First of all, you should know that modern processors always have two working frequencies. The first is the base frequency or the minimum that the processor offers at low load. In addition, we have the Boost frequency, which increases the performance of the processor under high loads such as those of video games.
Recently, Intel added Turbo Boost Max 3.0 frequency to its processors. In simple terms, it is a slight increase in the maximum frequency provided that several conditions are met. The main conditions are that a certain temperature is not exceeded and that this frequency is maintained for very few seconds.
What is Precision Boost Overdrive?
This is a technology developed by AMD for Ryzen processors. It is used to improve processor performance by dynamically adjusting operating frequencies and voltages. For this to happen, there are certain operating conditions and the cooling capacity of the system.
Precision Overdrive (PBO) You could say that it is an extension of the Precision Boost technology. This basic technology automatically adjusts the frequencies to achieve the best possible performance. The condition is that it cannot exceed certain thermal values and that it cannot exceed certain voltages.
The new PBO technology goes even further, exceeding the factory specifications of the processor. It allows to increase the frequency and Boost voltages beyond what is established by AMD. The condition for this to happen is to have a compatible motherboard and that the cooling system is powerful.
Note that AMD recently announced PBO 2. This is just a revision of the previous protocol that seeks to optimize its operation and improve it.
What is the DPB for?
Obviously, the first objective of this technology is none other than to improve the performance of the processor. When we increase the working frequencies, additional performance is obtained. Of course, this increase in performance is temporary, it cannot be maintained over time. It is ideal for gaming, 3D modeling, photography and / or video editing, programming, etc.
This has the direct consequence that we can exploit the processor’s capabilities to the maximum. Exactly something that all enthusiastic computer users want.
Maybe you didn’t think about it, but this is a way to get the most out of your cooling system. If you’re an enthusiast, your cooler is probably much more powerful than the CPU’s requirements. Come on, your cooler’s TDP is much higher than the CPU’s. Well, with PBO, we take advantage of this margin to get extra FPS, for example.
How does the DPB work?
This technology is based on three pillars, such as frequency, power limits and BIOS.
Realistic semi-automatic frequency adjustments based on the capabilities of the processor and cooling system. This represents a frequency increase without us realizing it and without the need for knowledge of overclocking, etc.
It includes a system for adjusting the processor’s power and voltage limits. These variable settings allow you to avoid reboot problems or any other process defects.
Additionally, the interaction between BIOS and software is very important. The AMD Ryzen Master application and BIOS interact to provide the user with maximum performance.
Compatible motherboards
Compatibility with this technology depends on three factors:
- Chipset: that the AMD chipset offers compatibility with this technology.
- BIOS: It must be up to date and compatible with the PBO.
- VRM phases: The motherboard must have a VRM phase system capable of providing the power requested by the CPU. If this does not happen, problems such as loss of performance, reboots or others could occur.
If you want to know the compatibility with PBO according to the chipset, we leave you the following list:
- X670E: offers full support for PBO.
- X670: offers full support for PBO.
- B650E: offers full support for PBO.
- B650: offers full support for PBO.
- A620: Although it offers PBO support, it will depend on each manufacturer, their VRM phases and the installed CPU.
- X570: offers full support for PBO.
- B550: offers full support for PBO.
- A520: They support PBO, but it will depend on the VRM phases of the motherboard and the processor we are integrating.
- X470: offers full support for PBO.
- B450: offers full support for PBO.
- X370: Some models may offer PBO support after BIOS update.
- B350: Some models may offer PBO support after BIOS update.
- A320: Motherboards equipped with this chipset do not support PBO technology.
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