Article Number: CPU-PB2

Automatically Maximizing Processor Performance

Precision Boost 2 is a performance-maximizing technology available in all AMD Ryzen™ and Ryzen™ Threadripper™ 2000 Series processors (or newer). This technology can improve your PC’s performance by raising clockspeeds, which makes the processor—and your applications—run faster. Best of all, Precision Boost 2 is entirely automatic: AMD’s intelligent processors have a sophisticated set of sensors designed to analyze conditions inside your PC and make the “go faster” decision as often as possible.

Even though the technology is automatic, there are still configuration steps you can take with your PC to maximize the performance benefit of Precision Boost 2. Such steps include:

  • Ensuring that your processor has adequate thermal paste
  • Configuring your CPU with a capable cooler that is mounted correctly
  • Ensuring your PC has healthy airflow from the outside with quality case fans
  • Configuring your motherboard BIOS with trusted, optimized settings
  • Configuring your PC with the latest version of Windows® 10
  • Installing the latest AMD Chipset Driver software
  • Updating your motherboard to the latest BIOS from your manufacturer

These steps are important because Precision Boost 2 is dependent on several factors including, but not limited to:

  • Processor temperature
  • Type of workload
  • Number of active cores
  • Power consumption (watts) from the processor socket
  • Current draw (amps) from the motherboard power delivery circuits
  • Proper firmware and software configuration
  • Operating system optimizations
  • Maximum boost frequency limit (product specification)

When the processor has headroom in these categories, and the active workload requires additional performance, Precision Boost 2 will automatically raise frequencies until one or more of the above limits is reached. When/if the limit is reached, processor frequencies will automatically level off to a steady-state condition for ongoing performance enhancement. Throughout this process, the processor can monitor conditions and adjust frequencies up to 1000 times per second. As a result, achieving maximum boost frequency and the sustained boost conditions observed by you will depend on the application and workload. It is a good guideline to know that light workloads experience the highest boost frequencies, while heavier multi-core and/or sustained workloads are more likely to encounter a limit and receive less boost.