On September 7, AMD Ryzen Master’s "Game Mode" aims to optimize processor performance by limiting the number of active CPU cores during gameplay, thereby improving the gaming experience. While additional CPU cores can bring performance gains in some cases, these gains tend to diminish once the core count reaches 12. Most games today are optimized for 6-8 core CPUs, meaning that for most gamers, processors with 6-8 cores are already sufficient for gaming needs.
Both Intel and AMD’s high-end CPUs come with more than 8 cores, and this is where AMD Ryzen Master’s "Game Mode" is useful. Essentially, the mode activates "Legacy Compatibility Mode," which reduces the CPU core count by disabling the second core complex die (CCD) and also turns off simultaneous multithreading (SMT).
Players might assume that "Game Mode" will automatically deliver better gaming performance, but this belief is not entirely accurate. In fact, enabling this mode in Ryzen Master might actually cause a performance dip in some games. Moreover, it differs from certain "Game Modes" that are built into some motherboards, such as MSI's X3D Game Mode or ASUS's "Turbo Game Mode."
How Ryzen Master’s "Game Mode" Works
AMD Ryzen Master is a tuning tool designed specifically for Ryzen CPUs, ideal for customizing CPU overclocking settings. In addition to automatic overclocking and voltage control, the tool offers preset performance modes like "Creator Mode" and "Game Mode."
Players might think these preset modes would help Ryzen CPUs perform better, but in reality, customizing overclocking parameters based on individual hardware characteristics is always more effective than using preset tuning modes. This becomes even clearer once you understand how "Game Mode" operates.
"Game Mode" is not just a simple optimization overclocking profile; it’s primarily designed for CPUs with more than 8 cores. AMD even states that Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, and Ryzen 7 processors do not need this mode. Since this mode reduces the number of cores and disables SMT, it can actually harm gaming performance in certain scenarios.
Does "Game Mode" Improve CPU Performance?
For Ryzen 5 (6-core) or Ryzen 7 (8-core) processors, enabling Ryzen Master’s "Game Mode" brings no benefits. However, if you're using an AMD Ryzen 9 or Threadripper CPU, theoretically, this mode might provide some gains, but the final results depend on the type of games you're playing and the specific CPU model you're using.
By reducing the number of cores and threads, "Game Mode" can improve performance in some games, especially those that are sensitive to the latency introduced by AMD's CCD design. This optimization is particularly beneficial in two scenarios: for users who play older games, and for those who mainly play games optimized for console performance. For example, when running "Super Mario 64" via an emulator or playing "Final Fantasy 14," enabling "Game Mode" might boost the original frame rate.
Even so, the performance improvement in older games might not be significant. For such games, lowering the CPU voltage slightly might yield better results than enabling "Game Mode."
Which Scenarios Should Avoid Using Ryzen Master’s "Game Mode"?
While some older games can benefit from "Game Mode," many others will suffer from the reduced core and thread count.
Whether you’re using an AMD Ryzen 9 5900X or the latest AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D gaming CPU, it's not recommended to activate "Game Mode" when playing games like "Cyberpunk 2077," "Monster Hunter: World," or "Black Myth: Wukong." These three games have been criticized for poor optimization, but they can benefit from more cores and threads for better performance. While not all modern games show significant gains from extra CPU cores, this trend is becoming more common, and for the mentioned games, the more cores, the better the CPU performance.
Alternative Optimization Methods to "Game Mode"
As mentioned earlier, customizing CPU clock frequencies, adjusting memory speeds, and tuning fan curves can bring much greater performance improvements than using "Ryzen Master Game Mode." Most of these settings can be found in the Ryzen Master software suite. Adjusting fan curves requires access to the BIOS, but CPU clock frequency adjustments, memory frequency tuning, switching to EXPO memory profiles, and even CPU undervolting can be done directly through Ryzen Master.
Although this customization requires more fine-tuning than simply enabling "Game Mode," it leads to a comprehensive improvement in computer performance without the need to toggle "Game Mode" on or off for different games.
Players can also make use of additional optimization settings built into motherboards, like ASUS’s "Turbo Game Mode" or MSI’s "X3D Game Mode" (depending on the motherboard brand). However, even with these, it’s recommended to perform further tuning based on your personal gaming setup rather than sticking with the factory default settings.
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