So, for someone who've never used PBO or done anything with it, what's the simpleton, explain to me like I'm a 5 year old explanation of what I should be doing to optimise a 9950X3D? I have an ASUS X670E Crosshair Hero motherboard, so any ASUS-BIOS specific advice would be hugely appreciated too
hit Del key while booting, once in bios go to AI tweaker precision boost section and enable precision boost overclocking
Spoiler: Source: ChatGPT KI Alright, let's break it down into simple steps and terms so you don't feel overwhelmed, and I’ll keep it as easy as possible! What is PBO (Precision Boost Overdrive)? PBO is like a turbo button for your CPU, but instead of just a "one-time" boost, it allows your processor (the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D in your case) to push itself a little harder and faster if it’s running cool enough and has power to spare. Essentially, it tells the CPU: “Hey, if you’re not too hot and you have enough power, go ahead and work faster!” This is different from manual overclocking because PBO lets the CPU manage the boost automatically without needing to tweak every little setting yourself. It’s a "set it and forget it" approach. What is the 7950X3D? Your AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is a super-powerful processor with multiple cores that handles tasks like gaming, streaming, video editing, etc., with ease. It has some advanced technology called 3D V-Cache which gives it extra memory for tasks like gaming. Why PBO on your 7950X3D? If you want to make your CPU run faster without doing any hard work yourself, PBO is an easy way to get extra performance. By enabling PBO, the CPU will boost its performance more intelligently than the standard settings. This is especially useful for gaming and demanding tasks. Step-by-Step Guide for Using PBO on your 7950X3D with your ASUS X670E Crosshair Hero motherboard: 1. Enter BIOS Restart your PC. Hit Delete or F2 right after the ASUS logo appears to enter BIOS. 2. Enable PBO Once in the BIOS, find the “Tweaker” or “AI Tweaker” tab (the names can vary slightly). Look for the Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) option. In newer ASUS BIOS, you should find it under something like “AMD Overclocking” or “Precision Boost Overdrive”. Enable PBO. You might see options like Auto, Advanced, or Disabled. Choose Advanced to unlock the full benefits. 3. Set Power Limits In the PBO menu, you may see something like PPT (Package Power Tracking), TDC (Thermal Design Current), and EDC (Electrical Design Current). These are just fancy ways of saying “how much power your CPU can use” to boost performance. For a simple setup: Set PPT to 250-300W (this allows the CPU to use more power if needed). Set TDC and EDC to 100-150A each (this helps with stability and thermal limits). These values might seem like a lot, but they just let the CPU stretch its legs, so to speak. PBO doesn’t force anything unless it’s needed, so you don’t have to worry about going too far. 4. Check CPU Temperature and Stability After enabling PBO, save and exit the BIOS (usually F10). Once you're back in Windows: Download a program like CoreTemp, HWMonitor, or Ryzen Master to keep track of your CPU's temperature and clock speeds. Run something like Cinebench or a game to see if the CPU is boosting properly. If the temperatures stay below 90°C and the performance increases, you’re golden! ASUS BIOS Tips for 7950X3D: AI Optimization: Some ASUS boards offer an AI Overclocking feature in the BIOS. This is like letting the board do the tuning for you. It's more beginner-friendly than manual overclocking. Go to AI Tweaker and look for AI Overclocking. You can set it to Auto or even Manual if you feel like testing some more advanced tweaks. RAM Settings: For the 7950X3D, your memory (RAM) can also affect performance. Try enabling DOCP (Direct Overclock Profile) to make sure your RAM is running at its rated speed (like 6000 MHz). You can also manually adjust the timings, but DOCP is simpler for most people. Fan Profiles: Since PBO can cause your CPU to run hotter, it’s a good idea to adjust your fan curves in the BIOS for better cooling. Set them to ramp up when temps go over a certain threshold, like 60°C. Final Thoughts for the 7950X3D: PBO is a set it and forget it method for getting a little more juice out of your CPU without needing to mess with a bunch of complicated settings. If you ever want to push things further, then you can explore manual overclocking, but PBO is a great starting point for a simple performance boost. Also, keep in mind that good cooling is key. Make sure your CPU cooler is up to the task, especially if you plan on pushing your CPU with PBO. Let me know if any part was unclear, or if you want more in-depth details on specific settings!
