MSI recently introduced a new 105W TDP mode for its 600-series motherboards that can be enabled for the Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X CPUs. Notably, this feature is not integrated into the current AGESA firmware, acting like an MSI-exclusive feature. However, with the next AGESA update, it looks like AMD plans to make it official.
Typically, running a CPU beyond its specifications can void the warranty. However, as the new capability will be officially sanctioned through an AGESA update, users of the 6/8-core Zen 5 CPUs should be able to benefit from extra performance (and increased power consumption) without warranty concerns.
This firmware update also means that all manufacturers will include it in their motherboards, so it won't be an MSI-only feature.
The 105W TDP mode for the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X promises to bring a good chunk of extra performance, as shown by MSI. Based on the company's data, Cinebench nT performance increased by 13% when enabling the 105W TDP mode. The mode's accessibility, whether through a BIOS feature or a new toggle in Ryzen Master, remains unclear. The release of AGESA 1.2.0.2 is expected later this month.
KitGuru says: Do you own an AMD Ryzen 7 9700X or Ryzen 5 9600X? Will you take advantage of the 105W TDP mode, or will you keep running your CPU with stock settings?