PBO scalar adjusts the FIT/FITness/FailuresInTime limit of your part by that factor. Normally, Ryzen CPUs firmware manages the frequency based on the thermals and voltage and it will reduce your frequency if it sees either of those two going into ranges that reduce the long term reliability of the part. Increasing that limit (at the user’s discretion and own risk, voiding warranty, etc.) can let your system sustain higher frequencies without being throttled. So by default, the scalar is 1x, factory default. If you increase it to 2x, it will double the limit, etc. up to 10x. You’ll have to see if it helps by trial and error because my own system sees zero improvement from this one and I have a 360mm AIO. Answer from RBD10100 on reddit.com
Reddit
reddit.com › r/amd › what is pbo scalar?
r/Amd on Reddit: What is PBO Scalar?
February 27, 2021 -
In my research it holds voltage longer with PBO to hold the higher frequency? This comes at the cost of temperature obviously but when i set a X10 scalar it doesn't just hold higher voltage it applies 0.5v more all the time to core VID...
I have a custom water loop with CPU under its own 560mm rad. Temps aren't an issue. Is it worth running scalar? Does it provide a measurable increase to single core clocks and how long they hold?
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PBO scalar adjusts the FIT/FITness/FailuresInTime limit of your part by that factor. Normally, Ryzen CPUs firmware manages the frequency based on the thermals and voltage and it will reduce your frequency if it sees either of those two going into ranges that reduce the long term reliability of the part. Increasing that limit (at the user’s discretion and own risk, voiding warranty, etc.) can let your system sustain higher frequencies without being throttled.
So by default, the scalar is 1x, factory default. If you increase it to 2x, it will double the limit, etc. up to 10x. You’ll have to see if it helps by trial and error because my own system sees zero improvement from this one and I have a 360mm AIO.
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In my testing it did very little and I keep it on Auto or 1x
Tom's Hardware Forum
forums.tomshardware.com › home › overclocking
[SOLVED] - Does PBO degrade the CPU? | Tom's Hardware Forum
April 17, 2020 - Because Precision Boost Overdrive ... by overclocking, even when overclocking is enabled via AMD hardware and/or software. source ... Scalar above 1x will degrade your cpu faster....
Are there any official comments regarding scalar 1... - Republic of Gamers Forum - 1098387
Hello everyone, I've been reading mixed opinions about scalar settings in various forums. Some claim it's completely unsafe regardless of temperature or voltage, while others openly recommend using a scalar value of 10x. This left me wondering: are there any official documents or reliable sources ... More on rog-forum.asus.com
Scalar: 1x vs auto vs 10x
The scalar value adjusts how aggressively the CPU pursues high voltages at high boost clocks. This is why running high scalar values usually has no performance impact. Most chips either aren't running fast enough to need the extra voltage, or the associated temperature increase negates the stability benefit. Yes, this does technically increase degradation risk. I have never seen hard proof of degradation, but because the benefit is so small I advise 1x scalar for daily use. More on reddit.com
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April 6, 2025AM4 owner here - upgrade to 5800X3D or AM5 + 7800X3D
I did some serious finetuning in the bios myself long time ago, so I’m pretty sure I’m running my 5900X close to its sweetspot, in terms of clocks/temps/stability. I can’t recall the exact numbers right now, but it’s a combination of PBO + CO with custom power limits. More on forums.flightsimulator.com
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October 16, 2023What is the best safe PBO scalar for 3700x?
I need to know what is the safest pbo that will generally just work. I’m running 4.3ghz at 1.42v More on forums.tomshardware.com
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September 18, 2020Videos
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PBO Scalar 1x - 10x (Ryzen 7 5800x3d - Rx6750xt) - YouTube
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Ryzen 7000 & 5000 Precision Boost Overdrive 2 Guide - YouTube
r/Amd on Reddit: Precision Boost Overdrive limits don't make any ...
9800X3D PBO Deep Dive
RESUMÃO sobre o PBO (PRECISION BOOST OVERDRIVE ...
19:51
RYZEN 7 5800x3D PRECISION BOOST OVERDRIVE, LIBERANDO TODO DESEMPENHO ...
