What is Above 4G Decoding – your BIOS's dark horse. Should it be enabled? (2024)

What is Above 4G Decoding – your BIOS's dark horse. Should it be enabled? (1)

In modern motherboards BIOS, you can find the Above 4G Decoding checkbox, and now the Resizable Bar has appeared next to it. And the Resizable Bar was already well explained by AMD – the processor can directly communicate with the card through a couple of big steps, instead of a million tiny ones.

But what then is Above 4G Decoding and is it equal to Resizable Bar? No article on the internet explains the term precisely, but I will try to make the best explanation possible.

What can this switch do and why does a video card need so much memory?

You may have noticed that a video card looks like a separate computer inside a computer. These devices have their own BIOS, a separate set of memory, their own power circuits and, of course, their own processor, even it called GPU, not CPU. It is easy to guess that they have similar and different features with the central processor, but they need to communicate: it is the central processor that commands the video card.

Therefore, for interaction, the processor often places copies or a cache of data in RAM to work with a video card. Then it transfers such information to the card via the PCI bus. Usually, the area for storing such information was limited to the first 4 Gigabytes of RAM.

And since modern software, operating systems and processors began to work with 64-bits, then much more space must be managed. And after 32-bit, where there was a limit of only 4 Gigabytes of data, now hardware and software can handle much larger values at the same time (in theory, up to 16 Exabytes, in existing hardware implementations there are only 256 Terabytes).

Should I enable Above 4G Decoding?

Judging by the reviews, it is not worth fixing what is not broken: some users have problems when this option is enabled. However, owners of cards with more than 4GB of memory, or with more than 16GB of RAM in the system, can try this function for better performance of computing tasks. Before that, many recommend updating the drivers and BIOS.

For example, scientific computing on Tesla cards, rendering large scenes for 3D artists, or mining modern cryptocurrencies will require more than 4 gigabytes of data at a time to be used effectively.

What is Above 4G Decoding – your BIOS's dark horse. Should it be enabled? (2)

Previously, the task was solved by a queue of intermediate operations in the drivers and the system so it never exceeds the allocated 4 Gigabytes, but this reduces performance, and for some tasks, it is completely unacceptable (owners of Tesla cards or several video capture cards have faced problems for a long time).

  • For example, to work with the RGB24 signal on the Avermedia website it is explicitly stated that the signal does not fit into the standard 32 bits.
  • Crypto-miners are advised to enable the checkbox from the moment it appears in the BIOS for proper scaling between two or more cards, because even now the 4GB limit is simply unacceptable for mining ETH.

It is worth considering that the consumption of RAM may increase at some moments, so it is rather dangerous to carry out this trick on computers with 8-12GB in modern realities.

Is Above 4G Decoding Needed For Gaming?

The Above 4G Decoding checkbox is definitely required in order for the Resizable Bar to work for Radeon 6000 (RDNA2) and NVIDIA RTX 3000 (Ampere) users. Moreover, both functions can already be enabled on modern motherboards with a fresh BIOS.

What's the difference between these two technologies?

  • Above 4G Decoding affects the amount of RAM allocated at a time for the processor to work with video memory. And this explains some increase in the consumption of RAM. Previously, you had to huddle in a 4GB block, while with theAbove 4G, you can use the wholearea.
  • Resizable Bar allows the graphics API to pass large blocks of memory to the graphics card. Previously, they communicated in chunks of 256 megabytes, but now you can send a lot at once and from any part of the memory.

Sounds like a pretty handy combination. By the way, I was pushed to the sinful land of BIOS tuning due to investigating the mining boom. Well, at least some benefit from these good guys...miners!

What hardware currently supports Above 4G Decoding?

Above 4G Decoding can be currentlyenabled on motherboards with support for AMD Ryzen 5000 processors (for example, AMD B550, X570 chipsets), and on other platforms, this feature is determined by the manufacturer.

