Overclocking the CPU allows users to squeeze out the untapped power potential that is present in a processor. All processors ranging from the Ryzen 3 up to the Ryzen 9 series can be overclocked with the right setup and method.
Although overclocking may seem like a very tedious and risk-bearing processor, that is not the case. Many gamers successfully overclock their PC to gain access to free performance and boost their PCs gaming potential. Granted you know what you are doing, overclocking an AMD CPU can be relatively simple.
Even if you don’t have any experience with overclocking don’t worry this article will guide you from scratch in the overclocking process. So, without further ado let’s begin.
What You Will Need for Overclocking AMD Ryzen
Besides the Ryzen processor and a compatible motherboard there isn’t a whole lot of stuff that you need to successfully overclock a Ryzen CPU. The good aspect of Ryzen processors is that all of them regardless of if you have a lower-end Ryzen 3 or a top-end Ryzen 9 all from the factory come unlocked.
Similarly, unlike Intel overclocking a Ryzen processor is also not limited to the motherboard series, all motherboard types be it A series, B series, or X series support overclocking. Before overclocking however ensure that your PC has an ample watt PSU unit and a proper CPU cooler preferably an AIO liquid cooler.
Once that is done, we can begin with the overclocking process. For overclocking your AMD CPU, the following applications are required.
- Ryzen Master software
- Asus RealBench
- CineBench Core Temp
- OCCT
The Ryzen master software is the application we are going to use to apply the overclock settings on our AMD CPU. This application is very intuitive and user-friendly therefore does not require a lot of prior knowledge to use.
The Asus Realbench, CineBench core temp, and OCCT are software programs that will allow us to consider the real-time temperature and other statics of the processor. During overclocking, monitoring the change that is brought by altering the core clock is a very crucial step in getting the overclocking right.
How to Check if Your CPU Is Already Overclocked?
Before you dive straight into overclocking with the software tools, let me stop you right there. Sometimes it can be the case that a processor is already overclocked and if not checked this can cause major issues with the compatibility and stability of the overclocking.
Therefore, in order to avoid grievances later on it is best to check if your processor is overclocked or not before overclocking it. Checking for overclocking is not quite as simple as people think. Richard from Pcmecca.com has a great write-up on how to check for an overclocked CPU in which he goes into detail on the matter.
If overclocking is present in your CPU, then it is best to first revert the previous overclocking and then start overclocking your CPU.
Method for Overclocking an AMD CPU
Now that we are all set up, have the required software applications installed, and also have checked for any previous overclocking in our CPU, it is time to dive into the method for overclocking.
Firstly, you need to get familiar with the Ryzen master software because the majority of the overclocking work is done there. This application has multiple tabs with the main center display that highlights the current stats of your CPU.
To overclock the CPU, increase the speed in +25MHz increments on the core speed tab. After each core speed increase, run the Asus real bench and test if your PC is stable. Keep increasing the core speed until the PC becomes unstable.
The next step is to increase the voltage. This should be done rather carefully as some CPUs are very picky about it. Preferably increase the voltage in +0.1V increments. Your ideal voltage should be in the 1.35-1.4V range. Don’t exceed 1.4V because then the processor will draw too much power and chances are it will lose stability.
Once you have increased the clock speed and the voltage to the desired level, fire up Cinebench. Run multiple back and forth tests to see if the PC is stable or not. In the meanwhile, also monitor the temperatures of your CPU. The CPU temperature should not exceed 85-90°C even while testing the CPU continuously.
Lastly, open OCCT and run a 1-2 continuous test. This will simulate real-world scenarios to verify the stability of your PC.
Set Up Custom Fan Curves
If your CPU temperature is exceeding 85°C continuously then you might need to set up a custom fan curve for both the CPU cooler as well as the case fans. Controlling fans and making them spin at higher speed will allow for better heat dissipation which results in lower temperatures.
To set up custom fan curves, you will need software that allows you access to that functionality. If you are looking for fan control software that is user-friendly and intuitive then you cannot go wrong with SpeedFan. I consider this the best fan control software for beginner use.
Conclusion
I hope that the information mentioned in this article helped you in overclocking your AMD CPU. Remember, although overclocking CPU leads to performance gains you should perform this task with great care and delicacy.
