The recent issue of AMD socket AM5 motherboards being damaged alongside the Ryzen 7000 CPUs has spurned a rapid response from motherboard vendors which has since issued BIOS updates to confirm with a new guideline ffrom AMD that limits the SOC voltage to 1.3v:
We have root caused the issue and have already distributed a new AGESA that puts measures in place on certain power rails on AM5 motherboards to prevent the CPU from operating beyond its specification limits, including a cap on SOC voltage at 1.3V. None of these changes affect the ability of our Ryzen 7000 Series processors to overclock memory using EXPO or XMP kits or boost performance using PBO technology.
ASUS recently suffered a massive media backlash when western techtubers decried ASUS. Much of the negative publicity has been focused solely on ASUS and particularly their warranty coverage and apparent disregard for the safety limits the AMD supposedly put in place (which should’ve been there in the first place).
In a new video, Hardware Busters‘s lead Aris Bitziopoulos and leading power supply reviewer has tested a GIGABYTE AORUS X670E MASTER and have found that this motherboard also draws higher than the limits set by AMD even with the post-issue BIOS (F10d).
GIGABYTE has responded to similar reports with a press statement that the company emphasizes the importance of accurate measurement points and methods when assessing SOC Voltage. GIGABYTE notes the CPU internal SOC Voltage (SVI3 interface) as the most crucial indicator for motherboards. GIGABYTE stresses that the PWM Output Voltage typically registers higher values than the CPU internal SOC Voltage due to various physical factors.
To enable users to precisely monitor the CPU internal SOC Voltage (SVI3 interface), GIGABYTE recommends utilizing HWiNFO software, which displays the voltage as “CPU VDDCR_SOC Voltage (SVI3 TFN)” within its interface. This reading is provided directly by the CPU’s internal sensor, offering a true representation of the voltage. GIGABYTE assures users that the SOC Voltage on AM5 motherboards, monitored through HWiNFO, remains below 1.3 V—an official confirmation by AMD. Furthermore, GIGABYTE’s full range of AM5 motherboards adheres to AMD’s latest SOC Voltage 1.3 V Guideline when EXPO is enabled. For additional insights, please refer to the accompanying video.
Maintaining a close working relationship with AMD, GIGABYTE consistently adheres to AMD’s guidelines, ensuring full compliance with the company’s official specifications and requirements. GIGABYTE expresses appreciation for the attention and support received from the media and customers alike. The company’s unwavering motivation lies in delivering innovative and breakthrough products to its customers. As a leading motherboard manufacturer, GIGABYTE remains committed to providing top-quality products that enable users to enjoy the utmost PC experience.