Extracting maximum performance from the AMD 5950X at over 5Ghz
Extracting maximum performance from the AMD 5950X at over 5Ghz
After checking multiple OC threads and watching YouTube tutorials, I stick with the most straightforward settings for the best consistent performance.
Testing benchmarks shows stable results at 4.9-5.0Ghz across all cores, with temperatures well within control even at high loads.
The simplest method—using DOCP Standard and default values—delivers the highest reliability.
I’ve experimented with Ryzen Master but it doesn’t improve performance significantly.
Manual adjustments to core/driver settings haven’t helped surpass the baseline stability of the standard configuration.
I’m interested in pushing frequencies further and understanding when temperatures approach around 90°C, which is my target.
Additionally, I’m using a custom chiller system that automatically adjusts to maintain sub-ambient conditions based on local humidity levels.
Cheers, Rob.
It's not entirely obvious what you're doing. The BIOS screenshots display CPU clocks and frequency settings set to AUTO, and the PBO section appears collapsed, making it impossible to confirm any changes made there or elsewhere in the AMD Overclocking/CBO sections of the BIOS. So if my understanding is correct, the system is operating around 1.5V because the algorithm is handling it with all settings in AUTO mode. If this aligns with its FIT parameters (hopefully so), it should remain stable at the low temperatures you're using. The sub-ambient cooling is effectively reducing the temperature, allowing for higher and sustained performance.
from the image, it looks like you're reaching 140 ampers limits on EDC and TDC. Once you go beyond that, performance won't improve much, but using PBO voids the warranty. But what are the actual tasks you're performing for all core boost?
This OC is really impressive, but definitely pushing it hard! Could you share some 3DMark or Userbenchmark results? Keep in mind that temperatures shouldn't be the sole criterion for considering a high-end overclock. Just because it runs smoothly and stays within limits at certain frequencies doesn't guarantee your CPU isn't wearing out over time. Even with good thermal management, degradation could become noticeable within a year at your current settings.
Just to confirm, the numbers you observe stem from configuring the "DOCP standard" for the RAM I have installed, with no additional modifications (all Auto). My setup includes liquid metal on the CPU as a coolant block for efficient heat dissipation, and an external vapor chiller unit for complete heat management. PBO is set to "Auto," which suggests the logic behind this is that the VRM remains cooled even in Auto mode—this seems reasonable given it follows an Asus Crosshair VIII formula where the VRM stays chilled.
My primary load testing involves tools like Prime95, 3DMark, PCMark 10, Cinebench R23, and CPU-Z Benchmark. These are my standard tests for evaluating thermal performance and identifying any improvements or degradation. For typical tasks, the system is built for flight simulation software (such as MSFS, P3D, XP), which can utilize all cores—especially during scene loading—but places a greater demand on the main synchronizing thread, which can be assigned to any single core.
For the 3DMark test on my vapor chilled AMD 5950X:
This is the chilled version of my PC.
I plan to continue testing at PBO manual settings with higher values to assess performance. To note, I’m comfortable running 4.8 across all cores at 1.28v, and the temperatures remain lower.
Additionally, I have a second computer (my development machine) that uses a dual radiator cooling setup (not chilled). It performs less well (3DMark CPU score of 13276 on TimSpy), indicating that temperature management is crucial for this model with Auto settings.
In terms of long-term reliability, I haven’t experienced any CPU failure from overclocking in my extensive experience. However, I usually replace CPUs or motherboards every two years.
Cheers, Rob.
It's not completely clear what you're doing. The screen shots of BIOS settings shows both CPU clocks and frequency settings are on AUTO, and the PBO section is collapsed so can't say if you've changed anything there nor elsewhere in AMD Overclocking/CBO sections of BIOS.
So if I understand settings correctly it's hitting almost 1.5V because the algorithm is doing it, with all settings on AUTO. If it's coherent with it's FIT parameters (one hopes it is) it should be safe at the low temps you're running. The sub-ambient cooling is holding temp down so it boosts higher and for longer and can use a higher voltage, right up to the 1.5V design limit. That's effectively overclocking while leaving the algorithm in full control so it really only boosts (overclocks) briefly and when it needs to while able to pull back on clocks
and voltage
when it doesn't.
Assuming you haven't I agree removing boost limiters (EDC and TDC in particular) with PBO is the only way to get more out of it. But if you do, also use the curve optimizer with some undervolting. I've seen marvelous results from that so could only surmise it would be better yet when holding temps in the 30's-40's under full boost in heavy workloads.
BTW, I would use Cinebench 23 for making your benchmark assessment of performance improvements. It may not show the higher clocks but being kept nicely chilled the algorithm will be able to hold cores at higher mid-range clocks throughout the BM run. That should result in very much improved scores.
If simply trying to hit highest possible clocks for gaming then look into disabling cores or use per-core and per-die overclocking tricks. There's no reason to get all 16 cores to the highest clocks since no game in existence is capable of using even half of them effectively. 1Usmus' overclocking utilitiy for Ryzen should be helpful for that.
Would be interested in your sub-ambient cooling arrangement. I don't see any insulation around the CPU block so how are you dealing with the bug-a-boo that seems to do them in? By that, I mean condensation of course.
Thank you for the updates. My transition back to AMD involves some adjustments. After fine-tuning PBO curves using PPT, TDC, and EDC, I’m stable at -30 on Scalar. Under heavy loads temperatures are acceptable. It looks like AMD seems to cap performance around 5.1Ghz or perhaps there’s a misunderstanding? How does der8auer achieve up to 6Ghz (besides using LN2)? Is there a special Asus application involved, or is it necessary to use the Dark series MB from Asus? I’ve set up my own external chiller and control system around an Arduino Uno to manage condensation based on humidity and temperature readings from both internal and external sensors. Here are some videos of my setup using off-the-shelf components and my custom design:
View: https://youtu.be/7TByB8CgS3A
View: https://youtu.be/7UmEU238d9I
View: https://youtu.be/_gYva2jom6A
Best regards, Rob.