ClockTuner v2.1 for Ryzen (CTR) Guide

Introduction

ClockTuner v2.1 RC5 for Ryzen (CTR) Guide

Introduction

Hello All. Today is another special day - the update of the long-awaited project ClockTuner for Ryzen (CTR) now has reached version 2.1 RC5. This project can influence the performance of systems based on Ryzen processors with microarchitecture Zen 2/3, positively. Before starting our tour of CTR and offering you recommendations, we would like to touch upon the background of this all, the very thing that inspired 1usmus to create this software. There will be no irrelevant information, so we hope you will read absolutely everything. Why do we state that, as this will avoid unusual problems and misunderstandings?

If you are a first-time user of this software, please read through the following guides we have created before to understand the GUI, mechanics, options but also limitations of this software.

Supported processors

ClockTuner v2.1 RC5 What's New?:

CTR requirements

 

Introduction

The main goal of the CTR project is to improve the energy efficiency and performance of the processor by fine-tuning frequency relative to voltage. Enormous customization possibilities will satisfy the needs of any user. Most processes are fully automatic and the result is always individual to each system. Even if you are a beginner, a multi-level safety system will prevent you from inputting a potentially dangerous setting.


 01


The key feature of CTR 2.1 RC5 is the 6 independent profiles that allow the user to configure their CPU for any load, no matter how many cores are used: 2 or all. You are already familiar with P2 and P1, they are profiles for multi-core loads. Here are the four new profiles:

  1. IDLE profile - for when your computer is idle.
  2. PX HIGH controls the frequency only for your 2 best cores.
  3. PX MID - for your 4 best cores.
  4. PX LOW - for the 6 or 8 best cores in your system depending on your CPU model. At the same time, the weaker cores are running at a reduced frequency.

With CTR 2.1 RC5, the creation of profiles for Zen 3 processors (and Renoir) has become incredibly fast and easy. These profiles are created automatically during diagnostics. The process takes up to 7 minutes on average. CTR knows about Vdroop, VRM features, cooling system, and of course about silicon potential. This allows you to create profiles that do not require additional stress testing.

In CTR 2.1 RC5, the profile switching speed has reached 62 times per second. This is twice as fast as Zen 1 and Zen+ processors, but only 6.25% as often as Zen 2 or Zen 3 do by default. The profile switching rate is limited artificially, this reduces CTR’s requirements to CPU usage (down to 0.1-0.2% in case of Ryzen 5 5600X processor, for example).

I know many of you are wondering "what's so special about these profiles and why CTR instead of Curve Optimizer?". I suggest comparing CTR and CO with a 4-thread load and a multi-thread load using each method. This comparison (pretty rough) is  best for testing an ideal scenario to simulate a typical user load (work or games).


02


A key feature of the PX profile is significantly reduced voltage requirements relative to the stock settings + blocking weaker cores with lower frequencies. This is justified by the current features of the 7nm process technology (critical V/F ranges) and the Zen 3 architecture. The silicon self-heating chain reaction (higher voltages = more heat = additional voltage needed to compensate for that heat), which usually led to higher voltage demands and lower frequency is now not the main limiting factor for high frequency. CTR allows a significant improvement of the voltage/frequency ratios (up to 7%) and the maximum frequencies possible exceed the capabilities of Curve Optimizer.


03


For multi-threaded loads, turning on PBO + Optimum CO significantly increases performance, but increases power consumption to a seriously hot 202W instead of P1’s typical 145W.The P1 PROFILE typically operates at a voltage of only 1.175V, which is 175mV less than typical all-core, all-thread stock voltage of 1.35V, while the frequency of CCX1 even exceeds the frequency of PBO + Max CO. The voltage/frequency ratio difference is now over 15.7% (3.31 vs 3.83) while the performance is identical. To summarize, using the CTR profile in this example has given you a 16˚ cooler processor with a PPT difference of 52W.

Instead of tedious textual information, I have prepared a quick video tour for you. Enjoy!

 

Printed from: https://www.guru3d.com/review/clocktuner-2-1-for-ryzen-(ctr)-guide/