Custom PC Unlocking: Resizable Bar for the Best Ultimate Performance

For custom PC enthusiasts, BIOS features like Above 4G Decoding and Resizable Bar can have a significant impact on performance. Following up on the article on Above 4G Decoding, another BIOS feature “Resizable Bar” is something that we have to take serious note of. Resizable bar heavily affect performance on latest GPUs. Especially GPUs with large amount of graphics RAM. In this post, we will explore its benefits for custom gaming PC.

1. What is Resizable Bar?

a. Explanation of Resizable Bar

Resizable Bar, also known as Smart Access Memory, is a technology that allows the CPU to access the entire graphics card memory at once. The CPU will automatically negotiate with the graphics card and settle for a block size that is compatible to both the CPU & the GPU. This is in contrast to traditional systems where the CPU is only allowed to access a small portion of the memory at a time, which creates a bottleneck and slows down performance. With Resizable Bar, the bottleneck is eliminated, and the transfer rates between the CPU and GPU are increased, resulting in faster performance and better gaming experiences.

b. How Resizable Bar works

Image illustrate Nvidia Resizable Bar technology
Image illustrate Nvidia Resizable Bar technology. Image credit: MSI

Resizable Bar uses direct memory access (DMA) to let the CPU access the graphics card memory. This eliminates bottlenecks and reduces latency. Therefore, data can be transferred faster between the CPU and GPU.

Resizable Bar technology is supported by AMD’s Ryzen 2 series processors, Intel 10th Generation onwards, Radeon graphics RX 6 series GPU cards and NVIDIA RTX30 series onwards graphics card. To enable Resizable Bar, a compatible processor, graphics card, and motherboard are required. Then, Resizable Bar can be enabled through a BIOS update or driver installation.

c. Advantages of Resizable Bar 

Resizable Bar technology provides several advantages for PC, including faster data transfer and improved performance. By eliminating bottlenecks and reducing latency, Resizable Bar can significantly enhance gaming performance and graphics quality.

Moreover, Resizable Bar can reduce input lag, which is critical for competitive gaming. It can also improve energy efficiency, reducing power consumption and heat generation.

Overall, Resizable Bar technology provides significant advantages for PCs, making it an excellent option for those looking to optimize their system’s performance.

2. Benefits of Resizable Bar for Custom PC

a. Improved Gaming Performance

Reduce latency

Resizable Bar significantly reduces latency in custom PCs by streamlining data transfer between the CPU and GPU. Consequently, your games will run more smoothly, allowing for seamless transitions between scenes and less stuttering during intense gameplay.

Higher Frame Rates

Furthermore, Resizable Bar enables higher frame rates for a more fluid gaming experience. By optimizing CPU-GPU communication, the technology ensures that frames are rendered more quickly and efficiently. As a result, you’ll enjoy smoother gameplay, even in graphically demanding titles.

Quicker Load Times

Another advantage of Resizable Bar is the reduction of load times in your custom PC. It achieves this by granting the CPU access to the entire GPU memory, which allows for faster asset loading. Therefore, you’ll spend less time waiting for games to load and more time immersed in your favorite virtual worlds.

Enhanced Responsiveness

Lastly, Resizable Bar improves the responsiveness of your custom PC during gaming sessions. This is due to the more efficient utilization of system resources, which translates into quicker in-game actions and a more engaging gaming experience.

b. Enhanced Graphics Performance

Faster Rendering of Visuals

Resizable Bar significantly improves the rendering speed of visuals on custom PCs. By optimizing CPU-GPU communication, it allows for more efficient processing of graphical data. Consequently, you’ll experience crisper, more detailed images in your games.

Greater Detail and Realism

Furthermore, Resizable Bar technology enables your custom PC to display more intricate and realistic graphics. It achieves this by allowing the CPU to access the entire GPU memory, which leads to better texture handling and higher-quality in-game models.

Improved Lighting and Shadows

Another benefit of Resizable Bar is the enhancement of lighting and shadow effects in your custom PC’s games. With more efficient data transfer between the CPU and GPU, complex lighting calculations can be performed more quickly. As a result, you’ll enjoy a more immersive gaming experience with lifelike lighting and shadows.

Smoother Performance in Graphically Demanding Titles

Lastly, Resizable Bar helps maintain smooth performance in graphically demanding games on your custom PC. By optimizing resource allocation and reducing bottlenecks, the technology ensures that your system can handle even the most resource-intensive titles without sacrificing performance.

c. Increased Efficiency

Optimized Resource Allocation

Resizable Bar technology optimizes resource allocation in custom PCs by streamlining data transfer between the CPU and GPU. As a result, your system can make smarter decisions about resource management, leading to improved overall performance. The GPU will have lesser “wait times” to gather enough data before processing.

Reduced Power Consumption

Furthermore, Resizable Bar helps reduce power consumption in your custom PC. By enabling more efficient communication between the CPU and GPU, your system can perform tasks more quickly, thus consuming less power in the process.

Lower Heat Generation

Another advantage of Resizable Bar is its ability to reduce heat generation within your custom PC. With more efficient data transfer and resource allocation, your system will generate less heat, ensuring optimal performance without the risk of overheating.

