ASUS Adopts “105W TDP Mode” for AMD Ryzen 9700X / 9600X

Ryzen 9000 Gets a Boost

In a significant development for AMD enthusiasts, ASUS has confirmed the adoption of the “105W TDP Mode” for the Ryzen 9700X and 9600X CPUs. This feature, initially exclusive to MSI, is now available in ASUS’s latest pre-release BIOS.

What is 105W TDP Mode?

The 105W TDP mode allows the Zen5 desktop CPUs, which typically operate at 65W, to run at a higher default TDP of 105W. This mode is designed to enhance performance, particularly in multi-threaded applications, by allowing the CPU to draw more power and maintain higher clock speeds.

ASUS Joins the Fray

ASUS has announced that the “cTDP” (Configurable Thermal Design Power) feature is now available for seven of its motherboards, with BIOS version 2307. This includes high-end models from the Crosshair and Strix series. The feature can be enabled or disabled in the Ai Tweaker menu under "cTDP to 105W".

Supported Motherboards

The following ASUS motherboards now support the 105W TDP mode:

ROG CROSSHAIR X670E HERO BETA BIOS 2307
ROG CROSSHAIR X670E GENE BETA BIOS 2307
ROG CROSSHAIR X670E EXTREME BETA BIOS 2307
ROG STRIX X670E-A GAMING WIFI BETA BIOS 2307
ROG STRIX X670E-E GAMING WIFI BETA BIOS 2307
ROG STRIX X670E-F GAMING WIFI BETA BIOS 2307
PROART X670E CREATOR WIFI BETA BIOS 2307

Performance and Speculation

Early benchmarks indicate that while the 105W TDP mode significantly boosts productivity performance, the gains in gaming performance are less pronounced. This suggests that the higher TDP mode is more beneficial for users running multi-threaded applications rather than gaming.

Future Updates

ASUS’s current BIOS update uses the older AGESA 1.2.0.1a firmware, with the official release expected to debut with AGESA 1.2.0.2. Users are advised to wait for the official launch to avoid potential issues with beta firmware.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of the 105W TDP mode by ASUS marks a notable step in enhancing the performance capabilities of Ryzen 9000 series CPUs. As more motherboard manufacturers adopt this feature, we can expect further optimizations and potentially broader support across different models.