Power settings for Ryzen 3000 and Windows 10 configurations
Power settings for Ryzen 3000 and Windows 10 configurations
I've been trying to optimize my PC's performance while keeping it running smoothly. I've observed that my Ryzen 3700X doesn't enter the C6 state in HWiNFO64 unless I switch to a "Power saver" power plan in Windows. However, even with that plan active, performance drops significantly—frame rates fall during YouTube videos at 1080p. It seems the plan isn't ideal for continuous use. Are there any adjustments I can make in another power plan to enable C6 mode? It appears the BIOS doesn't seem to allow it, and the scheduler doesn't let the cores shut down. I also notice a big difference in idle temperatures; without Power saver, the CPU runs less efficiently when not in use. I've tested all default Windows power plans, AMD-specific options with chipset drivers, and some community custom plans from users like 1usmus or sz—but every one except "Power saver" turns off C6 and raises idle temps.
I gained a lot yesterday from someone expert in AMD Now running at 4.3ghz all cores with PBO enabled. The power plan needs adjustment: set minimum processor state to 85% and maximum to 100% so it clocks down correctly. It should droop by about 1v when idle, as mentioned in 2019, but my AMD Robert says it's better now than ever for a 3900x. My BIOS settings also helped. Global C-state Control is enabled, Power Supply Idle Control is set to Low Current Idle, and CPPC is active. Preferred Cores are on, PBO is disabled (auto), and Precision Boost 2.0 manages clock speeds based on temperature and FIT. You can switch between on and off to test. I don’t understand why C6 is turned off—I use 1usmus as well, of course. Maybe try Windows High Performance or Balanced mode.
You're finding these BIOS configurations puzzling. It seems the system defaults to auto mode for power management, yet you're experiencing higher idle temperatures despite using power-saving plans. The C6 state isn't being applied consistently, which might explain the inconsistent performance. Your observations about VID reduction and clock-down behavior are accurate, but the lack of complete core shutdown when idle is unusual. The numbers you shared suggest a balance between efficiency and performance, but further testing under varied loads would clarify what works best for your setup.
Yeah, bios is set to default just for ease of use. That’s an old debate. My first step is spending hours tweaking settings to get the best performance and the exact temps and clocks I need. For example, when I talk about PPT, CPU power, and TDC, I usually run an OCCT test followed by cinebench, which consistently hits around 92%-98% during those runs. That’s what you’re getting in mind. I haven’t used sz yet, but I think it might be worth checking out too.