If you do not find such a function, then you may need to update the BIOS (if support is declared in the description of the updates or from the manufacturer).

ForIntel users, the feature is widely available on the Z490 chipsets, but it is also optionally found on the Z390 and even some server solutions, including relatively old ones, because the option itself was incorporated into the PCI-E standard more than 10 years ago.

And now NVIDIA also supports Resizable Bar

What is Above 4G Decoding – your BIOS's dark horse. Should it be enabled? (2024)

FAQs

Should I turn on above 4G decoding? ›

edit. For sure 4G decoding is necessary if you have multiple GPUs that's common in mining rigs and professional rendering. So you have to enable 4G for “powerful” rigs to work fine. It is not mandatory if you only have one GPU.

What is above 4G decoding enabled in BIOS? ›

Answer. The definition of “Above 4G decoding” is to allow the user to enable or disable memory mapped I/O for a 64-bit PCIe device to 4GB or greater address space. Please enable this function when using multiple graphics cards for cryptocurrency mining.

Does above 4G decoding improve performance? ›

"Above 4G Decoding affects the amount of RAM allocated at a time for the processor to work with video memory. And this explains some increase in the consumption of RAM. Previously, you had to huddle in a 4GB block, while with the Above 4G, you can use the whole area.

What is Intel above 4G decoding? ›

As the notes say, this enables 64-bit capable device to decode in 4G address space. The definition of “Above 4G decoding” is to allow the user to enable or disable memory-mapped I/O for a 64-bit PCIe device to 4GB or greater address space. Please enable this function when using multiple PCIe cards.

What is fast boot in BIOS? ›

Fast Boot is a feature in BIOS that reduces your computer boot time. If Fast Boot is enabled: Boot from Network, Optical, and Removable Devices are disabled. Video and USB devices (keyboard, mouse, drives) won't be available until the operating system loads.

Should I enable resizable bar? ›

While it increases performance in some titles, the improvement is modest and can even worsen performance in some cases. NVIDIA, for their part, automatically disables resizeable BAR for games whose performance worsens with the feature on, so you don't really have a reason not to take advantage of it.

What BIOS mode should I use? ›

In general, install Windows using the newer UEFI mode, as it includes more security features than the legacy BIOS mode. If you're booting from a network that only supports BIOS, you'll need to boot to legacy BIOS mode. After Windows is installed, the device boots automatically using the same mode it was installed with.

What settings should I enable in BIOS? ›

Common BIOS settings you need to tweak
  • Spread Spectrum - The availability of these settings is variably dependent on your motherboard brand. ...
  • Overclock mode - This setting essentially enables overclocking. ...
  • DRAM Frequency - This option can be used to increase or decrease your memory timing.
May 26, 2022

What BIOS should I do? ›

Once in BIOS Setup Utility, users can change hardware settings, manage memory settings, change the boot order or boot device, and reset the BIOS password, among other configuration tasks.

How do I enable 4G decoding? ›

To enable “Above 4G Decoding”, Press F1 during POST and go to Advanced->PCI Subsystem Setting->Above 4G Decoding item.

How do I know if my resizable bar is working? ›

Verifying If Resizable BAR is Working

On the bottom left of the NVIDIA Control Panel, simply click “System Information”, and in the new window look for “Resizable BAR” on the right. If it says “Yes”, you're set.

Is higher Intel number better? ›

The higher the numbers, the more powerful the chip. For example, an Intel Core i5 "8400" will be less powerful than a Core i5 "8600." The major difference is "clock speed" and "boost clock speed." The higher the clock speeds, the faster the chip can process what you want.

Is higher processor number better? ›

Clock speed is measured in GHz (gigahertz), a higher number means a faster clock speed. To run your apps, your CPU must continually complete calculations, if you have a higher clock speed, you can compute these calculations quicker and applications will run faster and smoother as a result of this.

What is the best processor for Internet? ›

Some processors, such as the Intel Core i9-12900K and AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, offer both. If you want a processor for browsing the internet and using basic apps, any processor with four or more cores from the last few years should work well.

