Attempting to maximize performance on my Ryzen 7 2700x
Attempting to maximize performance on my Ryzen 7 2700x
Hi everyone,
I've been working on overclocking my Ryzen 7 2700x for the past day. I've tried various methods and guides, but nothing seems to be effective. Here are my current specs:
CPU: Ryzen 7 2700x
Cooler: Stock Wraith Prism
GPU: MSI 1060 6gb
RAM: Corsair 3000 32GB total at 2933MHz
MOBO: MSI B450 Tomahawk Max
PSU: 1000W EVGA
Monitor: Dell 2560x1440 @165hz
Been watching them. They never go above about 55c from what I've seen. HWiNFO also says there is no thermal throttling going on.
I just ran Userbenchmark after a restart of my PC. Core clocks are at 4,248.8Mhz and core temps peaked at 70.8C. From what I just read this processor should not thermal throttle until 85C. HWiNFO also says there was no thermal throttling.
I'm still only getting about 140 or less frames in LoL, 80-90 in Fortnite, and sub 50 in Apex Legends.
If you aim to push your processor beyond its limits, consider swapping in that Wraith cooler.
I’ve never used a Zen+ CPU before, but I know the optimal method for overclocking with PBO is through undervolting combined with top-tier cooling—cooling plays a crucial role in Ryzen’s performance because of their sensitivity to heat.
What I’ve observed, especially with B450 Tomahawks, is that you can enable PBO, push PPT, EDC, and TDC to their highest settings, then gradually undervolt using only negative offsets until the system begins to show instability. Buildzoid has a clear tutorial on this approach—check out their YouTube channel.
MSI also modified their AM4 BIOS to include offset voltage adjustments, which you can apply with PBO via a YouTube guide.
This technique allows the CPU to respond quickly even beyond its maximum clock speeds for lighter tasks like gaming, provided the temperature stays manageable.
For more intense multi-threaded tasks that generate significant heat, manual overclocking remains effective, but maintaining stability at safe voltages while handling 4K videos—especially on an 8-core processor—demands exceptional cooling solutions.
All the good information you provided is really helpful. I was using the undervolt at around -0.05 and it seemed to make a difference. I have an Evo 212, but I think I originally used the stock Wraith prism since the Evo wouldn’t fit or would barely fit in this NZXT case. I’m hoping I can locate it and replace both the thermal paste and the chip if that would significantly improve things.
The Hyper212 EVO isn't significantly cooler than the Wraithe Prism, though it might be quieter at high speeds. Like the Prism, a Hyper 212 with an EVO just doesn't provide enough cooling for an 8-core/16-thread processor during intensive tasks such as video rendering with a fixed all-core overclock. You'll need a much stronger solution if you want full performance, whether it's air or a 240mm AIO, even on PBO.
On PBO the boost algorithm still functions, causing clocks to drop when things get hot. This helps maintain stability and a cooler feel, making you think a smaller cooler would suffice. However, it actually runs with lower average clock speeds and performance compared to a more capable cooler. Good case ventilation is also crucial during gaming to prevent the GPU from overheating the CPU.
2700X...or Zen+...are constructed on a 12nm process, which means they face different thermal challenges compared to the 7nm found in later models. This results in a less intense temperature sensitivity for the boost algorithm. I believe it will focus more on reaching its rated single-core maximum boost frequency of 4.2Ghz and maintaining those boosts for longer periods. While it could potentially push higher, the gains might not be substantial for gaming purposes. The main advantage remains its ability to sustain mid-range boosts—possibly between 3.9 and 4.0Ghz—during intense workloads with all cores active, which often leads to better Cinebench scores.
Regarding fixed overclocking, the outcome hinges largely on your definition of optimal temperatures. With each generation, Ryzen AMD has advanced technology limits, so unless you're willing to deviate from the previously established temperature and voltage ranges, stability is likely to be maintained. However, if you push beyond those boundaries, degradation could occur sooner than expected. Still, with a system that supports a 3800X or 5800X and a motherboard capable of handling it, maximizing performance before reaching peak temperatures makes sense—especially since this model is already four years old.
This looks like a good move. I’ve restored my 3080 and fixed it, so I’m planning to keep this CPU with an OC around 4.1Ghz. It’s clearly improving over the 1060, especially with stable frames and temperatures around 70°C during gaming. Thanks for your help—I appreciate your expertise. Regarding a CPU upgrade for this motherboard, what would be the best performance you can get for the price? Should I hold off until the next AMD release and hope prices drop for my compatible processor?
I tested it this morning after adjusting the clocks and updating the BIOS to the latest version. According to HWINFO, it didn’t exceed about 78°C on the multicore, though the Tdie reported peaks near 88°C. As I mentioned before, 4.1Ghz is the best I can achieve with my current cooling setup, paired with the 3080—it’s running much smoother and more reliably now. Upgrading again will likely mean a new CPU in the future, probably an AIO that’s better for auto-boosting or manual tuning.