Is AVX needed for gaming? This is a question that doesn’t have a straightforward answer. AVX (Advanced Vector Extensions) is an instruction set extension that is primarily used in applications that require heavy computational workloads, such as scientific simulations, video editing, and 3D rendering. However, there are some games that do utilize AVX instructions for certain tasks, and one recent example of this is Resident Evil Village.
While most games do not require AVX, there are some that can benefit from it. AVX can improve performance in games that make use of complex physics calculations, AI algorithms, or other computationally intensive tasks. However, it is important to note that the impact of AVX on gaming performance is generally minimal, and most gamers will not notice a significant difference in gameplay whether they have AVX support or not.
That being said, there are a few things to consider when it comes to AVX and gaming. First and foremost, AVX instructions put a significant amount of stress on the CPU, which can result in increased power consumption and heat generation. This means that if you are overclocking your CPU and pushing it to its limits, enabling AVX instructions may cause instability and crashes, especially if your cooling solution is not adequate.
I have personally experienced this firsthand. I had an overclocked CPU that was perfectly stable in all my games and applications, but as soon as I launched a game that utilized AVX instructions, it would crash within minutes. This was due to the increased power draw and heat generated by the AVX workload, which pushed my CPU beyond its stable limits.
If you encounter crashes or instability when playing a game that uses AVX instructions, one solution is to disable AVX altogether. Most CPUs have an option in the BIOS to disable AVX or downclock the CPU when AVX instructions are detected. This can help maintain stability during AVX workloads, but keep in mind that it may slightly impact performance in AVX-enabled applications.
AVX is not necessarily needed for gaming, as the majority of games do not require or benefit significantly from it. However, there are some games that utilize AVX instructions for certain tasks, and if you encounter crashes or instability when playing these games, it may be due to the increased power draw and heat generated by AVX. In such cases, you can consider disabling AVX or downclocking your CPU when AVX instructions are detected to maintain stability.