What is ClockTuner for Ryzen?

ClockTuner for Ryzen (CTR) is a specialized software utility designed to optimize the performance and overclocking capabilities of AMD Ryzen processors. Created by Yuri “1usmus” Bubliy, CTR focuses on enhancing the potential of Zen 2 and Zen 3-based Ryzen CPUs through meticulous adjustments to voltage and frequency settings.

CTR employs a comprehensive approach, examining the unique characteristics of each CPU, including silicon quality and voltage-frequency curves. By assessing these factors, it determines the most favorable settings that will unlock higher performance levels.

With its user-friendly interface, CTR streamlines the tuning process, making it accessible even to those less experienced in manual adjustments. Users can rely on the software’s automated features to optimize their CPU’s performance without the need for extensive manual intervention.

To ensure stability, CTR incorporates stress testing functionality. This allows users to evaluate the effects of their modifications by monitoring vital metrics like temperature, voltage, and clock speeds in real-time. By observing these parameters, users can identify any undesirable outcomes and make necessary adjustments.

It is important to recognize that CTR is an unofficial third-party utility and is not officially endorsed by AMD. As with any overclocking tool, caution should be exercised, and adequate cooling measures should be in place to prevent overheating. Additionally, it is crucial to monitor system stability and promptly revert any changes that may lead to issues or instability.

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Detailed information about the settings

1. Clock Speed: This setting allows you to adjust the frequency of the processor’s cores, which can increase the processor’s overall performance.
2. Voltage: This setting allows you to adjust the voltage supplied to the processor, which can help to increase stability when overclocking.
3. Timings: This setting allows you to adjust the timings of the processor’s memory, which can impact the performance and stability of the system.
4. Fan Speed: This setting allows you to adjust the fan speed of the system, which can impact the performance and stability of the system.
5. Power Limits: This setting allows you to adjust the power limits of the processor, which can impact the performance and stability of the system.

Key feature

The key feature of CTR 2.1RC5 are six independent profiles that allow the user to configure their processor for any load, regardless of how many cores are used: two or all. You are already familiar with P2 and P1 — these are profiles for a multi-core load. The novelty is four profiles:

• IDLE profile — for idle computer.
• PX HIGH controls the frequency for only the top two cores.
• PX MID — for the top four cores.
• PX LOW — for the top six or eight cores in your system, depending on the processor model. At the same time, weak cores operate at a reduced frequency.

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

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

I know many of you are wondering: “What is special about these profiles and why CTR and not Curve Optimizer?”.

I suggest comparing CTR and CO with 4-thread load and multi-thread load using each method. This comparison (rather rough) is best suited for testing an ideal scenario simulating a typical user load (work or games).

A key feature of the PX profile is the significantly reduced voltage requirements relative to the CPU drain settings and blocking weak cores with a lower frequency to avoid instability. This is justified by the current features of the 7nm process technology (critical voltage/frequency ranges) and the Zen 3 architecture as a whole. The chain reaction of silicon self-heating (higher voltage = more heat = additional voltage needed to compensate for this heat), which usually led to an increase in voltage and a decrease in frequency, is no longer the main limiting factor for high frequencies. CTR allows you to significantly improve the voltage/frequency ratio (up to 7%), and the maximum possible frequencies exceed the capabilities of Curve Optimizer.

For a multithreaded load, enabling PBO and Curve Optimizer significantly improves performance, but increases power consumption to a very high 202 watts instead of the typical 145 watts. The P1 profile usually operates at a voltage of only 1.175 V, which is 175 mV less than the typical voltage for all cores (1.35 V), and the frequency of CCX1 even exceeds the frequency of PBO and the maximum CO. The difference in the voltage/frequency ratio is now more than 15.7% (3.31 vs. 3.83) with identical performance. Summing up, we can say that using the CTR profile in this example made the processor significantly colder (by 16), and the PPT difference was 52 watts.

Of course, this is not all, and in the future users are waiting for dynamic profiles that can adapt to any load in real time while having maximum energy efficiency, but this is already in another material.