Is disabling fast boot good? ›

As earlier stated, a fast startup is enabled on most modern laptops and PCs. It's one of the many ways that help you increase your Windows performance. But many people advise against using a fast boot, or at least, disable it as soon as you power up your system for the first time.

Should I have fast boot enabled or disabled? ›

We recommend disabling Fast Startup to ensure your device is always up-to date. By doing this, you can help keep your device running smoothly and avoid any potential issues.

Should I enable fast boot or not? ›

Whether to enable fast boot or not depends on individual preferences and the specific use case. Advantages of enabling fast boot: Quicker startup times as the computer skips various POST (power-on self-test) and boot routines.

What does enabling resizable bar do? ›

Resizable BAR (Base Address Register) is a PCIe capability. This is a mechanism that allows the PCIe device, such as a discrete graphics card, to negotiate the BAR size to optimize system resources. Enabling this functionality can result in a performance improvement.

Does resizable bar increase FPS? ›

Resizable BAR works the same as AMD's Smart Access Memory, which also promises to improve frame rates in certain games by up to 10 percent. The frame rate increase using both will really depend on the game, and resolution will also impact how much performance will improve.

Does resizable Bar affect all games? ›

Ah. Well. Look, Nvidia has said straight-up that not every game will see a positive effect, and in their own testing, some games actually dropped in performance; for the latter, Resizable BAR is supposed to be invisibly disabled.

How do I set my BIOS for best performance? ›

SSD BIOS Settings
  1. Restart your PC.
  2. Click on the F2 key once your PC comes on and do so until the BIOS interface is launched.
  3. Choose the Config option and Enter.
  4. Navigate to Serial ATA and tap the ENTER key on your keyboard.
  5. Choose IDE Compatibility Mode from the list of options.
  6. Save changes and exit the BIOS settings.
Apr 5, 2022

What is the most important rule of BIOS? ›

BIOS software has several roles to do, but its most important role is to load the OS for you and to manage the data flow between the OS and attached hardware devices. To access and configure BIOS you need to go to BIOS Setup Utility after performing a set of instructions.

Should I keep my BIOS settings on default? ›

Is it safe to reset the BIOS? Yes it is safe to reset the BIOS to default. Resetting the bios does not have any effect or damage your computer in any way. A bios reset will reset the bios to its factory settings and will not delete any data on your disk.

Is it safe to change BIOS settings? ›

Never make changes to your BIOS unless you're confident on what it will do. To access the BIOS, turn on your computer and press the startup key. In most cases, this is "F2" or "Del". Change BIOS settings by using the arrow keys on your keyboard and "Enter".

What is the most commonly modified settings in the BIOS? ›

The most common BIOS settings for modification are: Changing the boot order. Adjusting available video memory. Setting a BIOS password.

How do I know if my BIOS is good? ›

Open Command Prompt, type “wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion” in the window and hit Enter to check your BIOS version. Consult the documentation for your specific PC or motherboard on the manufacturer's website for instructions on how to download and install the latest BIOS version.

Are BIOS necessary? ›

Because a BIOS is critical to making your PC run, updating it carries a bit more risk than other software updates. If a BIOS update goes wrong, it could stop your motherboard from working correctly and potentially stop your computer from starting as expected.

What BIOS is required for Windows 10? ›

Below are some additional details regarding requirements for key features: BitLocker Drive Encryption (available with Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Enterprise only) requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 or higher and Trusted Computing Group (TCG)-compliant BIOS or UEFI.

What is the code for 4G LTE? ›

If you don't see the 4G or LTE option on your Android and are sure your phone is compatible, dial #*#4636#*#* to enable the feature.

Why does my 4G not work when I have signal? ›

Go to Settings and make sure mobile data is switched on. If you have a 4G device, go to Settings and check 4G is switched on. Check your Network mode is set to automatic. Try switching your phone off and back on.

