You're Using Your X3D CPU WRONG (2026) - Max FPS & Lowest Delay

Summary

The video is a BIOS and Windows tuning walkthrough for AMD X3D gaming CPUs. Its central argument is that buying a faster processor may not improve gaming performance if memory settings, CPU tuning, or Windows scheduling are poorly configured. The presenter distinguishes settings aimed at gaming and low input delay from those intended to maximize synthetic benchmark scores.

Main recommendations

• BIOS and AGESA: Check the motherboard’s BIOS version. The presenter favors AGESA 1.3.0.1 for gaming stability and memory tuning, while noting that newer versions are not necessarily better. This is based on personal experience, not a universal rule.
• Memory setup: Enable the RAM’s EXPO/XMP profile, then generally target about DDR5-6000 and a 1:1 UCLK-to-memory-clock ratio. The presenter argues that going above 6000 MHz often brings little gaming benefit and can force a slower memory-controller ratio.
• FCLK and RAM timings: Suggested FCLK values range from a conservative 2067 MHz to higher options such as 2133–2167 MHz. Stability testing is advised. The demonstrated manual timings are specifically for Hynix memory; viewers are warned not to apply them to Micron or Samsung kits without checking the memory ICs.
• Memory training settings: Disabling Memory Context Restore and Power Down Enable is presented as helpful for custom memory tuning, but it can substantially increase boot times. The tutorial also covers other board-specific memory options.
• CPU tuning: The presenter demonstrates Precision Boost Overdrive, a +200 MHz boost override, a 2× scalar, and a negative Curve Optimizer value of 15 as a broadly suitable starting point. Curve Optimizer results vary by CPU, and a larger negative value does not automatically mean more FPS.
• Other BIOS settings: The walkthrough covers motherboard power and spread-spectrum options, SoC and fabric-related voltages, integrated graphics, C-states, PCIe/Resizable BAR, Secure Boot, and other CPU settings. Some recommendations are conditional; for example, the presenter notes that certain virtualization and security options may be needed by games’ anti-cheat systems.
• Gaming kernel setting: The presenter recommends “Level 2” with newer AGESA versions and “Legacy” with older versions. They advise against selecting a benchmark-oriented performance bias when the goal is gaming.
• Windows and dual-CCD CPUs: A supplied “X3D Checkup” utility is used to assess system configuration. The presenter recommends different power-plan and scheduling steps for single-CCD and dual-CCD chips. The dual-CCD instructions are specifically not intended for single-CCD CPUs.
• Chipset drivers: The presenter favors a chipset-driver release older than the latest one, citing personal tests that allegedly showed better FPS and fewer latency spikes. Viewers may choose the latest release instead.

Testing and resources

The video recommends testing memory and CPU stability with TestMem5, including an “Extreme” or “Anta777 Extreme” configuration. It also mentions y-cruncher, Cinebench R23, AIDA64, and Prime95 as additional options.

The presenter stresses that passing synthetic stress tests is not enough: the final stability check is playing the games the system is tuned for.

The tutorial also points to a downloadable X3D optimization package, a BIOS-settings cheat sheet, and related videos on RAM timings, stress testing, and Windows optimization.

Caution

These are the presenter’s tuning suggestions, not guaranteed best settings for every CPU, motherboard, BIOS, memory kit, or game. Manual overclocking and changes to voltage or protection settings can cause instability or prevent the system from booting. Confirm settings against the motherboard and CPU documentation, change them cautiously, and be prepared to reset CMOS.

Main speaker and sources

• Main speaker: Science, presenting on the Synez channel.
• Sources referenced: The presenter’s own testing and configuration experience, AMD documentation (particularly for dual-CCD behavior), motherboard BIOS menus, and community claims from Reddit—which the presenter sometimes disputes.