MSI Releases AGESA 1.2.0.2b BIOS Update for AMD AM5 Motherboards to Improve Memory and CPU Performance

MSI has announced the release of AGESA 1.2.0.2b BIOS update for AMD AM5 motherboards, aligned with the launch of AMD’s new 9800X3D processor. This BIOS update aims to optimize memory latency and improve the performance of X3D series processors in gaming applications. An important addition to this update is X3D Game Mode, which can be enabled to specifically improve the gaming performance of X3D processors. While this feature is compatible with all Ryzen processors on the AM5 platform, including Ryzen 7000 and Ryzen 9000 series models, it is particularly effective for the X3D series. Enabling this mode results in a noticeable improvement in gaming performance, especially for the 9800X3D processor. However, users should note that disabling this feature will downgrade Ryzen 9-series processors, such as the 9900X and 9950X, to 6- and 8-core configurations by disabling a CCD. Currently, MSI has made X3D gaming mode available on X870 series motherboards, and plans to expand support to 600 series chipsets in future updates.

This expands compatibility for users looking to optimize their systems. In addition to the X3D game mode, AGESA 1.2.0.2b update addresses memory latency issues by introducing a new Latency Killer feature. This feature works alongside a new Memory Timing Preset quick configuration tool available on 800 series motherboards. The Memory Timing Preset offers four levels of adjustment: Relax, Balance, Tighter and Tightest, each representing an increasing degree memory latency optimization. These presets allow users to fine-tune memory performance based on their specific system requirements and configurations.

Through extensive testing, MSI’s Memory Timing Preset setting showed significant improvements in memory read and write performance, with the Relax setting reducing latency by approximately 8-10 nanoseconds compared to the previous version of the BIOS AGESA 1.2.0.2a. The Balance setting further optimizes latency, while the Tighter and Tightest settings aim to improve memory performance as much as possible. The Latency Killer feature, when separated from the Memory Timing Preset, continues to reduce memory latency, allowing the Memory Timing Preset options to primarily improve memory transmission bandwidth. MSI’s official test engineer, Toppc, noted that these optimizations are a balanced approach to improving overall system performance, especially in gaming and high-performance computing scenarios.

Source: ithome