3 reasons you should make sure PBO is enabled for your AMD Ryzen CPU

Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) sounds like something from Cyberpunk 2077, but it’s a very useful feature present on AMD Ryzen processors. PBO allows AMD processors to dynamically adjust power limits, voltages, and clock speeds to improve overall performance. With data from the chip itself, AMD’s PBO will adjust PPT (Package Power Tracking), TDC (Thermal Design Current), and EDC (Electrical Design Current) without the need for any manual overclocking, and it will do all of this on the fly. If you have an AMD Ryzen processor, it may be worth activating PBO to get more from your CPU.

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PBO is easy to activate

Be up and running in no time

You’ll likely have PBO disabled (or set to “auto”) by default, though a single UEFI BIOS setting is all you need to turn it on. When set to “auto”, PBO will still be constrained by predetermined TDP limits. This is best for when you’re limited on CPU cooling and want to enjoy slightly longer boost times before the CPU throttles back. PBO set to “on” is when the fun begins. This is when you’ll consider upgrading to a 240mm AIO cooler if using a stock or aftermarket air cooler. The amount of heat generated by the AMD chip with PBO enabled can be considerable. Thankfully, it’s just as easy to dial back or disable altogether.

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Automatic overclocking

No guesswork or tests

Manually overclocking your processor is a thing of the past, unless you plan to get as much performance out of your system as possible. It’s just not needed anymore with modern AMD and Intel processors which have integrated features that can fine-tune clock speeds based on current loads and cooling capacity. PBO does precisely this by dynamically configuring the processor as you use the PC. Not running much? The AMD CPU with PBO will sit almost idle sipping a few watts of power. When you’re ready to fire up a stress test, heavy game, or software, PBO will crank everything up to 11 until you hit TJMax.

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PBO can provide serious gains

Especially with AMD Ryzen 9000

PBO is a great way to get more for less … well, less money anyway. There are trade-offs for activating PBO and that’s power draw and heat. But if you have more than sufficient cooling, you can push your CPU harder, which should result in better results in your favorite games or software. The higher up the AMD Ryzen stack you go, the less of an impact PBO may have, especially considering the Ryzne 9 series. The 9900X can see a significant boost, but the 9950X is already right up there with what the architecture can handle — Your results will vary.

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PBO is only worth it if you have adequate cooling

AMD Ryzen 9000 processors are more efficient than their predecessors but can still draw lots of power and produce considerable waste heat. This is where your trusty CPU cooler comes into play. If you’re rocking the stock cooler AMD includes with select processors or happen to be using a cheap and cheery air cooler from your favorite online retailer, you may be out of luck. PBO will push your CPU hard and the attached cooler may not have the thermal headroom to handle the additional heat. For optimal results, I recommend at least a 240mm AIO liquid cooler.

It doesn’t even have to be a premium AIO cooler. There are some excellent budget-friendly options, like the impressive Arctic Liquid Freeze III series. So long as the pump and fans are powerful enough to take on the heat generated by your AMD chip, you shouldn’t notice temperatures getting too out of hand, though this will depend on which AMD CPU you’re using. The AMD Ryzen 9950X will gladly bounce around in the higher ranges, especially with heavier loads. PBO is a great tool for performance but it should be used with consideration for your system cooling.