A combination of AMD’s 3D V-Cache, AI capabilities, and multiple cores presents enthusiasts with an exciting new way to fine-tune their PC performance. However, a new BIOS feature from Asus, known as Asus AI Cache Boost, simplifies the process by offering double-digit performance gains with just the flip of a switch.
It has already been demonstrated that adjusting the UMA frame buffer can enhance the performance of a Ryzen AI Max processor by as much as 60 percent. Asus’ new BIOS setting provides a similar optimization, specifically targeting AMD Ryzen 9950X3D and 9900X3D processors.
Naturally, the performance boost varies depending on the workload. In AI-related tasks tested using benchmarks like Geekbench and UL’s Procyon, the improvements were relatively modest—around 7.6 percent.
However, this gain comes solely from tweaking a single BIOS setting. When combined with another Asus BIOS feature called Turbo Game Mode, Asus was able to achieve nearly a 20 percent increase in AI performance.
What AI Cache Boost Does
There are a few key conditions, as detailed in a blog post from Asus announcing the feature. First, this optimization is specifically geared toward AI workloads, meaning gamers might not see significant improvements in their frame rates. That said, Asus advises that users can generally leave the AI Cache Boost option enabled.
(If any instability occurs in gaming, turning it off is recommended.) Second, an Asus AMD 800 series motherboard and a Ryzen 9000X3D series processor are required, though Asus did not specify which specific motherboard models are supported.
The AI Cache Boost setting can be found within the BIOS under the “Extreme Tweaker” tab. Once there, users simply need to enable it, according to Asus.
So, what’s happening behind the scenes? Asus is effectively overclocking the Infinity Fabric to 2,100MHz, which enhances the data transfer speed between CPU cores, cache, and memory.
Turbo Game Mode, on the other hand, modifies how the CPU operates. Ryzen 9000 processors utilize two Core Complex Dies (CCDs), and Turbo Game Mode disables one in favor of efficiency.
Additionally, it disables Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT). When running games or applications that primarily rely on a few CPU threads rather than leveraging the full processor, combining these two features delivers the best results.
Of course, this approach isn’t always ideal for every scenario, which is why Asus recommends evaluating your specific workload before enabling Turbo Game Mode.
“Disabling a CCD and SMT has a significant impact on multithreaded performance, so we recommend that users only enable Turbo Game Mode when it benefits their current workflow,” Asus explained.
For actual benchmark figures, users can refer to the original Asus post.
Modern processors continue to offer increasingly sophisticated ways to optimize performance—whether through per-core adjustments, AI-powered enhancements, or power management tweaks.
However, these options can be complex and time-consuming to navigate, with potential risks involved. This new Asus BIOS feature seems like a smart and user-friendly addition to any hardware enthusiast’s toolkit.
