Intel’s 14th Gen CPUs Get a Gaming Boost with APO
Intel’s 14th Gen CPUs Get a Gaming Boost with APO
New 14th Gen Core processors include Intel Application Optimization (APO) to boost gaming performance. APO intelligently directs threads to CPU cores based on game and workload. This can boost performance in heavily threaded or core-dependent games.
How does APO work?
APO optimizes game thread scheduling via hardware and software. APO runs on Intel Thread Director, introduced in 13th Gen Core processors. A hardware-based thread scheduler, Thread Director, can dynamically distribute threads to CPU cores based on workload.
APO’s program employs a database of game profiles to schedule threads optimally for each game. This information helps APO configure Thread Director for optimal performance when a game is launched.
What are APO benefits?
Gamer benefits from APO include:
- Higher frame rates
- Reduced stutter
- Better gaming overall
APO’s performance boost depends on the game and hardware. APO can boost performance by 30% in some circumstances.
APO use
APO is activated by default on 14th Gen Cores. APO automatically configures Thread Director for best performance when you run your game. No manual adjustments are needed.
What games support APO?
Few games support APO. Intel is collaborating with game creators to offer APO support to more games.
Some games that support APO are:
- Rainbow Six Siege Metro Exodus
- Cyberpunk 2077 Hitman 3
- Forza Horizon 5
- Assassin’s Valhalla
- Battlefield 2042
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Elden Ring
Are APO and AMD’s Smart Access Memory (SAM) comparable?
AMD’s Smart Access Memory (SAM) optimizes CPU-GPU connectivity to boost gaming performance, like APO. But SAM operates differently than APO.
SAM lets the CPU access the GPU’s complete memory frame buffer. This can boost memory-intensive game performance. APO optimizes game thread scheduling. All games, memory- or CPU-bound, can benefit from this.
Conclusion
Intel’s new Application Optimization (APO) technology can boost gaming performance in some titles. APO requires no manual configuration and is simple.
Checking if your CPU supports APO can increase gaming performance. Enable it to see what performance advantages you can get.
- APO requires 14th-gen Core CPUs.
- APO is activated by default on 14th Gen Cores.
- APO supports Windows 10 and 11.
- Disable APO in BIOS or UEFI.
Some games are incompatible with APO. Intel is collaborating with game creators to offer APO support to more games. Visit Intel’s website for APO inquiries.
MORE
Nvidia and AMD to Launch Arm PC Chips in 2025, Challenging Intel