gift that only AMD users will enjoy. Intel users, on the other hand, may find themselves left out in the cold. In this blog, we’ll dive into the specifics of what makes this update a win for AMD users, why Intel CPUs don't benefit, and how this might impact your decision to upgrade.

Top 10 Q/A on Windows 11 24H2 Performance Boost

What is the main benefit of Windows 11 24H2 for AMD Ryzen users?

The main benefit is a significant performance boost, particularly in gaming, due to better utilization of AMD's branch prediction technology.

Does the 24H2 update improve performance for Intel CPUs?

No, the update does not show any noticeable performance improvement for Intel CPUs.

Which AMD processors benefit the most from this update?

The Ryzen 7 9700X (Zen 5) and Ryzen 7 7700X (Zen 4) have shown significant performance gains of 11% and 10%, respectively.

Why does branch prediction matter for CPU performance?

Branch prediction minimizes delays by correctly predicting the direction of branches in code execution, keeping the CPU pipeline full and running efficiently.

Should Intel users bother upgrading to Windows 11 24H2?

If you’re an Intel user looking for a performance boost, upgrading to 24H2 may not be necessary, as there’s no significant improvement for Intel CPUs.

How was the performance boost measured?

The performance boost was measured through gaming benchmarks at 1080p, a resolution that puts more stress on the CPU than the GPU.

Is there any benefit to using Windows' hidden Administrator account on AMD CPUs?

Using the hidden Administrator account was a temporary workaround for the performance issue, but the 24H2 update provides a more permanent solution.

Will this performance boost apply to all AMD processors?

The performance boost is most noticeable in Zen 4 and Zen 5-based processors, but older AMD processors may also see some improvements.

How does this update compare to previous Windows 11 updates?

Previous updates did not address the branch prediction issue, making the 24H2 update unique in its ability to significantly boost performance on AMD CPUs.

Are there any downsides to the 24H2 update?

The primary downside is that Intel users may not see any performance benefits, making the update less appealing to them.

BOSS LEVEL TIP: Future-Proofing Your System for Maximum Performance

To stay ahead of potential performance issues, it’s essential to keep your system updated with the latest BIOS and chipset drivers, especially if you’re using AMD processors. These updates often include optimizations that can further enhance how your CPU interacts with Windows. Additionally, consider using performance monitoring tools to keep an eye on how your system responds to new updates. This proactive approach ensures that you can quickly identify and address any performance dips, keeping your system running at its best.

For Intel users, it might be wise to wait for future updates or patches that specifically target Intel architecture optimizations. In the meantime, ensure your system is running the latest drivers and firmware to avoid missing out on any incremental performance gains that might come from those sources.