This time, instead of tedious text information, I have prepared a quick video tour for you. Enjoy it!

What’s new?

So, what changes and additions have been made:

• PX profiles for all processors. Get maximum performance in low-thread applications and games!
• Fast and accurate creation of P1, P2 and PX profiles during diagnostics (only for Zen 3 and Renoir). The whole process takes about 7 minutes.
• Redesigned CTR HYBRID OC. Smooth and safe profile switching. The profile switching speed reaches 62 times per second (4 times more than in previous versions).
• Preloading profiles. Increases the CTR response rate to load changes.
• The effective CTR HYBRID OC trottling system allows your processor to effectively cope with a super-heavy load (base frequency at 1.1 V).
• Automatic recommendation of the minimum possible voltages for each profile. Allows you to achieve maximum energy efficiency without reducing productivity. In most cases, profiles are able to outperform PBO.
• Improved idle status.
• Reading CPPC information via the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI).
• Improved CTR communication security with the System Control Unit (SMU).
• CTR BOOST TESTER — regardless of whether you use CTR or Curve Optimizer (CO), you can compare the results of each booster with extended information (temperature, PPT, etc.).
• CLEAR CONFIG & CLOSE is a button that allows you to reset all CTR settings to default values.
• Real-time profile switching statistics (PROFILES tab).
• Automatic recovery of profile activity (lei) after sleep.
• CALCULATE button for PX, P2 and P1. If you need to recalculate the profile, you don’t need to restart the entire diagnostic process (Zen 3 and Renoir).
• Checking the Windows Hardware Error Architecture (WHEA) for the tuning process.
• Improved protection against dangerous and unintended user actions.
• Automatic recovery of configuration files after a failure.
• Improved Phoenix mode (fixed “PLATINUM sample”, etc.).
• Independent profile system. If one profile is broken, the other profiles are safe.
• Improved support for unique dual CCD processors Ryzen 5 5600X and Ryzen 7 5800X.
• Fully supported by AGESA 1.2.0.1 and newer.
• TO TRAY is a separate button. The user can choose how to minimize CTR.
• Improved logging for all modes and functions.
• Processor quality categories have been rebalanced (gold, silver, and so on).
• CTR automatically adjusts the “Holding time”. No longer available for manual operation.
• The CTR launch speed has been increased (up to 4 times).
• CTR has driver priority. Allows it to work more efficiently at maximum load on the system.
• Reduced CPU usage.
• Fix Alt-Tab when CTR is in the system tray.
• An easier way to activate profiles (no saving required).
• Numerous minor bug fixes and improvements.

CTR Requirements

ClockTuner for Ryzen (CTR) is a software tool used for overclocking AMD Ryzen processors. The following are the basic requirements for using CTR:

1. Operating System: CTR requires Windows 10 or later.
2. Processor: CTR is specifically designed for AMD Ryzen processors and is not compatible with other types of processors.
3. System Memory: CTR requires at least 4 GB of system memory.
4. Graphics Card: CTR does not have specific requirements for a graphics card, but a dedicated graphics card is recommended for best performance.
5. Storage: CTR requires at least 100 MB of free storage space.
6. .NET Framework: CTR requires the .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later to be installed on the system.

Supported processors

List of supported models:

• Zen 3: Ryzen 9 5950X, Ryzen 9 5900X, Ryzen 7 5800X, Ryzen 5 5600X.
• Zen 2: Threadripper 3970X, Threadripper 3960X, Ryzen 9 3950X, Ryzen 9 3900X, Ryzen 9 3900XT, Ryzen 9 3900, Ryzen 7 3800XT, Ryzen 7 3800X, Ryzen 7 3700X, Ryzen 5 3600XT, Ryzen 5 3600X, Ryzen 5 3600, Ryzen 5 3500X, Ryzen 5 3500, Ryzen 3 3300X (partly) and Ryzen 3 3100 (partly).
• APU: Ryzen 7 PRO 4750G, Ryzen 7 PRO 4650G, Ryzen 3 PRO 4350G.

