AMD has rolled out a significant BIOS update that addresses the inter-core latency issues plaguing its latest Ryzen 9000 Zen 5 processors. The AGESA 1.2.0.2 firmware update, initially released for select ASUS motherboards, has demonstrated impressive improvements in core-to-core communication speeds.
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| A closer look at the architectural innovations of AMD's Ryzen 9000 series processors that address latency issues |
Dramatic Latency Reduction
Early testing of the new BIOS reveals a substantial 58% reduction in cross-CCD (Core Complex Die) latency. Users have reported:
- Previous latency: ~180ns between CCDs
- New latency: ~75ns between CCDs
- Intra-CCD latency: Remains unchanged at 18-20ns
This improvement brings the Ryzen 9000 series more in line with the performance characteristics of its predecessor, the Ryzen 7000 Zen 4 family.
Performance Gains
While inter-core latency might seem like a minor technical detail, it can have tangible impacts on real-world performance:
- Cinebench R23: 400-600 point improvements reported
- Noticeable gains in CPU-Z and 3DMark CPU benchmarks
- Potential benefits for multi-threaded applications
It's worth noting that gaming performance may see less dramatic changes, as AMD's scheduler typically prioritizes the fastest CCD for such workloads.
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| Benchmarking performance improvements of the Ryzen 9000 series processors following the BIOS update |
The Root of the Problem
According to insights from Y-Cruncher benchmark author Alexander Yee, the initial latency issues stemmed from AMD's attempts to optimize certain workloads during development. Unfortunately, these optimizations had unintended consequences in synthetic benchmarks, leading to the observed latency spikes.
Availability and Rollout
Currently, the AGESA 1.2.0.2 update is available for select ASUS X670E, B650E, and B650 motherboards. Other manufacturers are expected to release their versions of the update in the coming weeks.
Additional Features
The BIOS update also introduces a new 105W TDP mode for the Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X processors, potentially offering users more control over power consumption and performance.
This swift response from AMD demonstrates the company's commitment to addressing user concerns and maintaining the competitiveness of its latest CPU lineup. As more Ryzen 9000 owners apply this update, we can expect to see a clearer picture of its impact on various workloads and real-world scenarios.