Intel APO Update Brings Up to 14% More Gaming Performance – 15 New Games Added

08 Sep, 2025
Posted by: Elmer Pinto

Intel is kicking off 2025 with a big win for gamers. Its Application Optimization (APO) tool just received its first update of the year, boosting gaming performance by up to 14% in select titles and expanding support to 15 new games. If you’re running the latest Intel Core Ultra 200S series or 14th Gen processors, this update is one you’ll want to pay attention to.

At VektraPC, we always keep an eye on the latest performance-enhancing technologies so that your gaming rigs stay ahead of the curve. Let’s dive into what this update means for you.

What is Intel APO?

Launched in 2023, Intel Application Optimization (APO) was designed to solve performance hiccups caused by improper thread scheduling on Intel’s hybrid CPUs. Instead of just disabling E-cores, APO fine-tunes thread assignments based on the real-time demands of each game.

The result? More consistent frame rates, better 1% lows, and an overall smoother gameplay experience.

The 15 New Games Now Supported

Intel has rolled out official APO profiles for a new batch of popular titles:

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)

For gamers using Intel’s flagship Core Ultra 9 285K, the gains are impressive:

Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition: +14% performance
Dyson Sphere Program: +11%
Cities: Skylines: +9%
The Callisto Protocol: +4%
Wolfenstein: Youngblood: +4%
Shushan: The First Chapter: +4%
World of Warships: +3%

On top of that, 1% lows—a key metric for smooth gameplay—also see noticeable improvements. Dyson Sphere Program improves by 21%, World of Warships by 9%, and Cities: Skylines by 5%.

Who Gets the Benefits?

APO support extends across Intel’s Core Ultra K-series (Arrow Lake-S) processors, including the Ultra 9 285K down to the Ultra 5 245KF. On the mobile side, high-performance HX chips like the Core Ultra 9 285HX and Core i9-14900HX are also supported.

If you’re rocking a 12th Gen or newer non-K CPU, don’t worry—you still get access to APO’s Advanced Mode, which allows manual game profiles. While this mode doesn’t come with Intel’s validation, it gives enthusiasts and tinkerers a chance to experiment with potential performance uplifts.

Why It Matters for Gamers

At VektraPC, we know every frame counts—whether you’re grinding through Metro Exodus at max settings, building megastructures in Dyson Sphere Program, or competing in EA Sports FC 24. With Intel APO updates, you get:

Higher FPS in supported titles
Smoother gameplay with better 1% lows
Optimized use of your CPU’s hybrid architecture
Future-proof support with new game updates

It’s another reminder of why pairing a Vektra Gaming PC with the latest Intel CPUs keeps you ahead of the competition.

Final Thoughts

Intel’s APO continues to evolve, giving gamers more reasons to stay on Team Blue. With 15 new titles and up to 14% performance improvements, this update cements APO as a must-have tool for PC gamers who want the most out of their hardware.

At VektraPC, we’re ready to build and customize gaming rigs powered by the latest Intel processors, optimized for today’s demanding titles—and tomorrow’s.

👉 Looking to upgrade? Explore our Vektra RDY Gaming PCs or shop the latest Intel CPUs to supercharge your system today!