ASRock Addresses Premature Ryzen 9000 CPU Failures: Aggressive PBO Settings to Blame

A YouTube video from Tech Yes City has shed light on a recurring issue where AMD Ryzen 9000 processors, specifically those on ASRock AM5 motherboards, have been failing prematurely. The problem, according to the YouTuber, is linked to overly aggressive Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) settings that ASRock used in its initial BIOS. The PBO technology in AMD processors uses an algorithm to dynamically adjust clock speeds based on various factors such as temperature, power, and workload to achieve maximum performance. However, it appears that ASRock’s initial PBO settings were too aggressive for the early samples of Ryzen 9000 CPUs, leading to their premature failure. This issue seems to be primarily affecting ASRock’s high-end and mid-range motherboards, as they were tuned more aggressively. Earlier this year, numerous reports surfaced on platforms like Reddit about failing Ryzen 9000 processors, often known by the codename Granite Ridge. Initially, ASRock downplayed these reports, labeling them as “misinformation” and supplying a new BIOS update to address boot-up and memory compatibility issues. Despite these efforts, users found themselves having to return their faulty CPUs through the Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process. The company’s representative revealed to Tech Yes City that the root cause might be related to the Electric Design Current (EDC) and Thermal Design Current (TDC) settings being set too high for the early CPU samples. EDC and TDC are parameters that define the maximum current a processor can draw under certain conditions. By setting these values too high, the motherboard may have pushed the CPU beyond its safe operating range, causing damage. ASRock has also ruled out memory incompatibility and excessive System on Chip (SoC) voltages as contributing factors, noting that the latter has historically been a problem for the previous generation of Ryzen 7000 processors. Interestingly, liquid coolers and all-in-one (AIO) cooling solutions seem to exacerbate the issue by providing better thermal management, allowing the PBO technology to push the CPU harder and potentially over its limits. To address this, ASRock has issued a new BIOS update. While initial tests haven’t shown any changes in EDC and TDC values, the update reportedly reduces “shadow voltages,” which are hidden settings not typically accessible to users. These adjustments aim to mitigate the risk of CPU burnout. However, it remains unclear whether the fault lies with AMD or ASRock. All motherboard manufacturers must adhere to specific limits set by AMD, but the consistency of issues with ASRock motherboards suggests a possible deviation from these guidelines. Given the recurring nature of the problem, it seems unlikely that user reports were merely coincidental. Tech Yes City and other tech journalists have called for ASRock to release a public advisory urging users to update their BIOS to the latest version. This move could help prevent further failures and demonstrate the company’s commitment to addressing the issue. Despite repeated attempts to seek further comment, ASRock has not yet responded publicly beyond the initial conversations with the YouTuber and other media outlets. As tech enthusiasts and professionals continue to monitor this situation, it will be essential to see if the BIOS update effectively resolves the problem. For now, users with ASRock AM5 motherboards and Ryzen 9000 processors should consider updating their BIOS to the latest version as a precautionary measure. Stay tuned to websites like Tom's Hardware for the latest developments and updates on this issue.