Difference between Ryzen Game Boost and Overclocking?

qazwsxzing

Prominent
Apr 18, 2017
13
0
510
I have a ryzen cpu with a MSI tomahawk B350 motherboard. I have the option of Game Boost or Overclocking. What is the difference and is one better than the other?
 
Solution
Both are overclocking options. (the knob is just applying some preset values)
http://www.funkykit.com/news/pc-computers/msis-game-boost-knob-allows-easy-ryzen-overclocking/

I would stick with manually adjusting the UEFI/BIOS by looking at Ryzen overclocking guides. Heck, try BOTH. Maybe use the KNOB method and see how high you can go, then see if you can beat that manually.

Frankly, there doesn't seem to be much gain to be had. You should also check for UEFI updates periodically.

*Also look for the new AMD HIGH PROFILE update and apply that.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/3192926/computers/amd-updates-ryzen-drivers-with-a-new-power-profile-and-the-promise-of-better-performance.html

(run diagnostics on system memory using MEMTEST86...
Both are overclocking options. (the knob is just applying some preset values)
http://www.funkykit.com/news/pc-computers/msis-game-boost-knob-allows-easy-ryzen-overclocking/

I would stick with manually adjusting the UEFI/BIOS by looking at Ryzen overclocking guides. Heck, try BOTH. Maybe use the KNOB method and see how high you can go, then see if you can beat that manually.

Frankly, there doesn't seem to be much gain to be had. You should also check for UEFI updates periodically.

*Also look for the new AMD HIGH PROFILE update and apply that.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/3192926/computers/amd-updates-ryzen-drivers-with-a-new-power-profile-and-the-promise-of-better-performance.html

(run diagnostics on system memory using MEMTEST86 via USB stick/CD as well as CPU tests in Windows)
 
Solution
That's a "one button overclock" option. I don't know exactly how sophisticated it is, but MSI have probably tested a bunch of CPUs and motherboards and have found an overclock that's widely stable which you can simple enable in the BIOS to save mucking around manually. It's not a bad option to try. Because every CPU is slightly different, following a good OC guide yourself and spending some time finding the sweet spot on your system would likely net you a higher overclock, or the same overclock with a lower voltage (=less heat). Depends whether you're prepared to invest the time.

I assume you have decent cooling too?