Overclock.net
overclock.net › home › forums › amd › amd cpus
5700X and PBO Scalar | Overclock.net
September 15, 2023 - I undervolted the cpu with a -0.750v offset and set it to 8x and I am getting 66-68ºc max on games and 4200 4225mhz instead of 4050 or 4075 like before. PBO Scalar was what improved my windows, cinebench and gaming cpu performance. Voltage readings are at 1.370 or 1.360 on gaming so I think they are not problematic and temperatures are nice as well.
XDA Developers
xda-developers.com › home › cpu › 6 pbo settings you can change to make your ryzen cpu run even faster
6 PBO settings you can change to make your Ryzen CPU run even faster
March 29, 2025 - There are some CPUs and some cooling solutions where setting a high scalar makes sense, but for everyone else, it's best to leave it as default. Although there are a ton of options when you dig into the PBO settings in your motherboard, the more moderate adjustments will yield the highest performance gains. A simple all-core offset, slightly higher power limits, and a slightly higher ceiling for boost clock speeds is all you need in most cases.
SkatterBencher
skatterbencher.com › home › amd precision boost overdrive 2
AMD Precision Boost Overdrive 2 - SkatterBencher
July 27, 2024 - In Scenario 3, we keep Precision Boost Overdrive enabled and also set Max CPU Boost Clock Override to +200MHz. In Scenario 4, we additionally enable D.O.C.P. and manually enforce FCLK to run in synchronous mode. In Scenario 5, we manually set the PPT, TDC, and EDC limits · In Scenario 6, we set the scalar value to 10X.
Asus
rog-forum.asus.com › t5 › overclocking-tweaking › are-there-any-official-comments-regarding-scalar-1-10x-settings › td-p › 1098387
Are there any official comments regarding scalar 1... - Republic of Gamers Forum - 1098387
May 24, 2025 - From what I understand, the scalar increases the Vcore curve and extends the boost duration. But if Vcore spikes stay below 1.3V and temperatures remain well under control, how exactly is this unsafe?
H|ard|Forum
hardforum.com › [h]ard|ware › amd processors
What is precision boost scalar? | [H]ard|Forum
September 29, 2018 - Manual = Part runs with a scalar of customized Value" Customized Precision Boost Overdrive Scalar - 2x/3x/4x/.../10x - "Precision Boost Overdrive increases the maximum boost voltage used (runs above parts specific maximum) and the amount of time spent at that voltage.
Parklanejewelry
www2.parklanejewelry.com › home › the ultimate guide to mastering pbo x3d tuning for maximum performance
The Ultimate Guide to Mastering PBO X3D Tuning for Maximum Performance
March 15, 2025 - Tuning PBO X3D involves modifying the Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) settings in your computer's BIOS to enhance the performance of your AMD Ryzen processor. By carefully adjusting these settings, you can optimize your CPU's clock speeds, voltages, ...
Tom's Hardware
tomshardware.com › pc components › cpus
How to use Precision Boost Overdrive and Curve Optimizer to improve Ryzen CPU performance | Tom's Hardware
March 11, 2026 - This also unlocks the PBO Scalar option, which increases the amount of time the processor runs at a higher boost clock. Once you select your desired options, hit Apply and Test at the bottom.
Facebook
facebook.com › groups › PcBuildersCommunity › posts › 3697201893896498
Ryzen 7000 users: Do you use PBO Scalar?
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/overclocking › scalar: 1x vs auto vs 10x
r/overclocking on Reddit: Scalar: 1x vs auto vs 10x
April 6, 2025 -
There are so many different opinions. What’s the actual correct response? Is it based off of chasing benchmark high scores versus daily use? What’s the consensus here?
Im using the 9800X3D with X870E Taichi and Noctua NH-D15-G2
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The scalar value adjusts how aggressively the CPU pursues high voltages at high boost clocks. This is why running high scalar values usually has no performance impact. Most chips either aren't running fast enough to need the extra voltage, or the associated temperature increase negates the stability benefit. Yes, this does technically increase degradation risk. I have never seen hard proof of degradation, but because the benefit is so small I advise 1x scalar for daily use.
