Need help on ryzen 9950x best efficiency settings.
Posted by Fantastic_Simple76@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 7 comments
Hi everyone,
I’m new here and could really use some advice on optimizing efficiency for a Ryzen 9950X.
I recently upgraded from a 7700X, and my primary workload is running 24/7 full-load Python quantitative backtests. Since this system is basically always under heavy load, I’m trying to tune BIOS settings for the best performance-per-watt rather than peak performance. To save my ears and better stability.
My main questions:
- What’s the best approach to find the efficiency sweet spot (PPT/TDC/EDC limits, voltage behavior, etc.) for this CPU?
- Is setting PPT to 160W (MSI default limit) and applying a Curve Optimizer of around -30 a reasonable starting point, or is that too aggressive for sustained workloads?
- Should I be tuning per-core curve offsets instead of all-core?
Also, a slightly concerning detail: this 9950X was manufactured in Nov 2024, and I noticed some kind of adhesive/sealant around the metal points on the back of the CPU. Could this indicate previous liquid metal use or extreme overclocking by the prior owner, or is this normal for newer batches?
Any guidance, especially from people running similar 24/7 compute workloads, would be really appreciated.
Thanks!
lichtspieler@reddit
Do you want more efficiency or just a quick way to lower cooler noise levels during all-core workloads?
While you could waste your time with Curve Optimizer till you figure out that clock stretching and instability is pretty much garanteed with any negative CO values above 10, you can just set a hard PPT limit to your own liking or you use the ECO MODE PPT value of 88W.
If you just want to keep the noise low, AM5 got PBO > "PBO Enhancement" profiles for 70/80/90°C. Its basicly optimized power limits, with PBoost temperature goals AND -10 CurveOptimizer build in, since thats typically the only value that works for the average RYZEN CPUs without causing stability or frequency throttling issues from clock stretching.
=> PBO Enhancement with 70/80/90°C temp goals and match it it your coolers fan curve & temperature/noise MAXIMUM.
Done. You just tuned your given cooler to the maxium noise levels you are comfortable with and the CPU will do its best with PBoost to min-max performance and power with zero stability issues.
---
TLDR: CPU efficiency and your coolers noise / temperature fan curve goals are two different things. You could LIMIT your CPU to \~30W idle wattage and with a given cooler that would be still 100% fan speed and maximum noise.
CPU efficiency with undervolting and stability reduction is quite popular with RYZEN, because of the hidden safe guard with clock stretching and AMD's choice with AM5 to DISABLED Advanced Error Reporting (AER), so people dont see BSODs and neither WHEA errors from silly undervolts.
But you dont have to waste your time with undervolting, you can just set power limits or customize PBoost with PBO Enhancement, its the main feature with AM5.
psimwork@reddit
I would just go into the BIOS and turn on ECO mode. Adjust the max heat output to suit your needs and performance desires and you're pretty much good-to-go.
Fantastic_Simple76@reddit (OP)
Thank you psimwork for reply.
I check the "MSI PRO B850M-VC WiFi" motherboard, but the ECO mode is gray, can't select. I don't know why.
resetallthethings@reddit
it's in PBO, so strangely you have to enable PBO, then select your eco mode
you can also do it by a temp target
Fantastic_Simple76@reddit (OP)
That's the annoying point, I do have PBO enabled, and set -30 Curve Optimizer.
But no matter what I set the ECO mode keep showing greyed out, can't select. 😞
resetallthethings@reddit
oh
the Eco mode option within the PBO sub menu?
or is their a different Eco mode option outside of that for MSI specifically? Because that may be an entirely different thing?
Found this:
To enable Eco Mode on modern MSI motherboards (B650, X670, X870 series) for AMD Ryzen processors, you can use the Config TDP feature in the BIOS or manually adjust power limits via Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO).
Method 1: Using Config TDP (Easiest) Enter the BIOS by pressing Del or F2 during startup. Navigate to OC (Overclocking) > Advanced CPU Configuration. Find Config TDP and change it from Auto to 65W (or 45W/95W depending on preference). Note: On some boards, this option may be grayed out if PBO Limits are set to Auto. You may need to set PBO to Advanced first.
Fantastic_Simple76@reddit (OP)
Thank you tried several times with different settings. but ECO mode still greyed out. I even updated bios ver. the new PPT settings dropped to 105W(142ppt)