Microsoft’s Recent Xbox Game Bar Update: Implications for AMD Ryzen Users
In March 2023, Microsoft rolled out an update for the Xbox Game Bar, its proprietary overlay designed for Windows gaming. This enhancement was not merely a cosmetic facelift; the application serves essential functions such as monitoring system resource usage and capturing gameplay through screenshots and videos.
The Role of Xbox Game Bar in Gaming Performance
Although gamers have access to various third-party tools, such as MSI Afterburner (RivaTuner), AMD, and Nvidia utilities, some users rely heavily on the Xbox Game Bar, particularly those utilizing high-performance AMD Ryzen CPUs.
Concerns Over Compatibility with Windows 10
Recent findings reported by PC Games Hardware (PCGH) have raised eyebrows, indicating that Microsoft may be disabling the Xbox Game Bar on Windows 10, particularly on Pro and Enterprise editions. This could adversely impact the performance of certain AMD processors.
Understanding AMD’s X3D Processors
To appreciate the potential impact of this issue, one must look back at AMD’s introduction of the X3D series, starting with the 5800X3D. This processor featured a single core compute die (CCD) and utilized 3D vertical cache (V-cache), allowing efficient task distribution across CPU cores without necessitating complex optimization in Windows.
Subsequently, AMD expanded the 3D V-cache technology to their Ryzen 7000X3D line (Zen 4 architecture), which included both 12 and 16-core processors. These advancements incorporated dual CCDs, where only one CCD benefited from the enhanced L3 cache, with the other optimized for higher clock speeds.
The Significance of Task Scheduling in Gaming
On both Windows 10 and 11, the Xbox Game Bar is crucial for optimizing task scheduling for these specific CPUs. The integration of the 3D V-Cache Performance Optimizer Driver within the AMD chipset driver package ensures that gaming workloads are effectively directed to the CCD equipped with faster cache. Users previously achieved this by checking the “Remember this is a game”option within the Game Bar settings.
Reported Issues and Experiments with Xbox Game Bar
However, PCGH has reported difficulties in activating the Xbox Game Bar feature, even after a clean installation of Windows 10, indicating persistent issues. In an effort to replicate their experiences, I updated the Xbox Game Bar on my own Windows 10 setup. Disturbingly, I found that attempting to access the Xbox Game Settings resulted in crashes, rendering the “Remember this is a game”option inaccessible.
Disappearing Support and Potential Impact
Further investigation revealed that relevant support articles for the Xbox Game Bar option have vanished from Microsoft’s site, complicating matters for users attempting to utilize this feature. While this situation may not affect those with less intensive requirements—like my Ryzen 7 5700G APU—owners of Ryzen 7000X3D and 9000X3D models may find themselves significantly disadvantaged.
For more information, refer to the PCGH article.
Additional insights can be found in the report shared by Neowin.
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