ScatterBencher on YouTube has successfully overclocked the new AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. 5.9GHzSuccessfully overclocking these chips is no small feat. The seasoned YouTuber (also known as his Massman from HWBot) explains his three strategies for getting the most out of the new Zen 4 with 3D V-Cache desktop processors in a detailed post. I am publishing a blog.
AMD’s 3D V-Cache-enhanced 7000-series CPUs aren’t as locked down as the previous-generation X3D processors, giving overclockers several angles to take advantage of. ScatterBencher decided to overclock the 7950X3D with the Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme motherboard and highly configurable BIOS. Other important components worth mentioning were ElmorLabs Easy Fan Controller ElmorLabs EVC2SX, EK-Quantum Velocity2 EK-Quantum Power Kit Velocity2 360 CPU cooler, memory used was G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5-6400 kit. These same components were used for stock reference stats and all three overclocking strategies outlined below. However, please note that G.Skill memory is running at DDR5-6000 for better stability.
ScatterBencher first used his competent setup to examine stock performance across a host of industry-standard benchmarks. This clearly provides a baseline for judging OC attempts. In the graphic reproduced below, the stock his performance in various tests is represented by the blue bar, and the overclock gain is represented by the green extension.
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The three overclocking strategies tested are: Using AMD’s PBO 2 and EXPO, using PBO tuned using Curve Optimizer, and using his PBO with ECLK boost. As you can see from the graph above, the second and his third method of overclocking are very successful at squeezing out excess CPU performance. The methodology that scored the notable 5.9 GHz CPU clock is second, using the Curve Optimizer that AMD introduced with its Ryzen Master software last year and used it on its Zen 3 architecture processors.
ScatterBencher explained the process of using the PBO 2 Curve Optimizer. Simply put, use a negative curve offset to adjust wide across the CPU, then taper the curve down until it becomes unstable. He also gradually increases his Fmax Boost Override. Tuning is then refined per core. As you can imagine, making small per-core tweaks and then running the benchmark on a CPU with 16 physical cores can take a significant amount of time.
ScatterBencher made some interesting observations during overclocking tests with the top-of-the-line Ryzen 9 7950X3D. For example, he provided an analysis of the system management unit (SMU) that enables his PBO 2 on these chips. He also mentioned a “very constrained” CCD with V-Cache and its impact on overclocking strategies/methods. Head to ScatterBencher blog For more information, watch the 30 minute video embedded below.
