Overclocking

The overclocking process using a Ryzen 9 7950X is exactly the same as previous Ryzen generations. However, AMD has already tuned the turbo algorithm to the ceiling, very little room is left for manual overclocking. Traditional methods of overclocking with a set voltage and frequency still work, but the benefits are limited. AMD Ryzen Precision Boost Overdrive is the best way to get the maximum performance out of the CPU, it is worth taking the time to go through the settings and set it up correctly according to your hardware and use case.

It should be reiterated that by enabling PBO, the CPU is not covered by the product warranty. A warning page is provided with this information upon entering the PBO settings.


If you are not keen on using the BIOS for CPU overclocking, AMD provides a piece of software called Ryzen Master. This is an all-in-one tool for overclocking on Ryzen platforms. You can have the software try to auto optimize PBO, or use the AMD ECO mode preset to limit the AMD 7950X to 90 Watts. Multi-threaded scores are reasonable considering the lower power target, with just over 30,000 points in Cinebench R23.


Gigabyte has it's own Windows utility called Gigabyte Control Center. This not only has the ability to control fans and set RGB lighting, but also allows adjusting of CPU voltages and varied settings like Load-Line Calibration or CPU multiplier.

Memory Overclock

Introduced in the newest F8d BIOS is warning that increasing the SoC voltage may risk damaging the CPU. There is strong evidence to suggest that going above 1.3 V will invariably end in CPU failure. Whether that is in one day or ten years, isn't a simple answer to give. However, it is a simple fact that the higher you go, the sooner failure will happen.


Now that a new voltage limit has been introduced, it was extra important to check what effect it has on compatibility. First off, DDR5-6600+ is pretty much impossible on Ryzen 7000 CPUs, even if it is on the QVL list. Realistically, Single-Rank memory up to DDR5-6000 is going to work for a majority of users. Of course, no memory speed above DDR5-5200 is officially supported by AMD. Because of this, if you end up with a weak Integrated Memory Controller (IMC), chances are without playing around with the SoC and VDDIO_Mem voltages, DDR5-6000 will not be stable.

Highlighted in the chart shows that even with a bump in voltage to the SoC 1.4 V limit, DDR5-6400 was not stable in Windows. Gigabyte seems to be taking a cautious approach to the VDDIO_mem voltage rail as well, because it stays at 1.1 V unless manually adjusted. This means many Dual-Rank kits will not be stable or even boot at DDR5-5600 / 6000 using XMP/EXPO Auto settings. Considering how flaky memory support is on AM5, along with the ongoing CPU meltdown fiasco, it is highly suggested to stick with Single-Rank DDR5-5600 and not bother with anything faster for this Ryzen 7000 series.