User Guide

AMD Ryzen Processor Overclocking User’s Guide

55931 Rev. 1.0 March 2, 2017

AMD Ryzen Processor Overclocking Summary

5. The internal memory controller and various other data paths will be initialized to the highest

common operating frequency of any of the memory DIMMS present in the system and with

memory timing parameters obtained from the DIMM resident SPD ROMs.

A fundamental assumption of the normal operation of the AMD Ryzen processor is that the

surrounding system current delivery and cooling capabilities are designed to the specified levels.

The complicated operation described above manages the overall AMD Ryzen processor operation

to maintain those specified capabilities. But what can be done if the system provides more current

and cooling than those required for normal operation?

4.1.2 AMD Ryzen Processor Overclocking Mode

The AMD Ryzen processor supports an operating mode allowing enthusiast users to directly

control the operating condition of the processor to precisely tune the performance and power

consumption to the extent of their specific and unique system capabilities (current and cooling)

and environmental conditions (ambient temperature). This is done by allowing the user to

program or run utilities to directly set the precise voltage and frequency at which the CPU operates

so that the maximum performance can be achieved. This is called the Overclocking Mode. This

mode still uses the processor’s control methods for the external power supplies (SVI2) and

internal clock generators and divisors thereby simplifying the implementation and eliminating any

needs for voltage regulator overrides or external clock generators. This mode allows

overclocking-capable motherboards to use the same voltage regulator controllers and the same

BIOS to support normal operation and overclocking.