Windows 11 24H2 Update: Performance Gains for AMD Ryzen, Disappointment for Intel Users

Microsoft's recent update, Windows 11 24H2, has brought significant performance enhancements for users with AMD Ryzen processors, while offering little to no improvements for Intel users. This new update is generating discussions across online communities and forums as users look to leverage its advantages.

Key Points of the Update​

• Performance Boost for AMD: Users equipped with AMD Ryzen series processors, particularly Zen 4 and Zen 5, can expect notable performance enhancements after upgrading to Windows 11 24H2. According to testing, Ryzen 7 9700X (Zen 5) and Ryzen 7 7700X (Zen 4) saw average performance increases of 11% and 10%, respectively, compared to the previous Windows version 23H2.
• Limited Benefits for Intel: In contrast, Intel users have reported a lack of significant performance improvements when switching to the 24H2 update. As a result, many Intel users may find that the upgrade does not justify the effort.
• Branch Prediction Issue: The performance issues for AMD processors stemmed from Windows not fully utilizing improved branch prediction capabilities in AMD's Zen 5 architecture. The update aims to rectify this limitation, allowing Windows to take better advantage of these enhancements.
• Upgrade Recommendations: Generally, it is recommended for most Ryzen users to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 to harness these performance advantages, especially for gaming and other CPU-intensive tasks. However, Intel users might not find similar benefits, leading to questions about whether they should upgrade at all.

Historical Context​

The AMD Ryzen processor series has made significant waves in the CPU market since its debut in 2017, especially due to AMD's effective iterative improvements in performance and efficiency. The launch of the Ryzen 9000 series, however, did not meet the same enthusiastic reception as past generations. The anticipated 16% IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) boost promised by AMD with the new Zen 5 architecture has generated skepticism within the community due to mixed reviews and performance underwhelming in some benchmarks. AMD acknowledged the problem and provided a workaround by utilizing Windows' hidden Administrator account. This adjustment resulted in better performance not only for Ryzen 9000 series but also for models rooted in the previous Zen 4 architecture. After evaluating the initial issues with 24H2, AMD published a blog explaining the limitations around branch prediction in Windows. Branch prediction mechanisms are crucial for modern CPU architecture. By accurately predicting the instruction path and minimizing branch misprediction penalties, CPUs can operate more efficiently, which directly increases performance during instruction processing.

Testing Insights​

Recent tests performed by Hardware Unboxed (HwU) showed positive results for AMD Ryzen processors running Windows 11 24H2. For example, the increased performance was measured in various gaming scenarios, with the tests conducted at 1080p resolution ensuring the true CPU performance uplift could be documented. This verification implies that users with compatible AMD hardware can anticipate a more rewarding experience, especially in gaming frames per second (FPS).

Implications for Users​

This new performance boost presents an interesting development for Windows 11 users, particularly gamers and content creators who rely heavily on processor performance. For the AMD Ryzen community, the Windows 11 24H2 update encapsulates a moment to optimize gaming and productivity applications, provide future-proofing against emerging software requirements, and yet also reinforces the challenge of balancing expectations around new hardware generations. For Intel users, the contrast in experience raises a series of strategic questions. Users with Intel systems may need to evaluate their current setups against this new update's relevance versus sticking with Windows 11 23H2. The shift to alternative operating systems like Linux has been a topic of interest for Intel users seeking performance gains, especially with some recent distros prioritizing performance tuning more effectively.

Conclusion​

As Microsoft continues evolving its Windows ecosystem, the disparity in performance benefits evident in the 24H2 update serves as both a boon for AMD Ryzen users and a point of concern for Intel users. The community’s response to this situation will likely shape the ongoing dialogue about both brand loyalty and the optimal configuration of PCs in the years to come. In summary, if you own an AMD Ryzen processor, upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 promises a free performance boost that could enhance your computing experience profoundly. In contrast, the same enthusiasm may be tempered for Intel users, who may not see similar results from the update. For further insights and performance data, you can refer to the original article on Neowin https://www.neowin.net/news/report-windows-11-24h2-gives-free-performance-boost-but-only-on-amd-ryzen-and-not-intel/.