AMD Ryzen Master 2.14.1.3286 now allows you to turn on EXPO memory overclocking without needing a system restart. Additionally, you will be able to increase your CPU frequency in a more granular fashion.
For those unfamiliar, Ryzen Master allows you to tune your CPU settings as you wish from the comfort of your operating system (OS). Whether you like to overclock or underclock your AMD processor, or anything in between, this app can do wonders for your overall PC performance and efficiency. However, until today, one important setting required a system reboot to take effect: EXPO.
Standing for Extended Profiles for Overclocking, EXPO is a solution developed to offer AM5 users an easy way to boost their system performance. It stores memory profiles that contain details such as frequency and timings, which allow any user to push their DDR5 kits to the advertised speed – assuming the memory controller can handle it.
While nothing seems changed from its BIOS equivalent, being able to activate EXPO profiles directly from Windows has a couple of advantages. For starters, you can compare the performance boost straight away to see how much it benefits a specific app or game. Reviewers will love this. Secondly, if you are rocking one of those fast DDR5 kits that reduce the Infinity Fabric ratio, now you have a way to switch to full speed only when a software can leverage it.
Lastly, while not exclusive to this version, AMD has also highlighted a handful of changes inside this update, including a 105W Eco Mode option for Ryzen 9000 desktop CPUs, plus a more granular 5MHz-step manual frequency adjustment. Even more options to configure your CPU to your exact requirements.
The full list of changes goes as follows:
- Adds support for 105W Eco Mode to systems utilizing AMD Ryzen 9000 Series 65W and 120W desktop processors.
- Adds support for systems utilizing AMD Ryzen 9000 Series desktop processors for the AM5 platform.
- New features introduced (applicable to select CPUs).
- Memory can be overclocked on-the-fly (applying EXPO profile does not require a system restart).
- Additional memory tuning parameters are introduced, providing further customization options for optimizing memory performance.
- DF P state information is provided in the Home view.
- In IRM control mode users can adjust the PBO parameters (EDC, TDC, and PPT) up to the IRM limits but not exceeding them.
- In Manual control mode CPU speed can be adjusted in steps of 5MHz.
- An advertisement banner has been incorporated, providing information on the AMD products.
- Support discontinued for AMD Ryzen and AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1000 and 2000 series processors.
I would have loved to get such a high level of control directly from the OS back when I was full-on overclocking. One of the reasons that stopped me from seeking ever-higher frequencies was the mandatory and long reboot following every setting change. The ability to do all this straight out of Windows is truly a gift for those who like tinkering with their hardware.
