Thu Sep 26 15:02:56 UTC 2024: ## AMD Ryzen 5 and 7 Zen 5 CPUs: Performance Gains Are Minimal Despite New Power Limits and Windows Updates

**AMD’s latest Zen 5 Ryzen 5 and 7 desktop processors have failed to live up to expectations**, with only a slight performance bump over their Zen 4 predecessors. While initially, reviewers found the performance underwhelming, it was later discovered that AMD’s benchmark testing employed a ‘full admin’ account with specific optimizations for branch prediction, which wasn’t present with regular user accounts.

Following the release of Windows update KB5041587 and BIOS updates from motherboard vendors, AMD has implemented a 105W TDP mode for the Ryzen 5 9600X and Ryzen 7 9700X, aiming to unlock better performance. However, **extensive retesting revealed only minimal improvements across the board**.

In games, the 105W TDP mode had negligible impact, and even in demanding, multi-threaded applications, the gains were modest. **For everyday users, the 65W TDP mode seems to be sufficient**, as higher power consumption doesn’t translate to significant performance increases.

**The dual-CCD processors (Ryzen 9 9900X and 9950X)** were also subject to the Windows update with AMD-specific branch prediction optimizations, but **results showed no noticeable performance gains in games**. Interestingly, **the use of core parking, intended to optimize performance, actually worsened performance in some games**.

**AMD’s recommendation to utilize core parking with dual-CCD Zen 5 chips seems questionable**, as it requires complex driver installations and doesn’t offer a clear performance benefit.

**Ultimately, the Zen 5 Ryzen 5 and 7 chips are solid performers, but they are not significantly faster than their Zen 4 counterparts**. Those already on AM5 are likely content with what they have, and those on AM4 may wait for the release of the 3D V-Cache variants before upgrading.

The lackluster performance improvements raise concerns for the upcoming Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which is anticipated to be only slightly faster than the 7800X3D.

**AMD will need to deliver a significant leap in performance with the next generation of Zen processors to truly excite PC enthusiasts.**

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