AMD Ryzen 9000 PCs don’t need to wait until the next major Windows 11 update to fix gaming issues
Fixes for issues affecting the gaming performance of Ryzen 9000 CPUs have been backported to Windows 11 version 23H2.
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What you need to know
Systems powered byAMD’s Ryzen 9000 processorsare about to see an improvement in gaming performance, at least in certain setups.AMD explainedwhy its own testing figures for the processors were different than results seen by reviewers recently, and the company shared that a future update would improve gaming performance for Ryzen 9000-powered PCs. Originally, gamers were going to have to wait untilWindows 11 version 24H2rolled out later this year, but the fixes have since been backported to Windows 11 version 23H2.
Our testing didn’t show significant drops below AMD’s in-house benchmark results, but any performance boosts delivered through Windows updates will always be welcomed. Some reviewers saw a wider gap between their results and the results of AMD.
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Several factors contributed to the performance tests of reviewers differing from test results shared by AMD ahead of the launch of the Ryzen 9000 processors. One of those factors was that AMD used an Admin account when performing its tests. Admin accounts utilize specific branch prediction optimizations that are not available to non-admin accounts. At least, that was the case before an update was made available. Gamers can now grab an optional Windows update (KB5041587)to improve the gaming performance of their PC.
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An AMD rep said the following toWccftech:
“We wanted to let you know that the branch prediction optimization found in Windows 11 24H2 has now been backported to Windows 11 23H2. Users will need to look for KB5041587 under Windows update > Advanced options > Optional updates. We expect the performance uplift to be very similar between 24H2 and 23H2 with KB5041587 installed.”
Above is a chart of improvements seen by AMD in which game performance is measured in frames per second. AMD expects similar improvements whether a PC is on Windows 11 version 24H2 or Windows 11 version 23H2.
Performance improvements vary depending on the game played. Some games won’t see any increase in frames per second. Ryzen 7000 series processors will also see improvements in gaming performance.
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AMD also outlined other factors that affected its test results when it first explained the differences:
Only some of those factors can be addressed with updates. For example, Intel’s chips that compete with Ryzen 9000 processors can handle faster memory. AMD redid its tests to better reflect the differences at peak performance, but it can’t do much to close the gap in that area.
With the fixes that are possible being backported to Windows 11 version 23H2, gamers don’t have to wait to improve gaming performance.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