ClockTuner for Ryzen not working

If you’re experiencing issues with ClockTuner for Ryzen (CTR) not working, there could be several potential reasons. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Compatibility: Ensure that you are using a compatible version of CTR that supports your specific Ryzen processor model. CTR may not work correctly with older or unsupported CPUs.
2. Software Updates: Check for updates to CTR and make sure you have the latest version installed. Developers often release updates to address bugs and improve compatibility.
3. System Requirements: Verify that your system meets the minimum requirements for running CTR. Ensure that your operating system, drivers, and other software are up to date.
4. Antivirus/Firewall: Sometimes, antivirus or firewall software can interfere with CTR’s functionality. Temporarily disable such software and see if it resolves the issue. Remember to re-enable it afterward for security purposes.
5. Run as Administrator: Try running CTR as an administrator. Right-click on the CTR executable or shortcut and select “Run as administrator.” This can help bypass any permission-related issues.
6. Clean Reinstallation: If none of the above steps resolve the problem, consider performing a clean reinstallation of CTR. Uninstall the existing version, delete any remaining CTR files, and then reinstall it from a trusted source.
7. Community Support: Reach out to the CTR community for assistance. There are forums, discussion boards, and social media groups dedicated to CTR where you can ask questions and seek help from experienced users.

If the issue persists, it’s possible that there may be a compatibility conflict or an underlying hardware issue. In such cases, it may be helpful to consult the official CTR documentation or contact the developer for further support and guidance.

FAQ

1. What is ClockTuner for Ryzen?
   • ClockTuner for Ryzen (CTR) is a software utility developed for optimizing the performance and overclocking capabilities of AMD Ryzen processors, specifically targeting Zen 2 and Zen 3 architectures.
2. How does ClockTuner for Ryzen work?
   • CTR analyzes the individual characteristics of each Ryzen CPU, such as silicon quality and voltage-frequency curves, to determine optimal settings for achieving higher performance. It fine-tunes voltage and frequency settings to maximize the CPU’s potential.
3. Is ClockTuner for Ryzen official software from AMD?
   • No, ClockTuner for Ryzen is developed by Yuri “1usmus” Bubliy, an independent software developer. It is not an official software tool from AMD, but it has gained popularity among Ryzen CPU enthusiasts.
4. Which CPUs are supported by ClockTuner for Ryzen?
   • CTR primarily supports Zen 2 and Zen 3-based Ryzen processors. However, it is important to check for compatibility with your specific CPU model and ensure you are using a compatible version of CTR.
5. How do I use ClockTuner for Ryzen?
   • CTR provides a user-friendly interface that guides users through the tuning process. It automates many of the adjustments, but it’s important to follow the instructions provided and monitor system stability during the tuning process.
6. Can I damage my CPU by using ClockTuner for Ryzen?
   • While CTR is designed to optimize performance safely, any overclocking carries some risks. It’s crucial to monitor temperatures, stability, and revert any changes if instability or issues arise. Proper cooling and cautious adjustments are essential to prevent damage.
7. Where can I download ClockTuner for Ryzen?
   • ClockTuner for Ryzen can usually be downloaded from reputable sources, such as the official website or trusted tech forums. Ensure you download it from a reliable and safe source to avoid malware or counterfeit versions.
8. Is ClockTuner for Ryzen compatible with other CPU brands?
   • No, ClockTuner for Ryzen is specifically developed for AMD Ryzen processors and is not intended for use with CPUs from other brands, such as Intel.
9. Is ClockTuner for Ryzen free?
   • Yes, ClockTuner for Ryzen is typically available as freeware, meaning it can be used without cost. However, it’s always a good idea to check the developer’s website or relevant forums for any updated information regarding licensing or donation options.
10. Where can I get support or assistance with ClockTuner for Ryzen?
    • For support, it’s recommended to consult the official documentation, forums, or online communities dedicated to CTR. These platforms can provide troubleshooting advice, tips, and guidance from experienced users.