We take a closer look at the Precision Boost Overdrive 2 technology, which can increase performance with a single setting, gain different features and renew.
AMD offered one-click overclocking for Ryzen processors with the Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) technology it had previously developed. While this feature had a positive effect on performance in multi-threaded workloads, it was relatively ineffective in single-threaded jobs. However, in December, the new Precision Boost Overdrive 2 update will be included in the BIOS codes, and that will change. The new PBO2 will improve single-threaded performance while maintaining existing multi-core performance gains.
Curve Optimization
The new Curve Optimization feature can adjust the voltage according to the operating conditions in different situations when the processor is idle and under heavy load. This feature works automatically and plays a helpful role in overclocking.
Adaptive Undervolting
Now let’s get to Adaptive Undervolting feature. Thanks to this feature, the voltage values can be defined as “gradual” and each stage will consist of 3-5 millivolt slices up to a maximum of 30 stages. AMD says that enabling this feature can lead to up to 2% higher single-thread performance and up to 10% better multi-threading performance. This is because lower temperatures allow the CPU to be powered more aggressively under these conditions.
Users who drop voltage on their processors gradually reduce the CPU voltage during this process and then perform stability tests through games or other special applications. So much so that your processor is not always working at 100% load and there is always room to keep voltages low. AMD’s Adaptive Undervolting approach will help users in this regard.
Performance Increase
As you know, silicon quality can often vary from processor to processor. So your processor may have much higher overclocking potential, depending on your luck. PBO’s adaptive algorithm ensures that you get the highest performance from your chip. As with the first generation PBO, the new PBO2 overcomes the processor’s AM4 socket power limitation, increasing the capabilities of your chips, power delivery for the chip, and to cooling solution will offer performance increases depending on the
Finally, let’s look at the tests AMD has done on the Ryzen 7 5800X and Ryzen 9 5900X processors. Performance benchmarks mentioned the performance improvements achieved with PBO off, on and using the new PBO2.
Precision Boost Overdrive 2 About
Precision Boost Overdirive 2 will initially be released as a BIOS-only option. However, AMD plans to include this in Ryzen Master software early next year.
Let’s add that this updated technology is only supported on Ryzen 5000 series processors, however it can be used in 400 and 500 series chipsets. New BIOS updates based on AGESA version 1.1.8.0 will be available to all users in December, and you can start using them later.
Before finishing, let’s note that this feature may have different naming on the BIOS according to motherboard manufacturers. On the other hand, let’s underline that there will be many variables depending on the silicon quality of your CPU and the cooling performance of your system.
Precision Boost Overdrive 2 Features
- Enhanced single core performance.
- ‘Undervolting’ capabilities built into Precision Boost Overdrive 2 features.
- Individual low voltage details for the AMD Ryzen 5000 series.
- Performance improvements per watt.
- Adjustments that may cause a drop in operating temperature.
- Voltage and frequency values customized for the processor.
