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In November 2023, Intel released Intel Application Potimization (APO), a new feature for systems with Intel Core processors of the 12th to 14th generation, which is intended to improve CPU performance in certain games. Systems with selected 14th Gen CPU are supported in a kind of “automatic optimization” mode, whereas other 12th to 14th Gen CPUs need to be tweaked manually in “Advanced Mode”. The following article shows which laptops from XMG and our sister brand SCHENKER support APO.
Intel Application Optimization: Basic info
The following links explain how Intel’s APO works and how it can boost gaming performance.
- Official page: Intel Application Optimization Overview [intel.com]
- Background article: Interview – Intel’s new APO tech and How It Boosts Gaming Performance on Intel Core 14th Gen [TweakTown]
APO support in XMG and SCHENKER laptops
We have confirmed Application Optimization is working with the following models:
| Model | CPU | Status |
| XMG FOCUS 15 (E23) | i9-13900HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| XMG FOCUS 16 (E23) | i9-13900HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| XMG FOCUS 17 (E23) | i9-13900HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| XMG PRO 15 (E23) | i9-13900HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| XMG PRO 16 Studio (M23) | i9-13900H | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| XMG PRO 17 (E23) | i9-13900HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| XMG NEO 16 (E23) | i9-13900HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| XMG NEO 17 (E23) | i9-13900HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| XMG FUSION 15 (E24) | i7-14650HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| XMG FUSION 15 (E24) | i9-14900HX | Supported |
| XMG NEO 16 (E24) | i9-14900HX | Supported |
| XMG NEO 17 (E24) | i9-14900HX | Supported |
| SCHENKER KEY 15 (E23) | i9-13900HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| SCHENKER KEY 17 (E23) | i9-13900HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| SCHENKER KEY 17 Pro (E23) | i9-13900HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| SCHENKER KEY 17 Pro (E24) | i9-14900HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| SCHENKER MEDIA 15 (E23) | i9-13900HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| SCHENKER MEDIA 16 (E23) | i9-13900HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
| SCHENKER MEDIA 17 (E23) | i9-13900HX | Supported (only with Advanced Mode) |
Last Update: April 30, 2024
Other models
Laptops that are not listed in the above table are currently considered “not supported”, despite having compatible CPUs.
Instructions
Drivers: In the supported models, APO requires the latest drivers for “Intel Platform Innovation Framework” (IPF), including “Intel Dynamic Tuning Technology” (DTT). The DTT driver is included in the IPF package. Please find it in our download portal for your particular model. Some models may also require a BIOS update to unlock APO. Please check the download portal for your specific model.
Usage: After the IPF/DTT driver is updated, please install the latest APO app from Microsoft Store. As soon as the app is installed, follow further instructions from Intel’s APO support page.
Some screenshots of the app:
Performance comparison
We have not done any performance tests (benchmarks, gaming, frames per second) with APO. We have merely confirmed that the app is loading and detecting games correctly. You can expect that this will mainly affect CPU-limited titles (very high FPS, low graphics details, e.g., Esports and multiplayer games).
Some cherrypicked results from the media:
- Intel’s new CPU feature boosted my performance by 26% — but it still needs work [digitaltrends.com; April 7, 2024]
- Intel APO game optimizing technology delivers up to 31% higher FPS with Core i9-14900K [Videocardz; October 24, 2023]
Further questions or feedback?
Try out Intel APO and let us know your before and after results on Reddit or our Discord server – or feel free to ask us any questions about the new feature. We are looking forward to your feedback!
