Extracting maximum performance from the AMD 5950X at over 5Ghz
Extracting maximum performance from the AMD 5950X at over 5Ghz
I don't know that AMD expressly prevents it, it's probably just how the boost algorithm works in conjunction with the FIT operating parameters for assured life.
I'm pretty sure what der8auer does is with fixed frequency overclocks, dynamically applied after startup using Ryzenmaster. And of course, he starts it up with a heated pot and then cools it down to target temps with LN2 before laying on the insane voltage needed for the extreme clocks he uses.
I also remember Steve @ GamersNexus running experiments with the first Matisse chips (3900X/3950X probably). He found the boost algorithm works better with cold temps but even LN2 didn't get close to 5G at the time, for those CPU's of course. I have to imagine the same holds true with Vermeer today but using appropriate parameters.
That looks like a very clever cooling arrangement if it's able to keep the condensation from forming while offering subambient temperatures for cooling.
I'd strongly suggest to explore using PBO with the curve optimizer. What it does is lower the Voltage/Frequency operating curve for the processor...so for any given voltage it hits a higher frequency, or for a given frequency it uses a lower voltage.
The algorithm is still using temperature to govern boosting, though, so as long as temp is in the box it will boost merrily even under heavy loads. Ideal core temps are low 70's. Or lower of course: if your cooling is able to maintain Tdie in the mid 50's even under heavy load I'd like to imagine it keeps boosting as well as it does for light processing loads. That would be great since you don't have to dial in any more VCore to get it.
I just got a 5800X ($299 at Microcenter!) and been checking it out. It's now boosting to 5050 on best cores, the rest 5000. I'm only using a 240mm AIO for cooling. It's doing this without pumping more volts to the cores, just letting the algorithm manage it. Of course, when I run a super heavy load like Folding@Home it drops cores to 4725 or so since Tdie is now running in the 78-80C range. That's still holding max rated boost clock in heavy realistic workload so I'm happy, and this for only a few minutes work to achieve it.
But one word of advice: don't focus too much on frequency when letting the boost algorithm handle processor boost functions. Reason is it's so dynamic in the way it dithers clocks to manage temp you don't really get a clear picture of what's going on. The only way is to run repeatable benchmarks: CineBench 20 or 23 are the best. Also be sure to run both single thread and multithread BM's as it's easy to 'break' performance for one while maximizing the other.
EDIT added:
I suggest you check
www.overclock.net
AMD/CPU forums. There's a very active thread on Vermeer dual-die CPU's (5900/5950) on overclocking. There are differing strategies for getting the most out of those CPU's due to the two dies and more 'best cores'.
I've been working with CineBench R23 for both single and multi-core evaluations. Prime95 is used for stability checks. Recent test outcomes were recorded using the PBO curve optimizer under intense multi-core conditions.
When I increase EDC settings, temperatures rise, yet performance drops across all cores at reduced CPU speeds. After extensive trials—balancing PPT, EDC, and TDC—I haven’t consistently achieved sustained frequencies above 5050 despite reaching 5100Mhz with a maximum thermal load of 57°C. It appears there might be another limiting factor affecting results.
My Silent Chiller has been running continuously for four weeks under normal and extreme conditions without any condensation, maintaining a cold but not overly low temperature. I recently adjusted the code/firmware to optimize cooling performance with my AMD 5950X processor. I maintain a buffer of about 2°C from the actual dew point, which accounts for sensor tolerances. The current dew point range is between 4.4°C and 11°C. To prevent excessive wear on the Vaper chiller compressor, I limit its duty cycle to around 50%, allowing up to 90% during short cycles.
I’ve also enabled an additional vapor chiller option that can operate in either serial or parallel mode. This setup helps reduce overall duty and enhances cooling capacity for other components such as GPUs, CPUs, RAM, and VRM.
I have a question....
Ignoring temperatures and artificial benchmarks...
What actual improvement in performance have you noticed compared to a stock component?
For example: "Rendering this video used 45 seconds now takes 30 seconds."
I’d also like to hear about it! I’ve been considering improving my cooling setup for some time now (I’ve already begun installing a more efficient case, which performs significantly better than the previous one).
It depends on your specific use case and environment—whether you're in high humidity areas versus low humidity—and whether you plan to use one or two vapor chillers. The main goals of my Silent Chiller are:
- Achieving sub-ambient cooling close to the dew point without dropping below it (to prevent condensation)
- Reducing noise levels; Vaper Chillers can reach around 64 dB open, compared to 42 dB in my soundproofing enclosure (as seen in my videos)
- Easy installation
- Simple setup that doesn’t need extra space for radiators or pumps
In terms of performance, I’m using two AMD 5950X computers (64GB each, 3600 CL14 RAM). One runs the 5950X without chillers while rendering a video in Adobe Premiere to 4K UHD at 60Hz with Software settings. The same segment from my previous video took 23.28 minutes on the non-chilled 5950X and 18.19 minutes on the chilled one—about a 21% improvement.
I’m currently testing the Silent Chiller in CPU, RAM, VRM configurations, but haven’t yet explored GPU benefits. If I switch to using it for GPU acceleration (CUDA) in Adobe Premiere, I expect similar gains.
Another application I’m considering is 3DSMax for animations; these tools are mostly CPU and GPU focused, making direct comparisons difficult.
Additionally, for crypto-miners, reliable GPU performance at 20%+ efficiency could boost profits if paired with a properly configured energy setup.
Since the Silent Chiller works with any components, its benefits will differ—like the Intel 12900K offering strong overclocking but needing more current, which the chiller would help manage.
Cheers, Rob.
This is one example of how it's used... my flight simulator configuration with a "station" operator PC that merges two computers into one setup... you can observe the coolant lines extending from my Silent Chiller to the computer(s) on the floor left side. The temperature/humidity sensor is situated in this area and controls the chiller output to avoid condensation in my space, which fluctuates daily.
The lowest DEW point I've experienced here is 24F (-4.4 C), which is below freezing for water but not for the coolant I employ, which stays liquid down to 5F (-15 C). In my control unit, I also adjust the dual pump output (serial) according to water temperatures—colder coolant becomes less viscous and demands more pump power to keep a consistent flow.
There are many possible uses for my Silent Chiller.
I've seen that the highest freq. is around 5050-5100. It seems more about how the algorithm functions rather than a strict cap. Since it isn't a cap, it wouldn't need major changes to the system. It's not straightforward, but if it involves adding it to the microcode, it might be possible later. Probably best to integrate it into an SMU and build a custom or modified BIOS. If someone has done this before, they'd likely be people like der8auer, theStilt, Elmor, or 1Usmus—overclockers who've contributed significantly to understanding Ryzen's inner workings. Some of them have signed NDAs with AMD to keep their findings confidential, so they wouldn't risk anything by sharing it publicly.
That's an amazing achievement, congratulations! While I'm a fan of truck simulators, I don't have the funds or access to "pro" level equipment like special wheels or pedals (not available in my country). Still, I really enjoy using a standard Logitech G29.
I can only picture how it must feel to have all the controls and dials at your disposal.