Article Number: PIBRMATS3

Overview

Resolving system performance and temperature issues requires thorough and systematic troubleshooting. It is best practice first ensuring that the system is fully up to date and running in a stock configuration. This will help to establish whether the system components are operating according to their design specifications. You may find specifications for AMD processors using the Product Resource Center.

The sections below contain informational resources and troubleshooting suggestions to determine whether the processor is faulty. Navigate to the relevant section(s) for suggestions on resolving your issue. If your issue persists after following our suggestions, warranty service for your AMD processor may be required. When requesting warranty service, please be sure to include details of your stock configuration and troubleshooting results which can help quickly evaluate your claim.

 

CPU Performance

A key aspect to CPU performance is the base clock and maximum boost clock speeds. The base clock can be defined as the sustainable speed across all cores in a running processor with adequate cooling. Whereas the maximum boost clock is the peak frequency achievable by a single core on the processor running a bursty single-threaded workload1. Other factors such as system power, operating temperature, and custom user settings can also have an impact on processor clock speeds.

Another aspect of CPU performance is its multi-tasking capabilities which is based on the number of cores and threads available in the processor but also software / application workload dependent. Some older game engines and software are not optimized for multi-core CPUs and will run using a single core/thread only. However, benchmark software, video / 3D rendering applications will typically use all available processor cores and threads for completing the job.

When measuring processor performance, ensure that the system is fully up to date and running in a stock configuration. Disable any non-essential background running applications which could occupy processor cores and impact overall performance results. In Windows®, this can be performed by enabling selective start-up using the System Configuration Tool.  For more information and tips on achieving max boost frequency, refer to AMD Ryzen™ Technology: Precision Boost 2 Performance Enhancement.

 

CPU Temperatures

The operating temperature of any CPU will depend on several factors such as CPU cooler, system air flow, ambient temperature, custom user settings, and workload. It is important to note that there is a direct relationship between temperature, power, and performance and when the processor reaches its specified maximum operating temperature (Tjmax), its power and performance would also be at their limit.

When investigating CPU temperature issues first ensure that the system is fully up to date and running in a stock configuration. Also, check that the CPU cooling solution (heatsink, thermal paste) used have a Thermal Design Power (TDP) rating that satisfies the processor’s default TDP specification, is properly mounted on the CPU, and working. This will ensure that the processor runs at optimal efficiency giving best performance. To find specifications for your AMD processor, use the Product Resource Center.

If the CPU temperature is higher than expected during what appears to be system idle, a background application (such as RGB and other tools) could be the issue since it is constantly polling the CPU. Try disabling any non-essential background running applications and check if that has an impact on lowering the CPU temperature. In Windows®, this can be performed by enabling selective start-up using the System Configuration Tool.

Other useful resources for resolving CPU temperature issues include:

 

Integrated Graphics (iGPU) Performance

Many modern desktop processors are designed with integrated graphics processing unit (iGPU) which uses a portion of available system memory (RAM) for video graphics, also known as the UMA frame buffer size. The UMA frame buffer size is usually set to Auto in the BIOS by default and does not need adjusting. However, in some situations increasing the UMA frame buffer size may help improve graphics performance or resolve corruption issues such as missing or low-quality textures in games. For more information on how to configure the UMA Frame Buffer refer to this article.

To get display on systems using only integrated graphics, connect the video cable to the designated port on the back of the motherboard. On systems configured with both integrated and discrete graphics processors, make sure to connect the video cable to the discrete graphics adapter/card for best graphics performance. Note: It is recommended to use the video cables that came with the display/monitor.

 

System Memory (RAM) Speed & Capacity

When investigating system memory issues such as achievable speed and size capacity, check first to make sure the RAM is listed on the Qualified Vendor List (QVL) for the motherboard and validated for the rated RAM performance and specific features (speed, timing, voltage, ECC). Also, verify that the memory sticks (DIMMs) in use are part of the same kit packaged and sold together.

If the system is still unable to properly use the QVL RAM installed, try updating the motherboard BIOS to the latest version available and restore optimized default settings in the BIOS to resolve compatibility issues. Finally, check that the memory stick(s) is seated correctly and installed in the recommended DIMM slot on the motherboard and using only the supported memory profile available in the BIOS. For instructions, please refer to the motherboard user manual.

Endnote(s):

1. Max boost for AMD Ryzen processors is the maximum frequency achievable by a single core on the processor running a bursty single-threaded workload. Max boost will vary based on several factors, including, but not limited to: thermal paste; system cooling; motherboard design and BIOS; the latest AMD chipset driver; and the latest OS updates. GD-150.