Enhanced System Stability

Lastly, Resizable Bar contributes to increased system stability in custom PCs. By reducing power consumption and heat generation, the technology minimizes the strain on your system’s components, leading to a more stable and reliable computing experience.

3. How to Enable Resizable Bar for you custom PC

Enabling Resizable Bar on your custom PC involves 2 main steps:

Step 1: Check the compatibility requirements (CPU and Motherboards)

To use Resizable Bar technology, make sure your CPU and motherboard meet the following requirements:

For Intel CPUs, Resizable Bar is supported by 11th Gen S-Series (i9-11xxx, i7-11xxx, i5-11xxx) and 10th Gen (i9-10xxx, i7-10xxx, i5-10xxx, i3-10xxx).

For Intel motherboards, Resizable Bar is compatible with Z590, B560, Z490, H470, B460, and H410. However, compatibility also depends on the BIOS version, with Fxc and later required for Z490, Fxb and later for H470, and Fxa/Fxb and later for B460 and H410.

For AMD CPUs, Resizable Bar is supported by Ryzen 5000 (Ryzen 9 59xx, Ryzen 7 58xx, Ryzen 5 56xx) and Ryzen 3000 (Ryzen 9 39xx, Ryzen 7 38xx, Ryzen 7 37xx, Ryzen 5 36xx, Ryzen 5 35xx, Ryzen 3 33xx, Ryzen 3 31xx).

For AMD motherboards, Resizable Bar is compatible with X570, B550, and A520. The BIOS version is also important, with F32 and later required for X570, and F12 and later for both B550 and A520. For X470 and B450, F60 and later versions of the BIOS are required for Resizable Bar compatibility.

Step 2: Download and Install the BIOS Update Software

First, visit the “Support” page for your model on the manufacturer’s website. It’s important to note that the BIOS update software is specific to each model and may not be compatible with other models.

Next, download the BIOS update software that enables Resizable Bar support. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to install the software on your PC.

During the BIOS update process, make sure not to turn off your PC to prevent any potential issues.

Step 3: Enable Above 4G Decoding in the BIOS Settings

Once the BIOS update is complete, restart your PC and enter the BIOS settings.

Navigate to the Advanced Mode section and select Settings. Find the Re-size BAR Support (and Above 4G Decoding option), choose “Enabled.” Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.

Screenshot of custom PC BIOS settings showing Above 4G Decoding and Resizable Bar enabled.
Screenshot of custom PC BIOS settings showing Above 4G Decoding and Resizable Bar enabled. Image credit: PC World

By following these steps, you can successfully enable Resizable Bar on your custom PC and start enjoying the numerous benefits this innovative feature has to offer.

4. Performance Benchmark on a Custom PC

To see the potential benefits of Resizable Bar technology, a number of benchmark tests were conducted using various games and applications.

5% Improvement in Video Rendering and Playback

In creative applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, Resizable Bar can provide faster video rendering times and smoother timeline playback. Tests showed up to a 5% improvement in rendering times and a noticeable reduction in dropped frames during playback.

3-10% Average FPS Boost in Games

In games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Cyberpunk 2077, systems with Resizable Bar enabled showed an average frame rate increase of 3-5%, with some systems seeing gains of up to 10%. This translates to smoother gameplay and reduced input lag, especially in more demanding scenes or at higher resolutions.

Compatibility and Performance Considerations

However, it’s worth noting that not all systems or games will see a significant improvement from Resizable Bar. In some cases, the gains may be as small as 1-2%, or there may be no improvement at all. It’s also important to ensure that all components in the system are compatible with Resizable Bar and that the latest drivers and BIOS updates are installed.

Small but Noticeable Boost to Performance

Overall, Resizable Bar can provide a small but noticeable boost to performance for custom PC builders and enthusiasts. While the gains may not be game-changing, they can still help improve the overall experience in games and creative workloads.

To see Resizable Bar in action, check out this video benchmark, which showcases the technology’s potential in various games. The benchmark, which tests the RTX 3070 in 9 games, shows improvements in FPS and reduced input lag when Resizable Bar is enabled.

Source: SpinTestTech

Conclusion

Resizable Bar technology can provide a noticeable performance boost for custom PC builders and enthusiasts. Average frame rate increases of 3-5% and faster rendering times up to 5% are possible with Resizable Bar in gaming and creative applications.

To ensure compatibility and optimal performance, research and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Resizable Bar can help future-proof your custom PC and is a worthwhile technology to consider for unlocking ultimate performance.

By enabling Resizable Bar on your custom PC, you can experience smoother gameplay, faster rendering times, and an overall better computing experience. So if you want to take your custom PC to the next level, consider Resizable Bar and keep your system up to date with the latest drivers and updates.

Unlock ultimate performance with Resizable Bar technology and enjoy a more powerful and responsive custom PC. Make sure to read Unlock Custom PC: Above 4G Decoding is the Best Setting for complete unlocking of your custom PC by enabling both Resizable Bar and 4G decoding.

If you are in Singapore and looking for a custom PC, make sure to check out VOLTA PC today to get the best quality and value for your money.

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