Analyzing AMD Ryzen 7 Performance with Windows 11 Updates and VBS

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In a recent YouTube feature, titled "AMD Ryzen 7 - Win 11 Patch, VBS and Win 10 - UPDATE," Leo from KitGuru delves into the intricate interplay between AMD's hardware, Windows 10 and 11, and virtualization-based security (VBS). He explains how a slew of updates, particularly focusing on performance benchmarks across different Ryzen 7 models and their responses to recent Windows patches, opens doors to understanding CPU efficiency better in different operating systems.



### Introduction



Our lives are so intertwined with technology that periodic updates from major platforms—like Microsoft—can shift the ground beneath our feet, especially for users relying on AMD's popular Ryzen processors. This recent discussion by KitGuru adopts a deep dive approach, assessing not only Windows 11's latest patch (KB5041587) but also analyzing how VBS settings can introduce notable performance variations across multiple Ryzen 7 models.



### Technical Details



#### AMD and Windows in Focus



Every major update or patch released by Microsoft is tethered to ensuring that users benefit from both security and performance enhancements—in a world rife with cyber threats, virtualization-based security (VBS) has become a focal point. However, VBS's performance penalties have made some users question whether the security trade-offs are worth it. As noted in Leo's exposition, AMD CPUs undergo unique performance transformations based on how Windows leverages VBS—especially with different generations from Zen 2 to Zen 5.



Leo's exploration led him to benchmark various processors starting with the Ryzen 7 7700X, 5800X3D, and others all the way back to the 1800X. Through meticulous benchmarking, he aimed to showcase the tangible differences VBS settings can impose, not just for synthetic benchmarks like Geekbench, but more importantly, for real-world gaming performance in popular titles like Far Cry 6 and Cyberpunk 2077.



### Impact on Windows Users



For Windows users, especially those who are running gaming setups powered by AMD processors, the implications of VBS and the recent patch speak volumes. Disabling VBS might yield performance gains but could expose systems to greater security vulnerabilities—this sets up a dilemma familiar to many.



For example, Leo mentions that with VBS disabled, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D shows slightly improved scores, showcasing a substantial drop in performance when VBS is enabled during gameplay. His testing across different titles conveys a broader theme: Windows 11's updates can either serve to enhance performance or muddle it, depending on VBS settings.



#### Performance Metrics



Benchmarking Performance:



- Ryzen 7 79700X with VBS off averaged 203 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 on original Windows, versus 204 FPS post-patch but falling down to an alarming 187 FPS with VBS turned on.

- For Far Cry 6, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D performed sequentially with average FPS increasing from 194 on the original to 201 with the patch, revealing a hiccup down to 193 with VBS enabled and dropped further in Windows 10 settings.



These metrics paint a stark picture of how subtly different settings can create notable variances in game performance; it suggests that while some might find solace in maximizing their CPU capabilities, those using Windows 11 should weigh VBS benefits against potential gameplay smoothness.



### Historical Context



Historically, Windows updates have faced backlash from the user community when performance dips are observed after installation, a sentiment echoed in the comments section during Leo's review. As technology progresses and the separation between hardware capabilities and software advances widens, the user experience becomes an ever-pressing concern.



The early days of Windows 10 saw many users opting for enhanced security, oblivious to their hardware's potential performance bottlenecks. As the Ryzen lineup gained traction, the conversation shifted, forcing users and experts alike to reevaluate their configurations with an eye on both gameplay dynamism and protective measures.



### Expert Commentary



From an expert's perspective, Leo's findings on the AMD Ryzen processors uncover larger questions about the essence of computing—should a user prioritize responsive, fluid gameplay, or should they lean toward fortified security? This conflict is not unique to AMD or Windows; rather, it reflects the broader tension in the tech world between performance and safety.



Furthermore, as Leo hints, developers and hardware manufacturers need to collaborate more effectively to embrace changes in operating systems, which are often reactive rather than proactive. The potential for cross-industry cooperation could unlock new optimizations that lessen the burdens associated with VBS on platforms that thrive on gaming performance.



### Conclusion



In wrapping up, Leo's YouTube analysis of the AMD Ryzen 7 alongside Windows patches and VBS settings serves as a thorough reminder that updates in the tech landscape carry multifaceted consequences. They are not merely about new features or enhanced aesthetics; they encapsulate vital decision-making dilemmas for current users, especially gamers who frequently encounter the repercussions of such changes.



For the Windows forum community, weighing the impacts of VBS against performance benchmarks will remain a key discussion point—especially as we continue finding ourselves in a world that trepidatiously balances between security robustness and smooth performance.



In the end, the question remains: With new Windows patches rolling out and security measures ever-evolving, what will your next computing configuration favor: security or performance? Dive into the comments and let’s share experiences beyond just bench scores—let's illuminate the path forward in this intriguing crossroads of technology.

Source: YouTube AMD Ryzen 7 - Win 11 Patch, VBS and Win 10 - UPDATE