Question Ryzen 3950x doesn't down-clock when idle.

[MisterNguyen]

I recently built my second gaming PC, but this is my first time using an AMD processor. I haven't overclocked the CPU or RAM (XMP profile is set to run at default speed of 3600Mhz). Using Core Temp to monitor my temperature, I notice that my 3950x will occasionally boost up to 4.3 Ghz at idle, but it will not down-clock itself below 3.3 Ghz, which results in high idle temp; the processor is currently sitting at 42C in a 19C ambient setting, and it's cooled by a Deepcool Castle 360 EX with Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut.

My motherboard is the MSI Godlike X570. All settings are at default; nothing has been overclocked. I also have the latest BIOS and AMD chipset updates.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

42c seems fine for idle, remember this is a 16 core CPU.

I would try changing Windows power management to Ryzen balanced mode.

 

[MisterNguyen]

42c seems fine for idle, remember this is a 16 core CPU.

I would try changing Windows power management to Ryzen balanced mode.

I currently have my power settings set to Ryzen Balanced mode. My concern is the CPU not downclocking itself below 3.3 Ghz. 42C seems fine for now since it's winter here in Southern California, but I'd hate to see how high the temp will go up during the summer....

 

[DMAN999]

Did you set the Minmun processor state to btween 5% and 20% ?
Like this:

https://imgur.com/UaLBLMn

View: https://imgur.com/UaLBLMn

 

[MisterNguyen]

Did you set the Minmun processor state to btween 5% and 20% ?
Like this:

https://imgur.com/UaLBLMn

View: https://imgur.com/UaLBLMn

I tried that, and it helped a little. At 5%, the lowest clock on idle was 2.2 Ghz. I also read Reddit that we should keep the minimum processor state at 99%, which is default. Is this the norm with Ryzen CPUs? This is my first AMD processor.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Seems fine. 2.2ghz is a decent down clock.

Given how sensitive boosting algorithms for Matisse CPUs can be, you may find your CPU boosting even when you are just web browsing, so the minimum clock speed will probably not be achieved often.

 

[DMAN999]

I tried that, and it helped a little. At 5%, the lowest clock on idle was 2.2 Ghz. I also read Reddit that we should keep the minimum processor state at 99%, which is default. Is this the norm with Ryzen CPUs? This is my first AMD processor.

I have mine set at 20% minimum processor state and 2.2 GHz is what I see at idle with my 3700x using the AMD Ryzen Balanced Plan.

 

[MisterNguyen]

I have mine set at 20% minimum processor state and 2.2 GHz is what I see at idle with my 3700x using the AMD Ryzen Balanced Plan.

Is there a performance decrease if we set it to 20% on Ryzen CPUs?

 

[jon96789]

If you set your CPU to any level lower than 100%, it means your CPU can run below its clocked speed which then means it is slowing down. But the OS will recognize when there is a load and ramp up the speed as needed when the demand requires it so this should not be a concern...

 

[Phaaze88]

@MisterNguyen
The reason this is happening is because you're monitoring activity with Core Temp. Use Ryzen Master from now on.
My understanding is that other programs unintentionally 'wake' the sleeping cores. That's why it's behaving that way at idle.

 

[DMAN999]

Is there a performance decrease if we set it to 20% on Ryzen CPUs?

Not that I've noticed.
It clocks down when Idle and clocks up when needed.