The frequencies reached?
As with every new processor test, our first idea is to check if the advertised frequencies are actually reached. To do so, we will use the Cinebench R23 benchmark. Two cases will be used: a single core benchmark and a multi core benchmark. The idea is to be able to judge the frequency reached and thus compare it to what was announced by AMD in its slides. Remember that the Boost frequency in bench is different depending on the processor. Be careful, as AMD points out, when we talk about maximum Boost frequency, it is the maximum frequency achievable by one of the processor’s cores running a single-core workload(mono-thread). The maximum boost varies according to several factors: the load, the cooling system and therefore the temperature of your processor. This is a notion to keep in mind. Here are the frequencies we should reach on a single core during our run under Cinebench R23.
First step, we leave everything in AUTO in the BIOS except the EXPO profile which we load to have a frequency of 6000 MT/s in 30-38-38-96 for our memory kit. We do not make any other changes in the BIOS.
Testing with the Ryzen 9 7950X:
Here we go with the strongest processor, the Ryzen 9 7950X. As you can see, we opened several windows to check the frequency and temperature.
In single core, we can see that the #1 core reaches a frequency of 5825 MHz which is much higher than the 5.7 GHz announced by AMD. The reason for this is most likely the cooler temperatures brought on by our liquid cooling. AMD had also hinted that if the temperature did not exceed 60°C, we could also get closer to 5850 MHz.
When the 16 cores of our Ryzen 7950X are used, the frequency varies according to the CCD. On CCD 0, the frequency stabilizes at 5325 MHz and on CCD 1 at 5100 MHz. So, to put it simply, 8 cores at 5325 MHz and the other 8 at 5100 MHz. The CCD 0 is therefore more powerful, and it will be important to remember this when overclocking.
The other element to take into account is undoubtedly the temperature. We are equipped with a 480mm custom cooling loop and yet during the R23 benchmark, the maximum temperature reached 91°C. This means that if you choose this processor, it will be a very efficient 280/360mm AIO at the very least. Let’s not forget that we are on a benchmark table and not in a case.
When asked about these temperatures, here is the answer we received from AMD: « As with the previous generation Ryzen chips, the processor is expected to deliver the most performance possible. This means taking advantage of all available thermal and power headroom. With the new AM5 socket and a higher TDP, most processors will hit a thermal wall before they hit a power wall. So you’ll see the Ryzen 7000 series, especially the variants with many reach a TJMax (around 95 degrees Celsius for the Ryzen 7000 series) when running intense multi-threaded workloads like Cinebench R23. This behavior is intended and designed. It is important to note that TJMax is the maximum safe operating temperature, not the absolute maximum temperature. In the Ryzen 7000 series, the processor is designed to operate at TJMax 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without risk of damage or deterioration. At 95 degrees, the processor will not run hot, but it will intentionally reach that temperature as much as possible under load, because the power management system knows that this is the ideal way to get the most performance out of the chip without damaging it.»
Testing with the Ryzen 9 7900X :
We continue with the Ryzen 9 7900X and its 12 cores. In single core, we can see that core #0 reaches a frequency of 5700 MHz which is much higher than the 5.6 GHz announced by AMD, which is a very good thing.
When all 12 cores are used, the frequency still varies depending on the CCD. On CCD 0, the frequency stabilizes at 5300 MHz and on CCD 1 at 5100 MHz. So, to put it simply, 6 cores at 5300 MHz and the other 6 at 5100 MHz. The CCD 0 is therefore more powerful, and it will be important to remember this when overclocking.
Testing with Ryzen 7 7700X :
Let’s move on to the Ryzen 7 7700X and its 8 cores. In single core, we can see that core #1 reaches a frequency of 5550 MHz which is much higher than the 5.4 GHz announced by AMD. The use of a liquid cooling solution has a lot to do with this.
When the 8 cores are used, the frequency no longer varies according to the CCD, as the Ryzen 5 7700X only has one CCD. The 6 cores stabilize at 5275 MHz on a multithreads.
Testing with Ryzen 5 7600X :
Finally, let’s finish with the Ryzen 5 7600X and its 6 cores. In single core, we can see that core #1 reaches a frequency of 5450 MHz which is much higher than the 5.3 GHz announced by AMD.
Again, a single CCD enclosing all 6 cores. On our run in Cinebench multi, the frequency of the cores stabilizes at 5350 MHz. You should also know that each CCD has a core that is more powerful than the others, which can be identified in Ryzen Master in particular since it has a small yellow star. We will tell you more about this in the overclocking section of the X670E Master test. Now that our four processors are fully operational, we can start our comparative tests with peace of mind.
