Intel unlocks APO optimizations for new Arrow Lake CPUs, expands game support

In context: Intel’s Application Optimization (APO) is a utility designed to ensure that hardware is operating at its peak performance for supported applications and games. By optimizing thread scheduling and application threading for specific workloads, APO can deliver improved performance, with some gaming scenarios seeing up to a 31% boost.

Intel has officially confirmed that its top-tier Arrow Lake CPUs are compatible with APO software. The new Core Ultra 9 285K, Core Ultra 7 265K, and Core Ultra 7 265KF processors are the first Arrow Lake chips to receive the APO stamp of approval. Games utilizing the optimization technology stand to benefit from enhanced performance.

Users with older Intel processors can still take advantage of APO, provided that the chip has at least six P-cores. However, these users will only have access to the more limited ‘Advanced Mode’ rather than the fully verified experience. The new Ultra 5 Desktop Processors (Series 2) are also able to utilize APO, albeit with limited support in Advanced Mode.

In addition to the new chips, Intel has announced support for a dozen new game titles that incorporate APO optimizations, including popular titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

• Company of Heroes 3
• Counter-Strike 2
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Dota 2
• Fortnite
• Naraka: Bladepoint
• Riftbreaker
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider
• Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
• Total War: Pharaoh
• Total War: Three Kingdoms
• Total War: Warhammer 3

Intel’s continuous expansion of game support for APO is a positive development, as the software proves to be beneficial in maximizing hardware performance. Including popular titles like Cyberpunk and Tomb Raider in these APO updates simplifies benchmarking for enthusiasts and websites, making it easier to test the real-world benefits without compatibility issues. The software also allows users to switch between modes and select which games to apply optimizations to.

It’s important to note that the APO software is currently not available for download from the Intel download center. Users will need to download the interface from the Microsoft Store.