Intel has expanded its Application Optimizer (APO) tool, bringing performance enhancements to an additional 15 games. This update targets Intel’s Core Ultra 200S series and 14th Gen processors, promising significant frame rate improvements in select titles. APO aims to optimize thread scheduling on Intel’s hybrid architecture, ensuring games run more efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- Intel’s APO tool now supports 15 new games, including popular titles like EA Sports FC 24, God of War, and Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition.
- Performance gains of up to 14% have been reported in some titles, with notable improvements in 1% low framerates.
- The update is compatible with Intel’s latest Core Ultra and 14th Gen K-series processors, with limited support for older CPUs via an “Advanced Mode.”
Expanded Game Support
Intel’s latest APO update introduces support for a diverse range of games, from major releases to niche titles. The newly added games include:
- 7 Days to Die
- Assetto Corsa
- Cities: Skylines
- Delta Force: Black Hawk Down
- Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
- Dyson Sphere Program
- EA Sports FC 24
- God of War
- Kerbal Space Program 2
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition
- The Callisto Protocol
- Wolfenstein Youngblood
- World of Warships
- Shushan: The First Chapter (蜀山初章)
Performance Improvements
Intel claims that these new game profiles can deliver performance boosts of up to 14% on flagship CPUs like the Core Ultra 9 285K. For instance, Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition reportedly sees a 14% performance increase, while Dyson Sphere Program benefits from an 11% uplift. The optimizations also extend to 1% low framerates, which are crucial for a smoother gaming experience. Dyson Sphere Program, in particular, shows a remarkable 21% increase in 1% lows.
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Compatibility and Advanced Mode
APO natively supports Intel’s Core Ultra 200S series (Arrow Lake-S) and 14th Gen K-series processors. This includes a range of CPUs from the Core Ultra 9 285K down to the Core Ultra 5 245KF, and from the Core i9-14900KS down to the Core i5-14600KF. Mobile processors like the Core Ultra 9 285HX and Core i9-14900HX are also supported. For users with older CPUs, including 12th Gen Alder Lake and non-K models, Intel offers an “Advanced Mode” within the APO application. This feature allows manual game additions, though Intel cautions that performance gains are not guaranteed and could potentially lead to regressions.
