You will soon be able to set your own TDP (thermal design power) on all AMD Ryzen 3000 CPUs for “cooler and quieter” operation. AMD is introducing the new power saving “eco-mode” feature to all of its popular Zen 2 CPU desktop processors, which will allow users to knock their chips down one TDP tier from stock. For example, if your chip is a 65W model, you will be able to drop it down to 45W.
The new functionality is being introduced to AMD’s Ryzen Master software, and will be available across its Zen 2 desktop processor lineup. It is, however, limited solely to CPUs alone, and will not be available to any of its APUs.
AMD is touting the TDP adjusting eco-mode as perfect for small form factor builds, where there may be insufficient space for a larger, more effective cooler. Or, perhaps, if you wish to run your rig a little quieter or cooler than the out-of-the-box performance usually allows.
This will, of course, come at the expensive of some performance. In the company’s own testing, the Ryzen 9 3950X managed to offer 77% of its unfettered performance in 65W eco-mode. This chip is usually a 105W part. It also used 44% less power, and ran up to 7 degrees celsius cooler.
The new feature coincides with AMD’s Ryzen 9 3950X and 3rd Gen Threadripper release date announcement. Both the top Ryzen desktop processor and HEDT chips will be available from November 25, 2019.