Intel has announced that it will be extending its support for Application Optimizer (APO) software to certain 12th and 13th generation processors. This marks a significant shift in the company’s previous stance on the matter. APO is a software feature embedded in Intel drivers that helps optimize processor performance specifically in supported games. In fact, Intel claims that enabling APO can result in double-digit performance gains, as demonstrated in Metro Exodus.
Initially, APO was only available for the 14900K/KF and 14700K/KF processors. However, there were calls from users and enthusiasts for Intel to make APO accessible to older chips from the 12th and 13th generation that utilize similar hybrid architecture as the newer 14th generation. Intel had previously dismissed this idea, stating that it had no plans to support prior generation products with Application Optimization.
However, at CES 2024, Intel made a surprising announcement. During a presentation, the company revealed its plan to extend APO support to some older generation processors, specifically the 12th and 13th generation K-series processors. This decision is sensible considering that APO can enhance the utilization of low-power E-cores, which are present in the majority of chips since the 12th generation.
Intel also shared its intention to validate APO for a total of 14 games in the near future. However, it is not clear whether this encompasses both desktop and mobile processors, or if the supported games are specific to certain processors. The current list of supported games reportedly includes Rainbow Six: Siege, Metro Exodus, Guardians of the Galaxy, F1 22, Strange Brigade, World War Z, Dirt 5, and World of Warcraft. Intel has yet to release a comprehensive master list.
While the exact timeline for enabling APO support on older chips has not been disclosed, it is reasonable to expect that it will coincide with the release of new Dynamic Tuning Technology (DTT) drivers. One caveat to note is that the installation process for APO has been deemed difficult in the past, an issue that Intel aims to address in future updates.
Despite its current limited availability, the expansion of APO support signals Intel’s commitment to leveraging software-based optimizations for enhanced processor performance. As the roster of supported games continues to grow, APO has the potential to become a valuable tool for gamers seeking to maximize their gaming experience.
The source of the article is from the blog windowsvistamagazine.es