AMD is leaving Windows 7 behind with new Ryzen CPU to focus on Windows 10 PCs
Those who are looking to build PCs powered by the latest AMD Ryzen CPU, won't be able to get driver support for Windows 7, unlike previous unofficial reports.
While tests on Windows 7 were conducted successfully, official support will not be provided by AMD:
“To achieve the highest confidence in the performance of our AMD Ryzen desktop processors (formerly code-named ‘Summit Ridge’), AMD validated them across two different OS generations, Windows 7 and 10, However, only support and drivers for Windows 10 will be provided in AMD Ryzen desktop processor production parts.”.
Ryzen promises performance well beyond current FX-Series processors, with many features designed to be used specifically by Windows 10, to boost performance in both gaming and production tasks.
Intel’s position on Skylake, prior to its launch, was similar to AMD, except that AMD seems to be very adamant and unwilling to give in. Those who want to install the new Ryzen CPU in their computers must upgrade to Windows 10, or use a different OS, like Linux.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that much of the inspiration behind decisions like these come from lessons learned by PC makers from Apple Inc.
Apple has decades of track record building computers that are extremely fine tuned due to specialized system components that are designed to work, and are specifically tested for hardware which Apple has complete control over.
While hardware manufacturers other than Apple do not have the same luxury, restricting drivers support to only the latest, most secure, and most stable operating systems, while may seem harsh, it leverages the quality of computers sold at retail level.
This is important, because of the issues with slumping PC sales in recent years has been quality and performance. As consumers continue to gravitate towards mobile devices for their daily tasks.
Ryzen is a processor built for high performance, much like Kaby Lake, and Cannon Lake. Just like Intel’s CPU’s, AMD Ryzen is destined to power different classes of PCs, with an emphasis on power and performance in gaming and VR, as well as production. While restricting the operating system may anger PC builders, the fact is that by encouraging retail PC manufacturers to adopt Ryzen, due to its formidable performance, adds to the perceived and actual value of PCs, and represents a way to boost sales numbers at retail, which in turns contributes to a sustained popularity of desktop computing among consumers.
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