Does PBO affect the CPU?
Does PBO affect the CPU?
Hi,
I haven’t been able to locate any reliable information online, so I’m reaching out to the experts here.
I’d like to turn on PBO but don’t want to risk damaging my CPU. I’ve heard it voids the AMD warranty, and I wonder if that’s because it forces the CPU into unsafe conditions.
I own a 3800X with an MSI x57-a-pro motherboard and an EVGA 850W PSU. The cooling solution is an H100 Pro XT.
I’ve adjusted PBO settings to +300 MHz, and hwinfo reports some cores reaching up to 4675. Idle temps are around +7°C, while background tasks stay low in the 50s, and compiling spikes to the low 60s.
My main concerns are whether PBO affects CPU health and if scalar values play a role in degradation. Is there a safe threshold for scalar usage?
Thanks.
Keep in mind that electronics deteriorate with use, especially under higher temperatures and current. As long as the device can manage reduced clock speeds and voltage when processing loads increase, the boost algorithm will adhere to factory-set FIT values. To ensure this, set voltage and processor multiplier to AUTO or a minimal negative offset. Proper PBO usage means avoiding fixed values for these parameters. I've never found clear evidence that PBO voids warranty, only that overclocking does. The '+300Mhz' setting might technically qualify as auto-overclocking, but enabling PBO while raising PPT, EDC, and TDC shouldn't be done. The chip will only draw the current and power it's designed for according to the selected FIT values. Limiting power and current artificially is meant to safeguard a weak VRM from excessive load and potential motherboard damage.
Hi
Thank you for your message. I'm currently observing 4675 with 1x scalar in HWinfo. My cinebench data shows 5069pts multi / 519 single at 10x scalar. I don't have a clear reference for how this compares to other 3800x CPUs. Could you share more details or recommendations?
The requirements include an AMD Ryzen Threadripper, Ryzen 5 3000, Ryzen 7 3000, or Ryzen 9 3000 Series processor along with a compatible motherboard. Using Precision Boost Overdrive allows the CPU to run beyond its original limits and factory settings, which means the warranty for the AMD product is canceled and any manufacturer or retailer warranties may also be voided.
Do you have any sources that clarify what Scalar does? I'm looking for references to support the idea that it can increase degradation and why.
It's interesting, and reflects the careful approach lawyers take when interpreting language. The second point about overclocking seems more direct, though it's somewhat constrained by the need to establish that the damage was directly caused by the action.
The choice of words around PBO in the initial statement is quite different. It appears to be a strategic move, possibly to address warranty concerns. System retailers and manufacturers might present varying warranty conditions, which can affect the value of a processor depending on whether it comes with a high-end chip or a budget one.
Using the term 'invalidate' suggests they aren't offering full warranty support when PBO is involved. This could mean that performance or stability issues might arise if the processor isn't used in its standard form, which is something we often encounter. If you raise concerns about this, you should expect a warranty claim to be processed only after proving the processor's performance in its original configuration.
They might have avoided making such distinctions between retailers and manufacturers to simplify communication.
The warranty details remain unchanged. PBO represents a method of overclocking.
AMD Processor in a Box (PIB) 3 Year Limited Warranty
https://www.amd.com/en/support/kb/warran...ion/rma-03
This restricted warranty excludes losses caused by external factors such as misuse, electrical issues, accidents, carelessness, modifications, installation errors, or incorrect testing.
The warranty here is void if the AMD microprocessor is paired with any heatsink/fan that doesn’t meet AMD’s official performance standards. Solutions from AMD deemed unsuitable for the processor’s intended function or suspected of causing failure will also cancel the warranty.
These guarantees supersede all other assurances, whether stated or assumed, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and suitability.
Warranty Service: Retail CPUs Purchased New in Box
https://www.amd.com/en/support/kb/warran...mation/pib