Intel confirms APO feature does not work with 12th & 13th generation Core processors

Last month, Intel officially unveiled its 14th generation Core desktop processors, also known as the Raptor Lake Refresh, introducing features specifically tailored for gaming, including the Intel Application Optimization (APO). This new functionality works in tandem with Intel’s existing hardware thread scheduler to ensure enhanced sub-thread processing in applications. Just days ago, MSI released a new BIOS for its 600/700 series motherboards, incorporating support for the APO feature.

Currently, the APO feature is exclusive to Intel’s 14th-generation Core desktop processors and requires a Core i7-level processor or higher. There is speculation that Intel may expand the feature’s availability to more processors in the future. However, Intel has confirmed to HardwareUnboxed that neither the 12th generation (Alder Lake) nor the 13th generation (Raptor Lake) Core processors will support this feature. Technically, this is not a limitation, as the architectures are very similar, yet Intel has not addressed this aspect.

Since the introduction of Intel’s hybrid architecture with P-Core and E-Core, many users have hoped that Intel would better allocate and utilize thread resources. The APO feature prioritizes the use of P-Core and optimizes the use of E-Core for intensive tasks as needed, thereby enhancing performance or reducing unnecessary power consumption.

However, the APO feature is currently limited to certain processors and motherboards. Furthermore, not all games benefit from APO, with only “Metro: Exodus” and “Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege” currently supported. This significantly diminishes the feature’s impact on the PC gaming market. Intel is considering expanding APO functionality to other software, not just limiting it to games. If Intel extends APO support to more games and software, users on the same LGA 1700 platform but with older processors might feel excluded.