Windows 11 Update Restores Performance in AMD Ryzen Processors

Several days ago, we found out that under Windows 11 some applications and games performed a few percentage points slower on AMD CPUs. This slow down was because of an issue with L3 cache latency increasing significantly and AMD’s “preferred core” not always preferentially scheduling threads on a processor’s fastest core. Microsoft and AMD have been hard at work behind the scenes readying an update to restore the lost performance. That day is here.

Today Microsoft released an update (KB5006746) that contains an OS build 22000.282. This build, along with new chipset drivers, is said to resolve the generally small performance hit AMD Ryzen processors took on the shiny new OS. Various websites report low single-digit differences across benchmarks and games with a higher outlier here or there. In all, it isn’t much, but to lose performance in an OS and while the competition doesn’t, is an uneasy feeling.

We didn’t have a chance to test things out but did manage to capture an AIDA64 Cache and Memory benchmark run before and after. As you can see, the L3 Cache values, both bandwidth and latency, improved dramatically.

Keep an eye out for benchmarks on the web if you’re so inclined. We know all our favorites will have something out sooner than later. In the meantime, update Windows 11 and head to the AMD website for the latest chipset drivers to get back to where you used to be.

Joe Shields