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if you have read the previous discussions and remain confused, i don't think a new discussion will change anything as there will be no new arguments. so i'll just state that i'd keep it at 1x, especially if you don't see any performance improvements that matter after testing different values. now the degradation we are talking about is a slow progress, not an insta death. which means you can examine the effects if you want with a few test runs.
Microsoft Flight Simulator Forums
forums.flightsimulator.com › user support hub › hardware & peripherals
AM4 owner here - upgrade to 5800X3D or AM5 + 7800X3D - Page 2 - Hardware & Peripherals - Microsoft Flight Simulator Forums
October 16, 2023 - I did some serious finetuning in the bios myself long time ago, so I’m pretty sure I’m running my 5900X close to its sweetspot, in terms of clocks/temps/stability. I can’t recall the exact numbers right now, but it’s a combination of PBO + CO with custom power limits.
Tom's Hardware Forum
forums.tomshardware.com › home › cpus
[SOLVED] - What is the best safe PBO scalar for 3700x? | Tom's Hardware Forum
September 18, 2020 - Click to expand... PBO scalar has influence only on how long top boost lasts before it throttles down from it, has no influence on top frequency.
Facebook
facebook.com › groups › pcbuilderandsetups › posts › 1146968193769886
What is the effect of PBO scalar on Ryzen 7 5700x gaming ...
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X
x.com › bwDraco › status › 1322638631249596419
bwDraco - Brian Wong on X: "[5/5] To be clear, I do not recommend PBO Scalar 10X or EDC 1 for everyday use. I'd leave PBO Scalar alone, set PPT, TDC, and EDC to maximum in the BIOS, and use Ryzen Master to set a lower PPT (default 142W for 105W TDP CPUs) to limit degradation unless I need full performance." / X
I'd leave PBO Scalar alone, set PPT, TDC, and EDC to maximum in the BIOS, and use Ryzen Master to set a lower PPT (default 142W for 105W TDP CPUs) to limit degradation unless I need full performance.
Puget Systems
pugetsystems.com › home › hardware articles › amd ryzen 7950x: impact of precision boost overdrive (pbo) on thermals and content creation performance
AMD Ryzen 7950X: Impact of Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) on Thermals and Content Creation Performance | Puget Systems
October 3, 2022 - Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) allows the processor to run beyond the defined voltage values to the limits of the board, and allows it to boost at higher voltages for longer durations than default.
Albert Herd
albertherd.com › 2020 › 12 › 13 › my-experience-with-precision-boost-overdrive-2-on-a-5900x
My Experience with Precision Boost Overdrive 2 on a 5900X – Albert Herd
January 13, 2021 - From what I can understand, this is the length of how much the CPU will remain pumping high voltage / clocks until it dials it down. In burst scenarios, this should not have any impact. Max CPU Boost Clock Override should be set to 200MHZ.
Quora
quora.com › Should-I-turn-on-or-off-Precision-Boost-Overdrive-on-my-Ryzen-9-5900X-BIOS-settings
Should I turn on or off Precision Boost Overdrive on my Ryzen 9 5900X BIOS settings? - Quora
Answer (1 of 4): If you think most of your task are done easily like rendering ,encoding or maybe gaming on your computer then you can disable it , For things like gaming its just fine to keep it on for extra performance in fps in games. Totally it depends on your usage.
Overclock.net
overclock.net › home › forums › amd › amd cpus
5800X3D Owners | Page 299 | Overclock.net
April 16, 2022 - If Gaming is your main usage, then just go with 1867FCLK, and tune the subtimings to as low as possible @3733C14/C15 In order to hit max boost you will want to first set CPPC - Enable and CPPC Preferred Cores - Disable Make sure you are using the latest Chipset driver as well as High performance power plan Then you should be able to see it hitting 4.55GHz consistently, when 3 or less Cores are being loaded/utilized All core -30OC with PBO scalar@10x will also help with maintaining higher boosts.
SkatterBencher
skatterbencher.com › home › amd precision boost overdrive
AMD Precision Boost Overdrive - SkatterBencher
June 23, 2023 - The AutoOC feature would later be called Boost Clock Override or Fmax Override. Scalar is a tool that allows the user to override the warranted silicon stress level, or FIT, to achieve higher frequency.