AMD has worked with Microsoft to support the Ryzen 8040 Series processors with NPUs through the Microsoft Compute Driver Model (MCDM), an extension of the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) for non-GPU compute devices. MCDM utilizes the GPU device management framework for various tasks, including scheduling and power management, to efficiently manage AI workloads on NPUs. Monitoring NPUs in real-time allows for better management of resources and system load, crucial for applications in portable devices where battery optimization is essential. Users can adjust settings to manage power consumption and workload distribution.

The inclusion of NPUs in the Ryzen 8040 processors facilitates the creation of AI-enhanced applications and experiences by vendors. Real-time monitoring simplifies software development and benefits developers, system vendors, and end-users. The addition of NPU monitoring to Task Manager reflects the increasing importance of such components in computing, similar to the introduction of GPU monitoring in 2017. It shows Microsoft's commitment to evolving Windows to accommodate the growing complexity of PCs and expanding the range of components it can monitor, enhancing Task Manager's functionality and signaling the importance of NPUs in future computing.

AMD's effort to enable NPU monitoring in the Ryzen 8040 series with Microsoft is part of its broader commitment to advancing AI development on x86 platforms, including AI-focused initiatives and discussions on AMD's AI architecture and NPU designs.