How do I change my Network type to 4G? ›

How to activate 4G/LTE on Android OS devices:
  1. Open “Settings”
  2. Tap on “More”
  3. Tap on “Mobile network”
  4. Tap on “Preferred network type”
  5. Choose “4G/3G/2G (auto)”

Does resizable Bar cause input lag? ›

Do note that Resizable BAR will not increase memory bandwidth. What it does is let the CPU directly access the entire GPU frame buffer memory, instead of using the usual 256 MB “dump”. That reduces latency because the graphics assets are now accessible by the GPU at all times.

What is smart access memory? ›

This is a memory technology that AMD officially introduced in 2020 with its RX 6000 line, although it's based on Resizable Bar technology, which has been around for a while. Basically, it's a new design that allows the CPU in a computer to access much more of a GPU's RAM than it previously could. Related.

Is resizable Bar Smart Access memory? ›

AMD Smart Access Memory is related to the PCI-Express Resizable BAR (Base Address Register), or ReBar for short, built into modern motherboards. AMD has its own sauce for utilizing Resizable BAR that it calls AMD Smart Access Memory.

What is resizable bar for optimal performance? ›

Resizable BAR (or Smart Access Memory) must be enabled for optimal performance when using Intel® Arc™ A-Series Graphics. Though, Intel® Arc™ Graphics can still work on a system without Resizable BAR enabled. Resizable bar is a motherboard feature that can be enabled under BIOS settings.

What do you need for resizable bar? ›

To use Resizable BAR with a Nvidia GPU, you need:
  • AMD 400 or 500 series motherboard with Ryzen 5000 CPU or an Intel 10th-, 11th-, or 12th-generation CPU and corresponding motherboard.
  • Am Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 graphics card or Intel Arc graphics card.
Oct 9, 2022

How do I turn on rebar on my computer? ›

How to enable ReBAR on Intel Arc GPUs
  1. Step 1: Check that you have a supported processor. ...
  2. Step 2: If you haven't already done so, install the Intel Arc GPU and download any necessary drivers. ...
  3. Step 3: Note that you must be in the UEFI version of your settings, not any BIOS emulation modes.
Oct 21, 2022

Is it OK to increase number of processors? ›

A CPU that offers multiple cores may perform significantly better than a single-core CPU of the same speed. Multiple cores allow PCs to run multiple processes at the same time with greater ease, increasing your performance when multitasking or under the demands of powerful apps and programs.

What number of processors should I use? ›

When buying a new computer, whether a desktop PC or laptop, it's important to know the number of cores in the processor. Most users are well served with 2 or 4 cores, but video editors, engineers, data analysts, and others in similar fields will want at least 6 cores.

What's more important number of cores or GHz? ›

If you're just looking for a computer to get basic tasks done efficiently, a dual-core processor will probably work for your needs. For CPU intensive computing like video editing or gaming, you'll want a higher clock speed close to 4.0 GHz, while basic computing needs don't require such an advanced clock speed.

Should I enable all cores in msconfig? ›

But don't worry you haven't damaged your CPU but it's recommended that you let the system manage cores automatically. If you enable all of them when Windows doesn't need to you will only drain more power.

How can I increase my processor speed in GHz? ›

  1. Step 1: Determine your CPU's core temperature. ...
  2. Step 2: Perform a system stress test. ...
  3. Step 3: Check your CPU's performance. ...
  4. Step 4: Access your BIOS. ...
  5. Step 5: Choose between automatic and manual overclocking. ...
  6. Step 6: Adjust the CPU multiplier.
Aug 31, 2022

Do you want a high or low processor speed? ›

Within the same generation of CPUs, a processor with a higher clock speed will generally outperform a processor with a lower clock speed across many applications. This is why it's important to compare processors from the same brand and generation.

What is the fastest computer processor? ›

Intel claims that the 5.6GHz turbo boost clock speed of the new Core i9 chip is the fastest mobile processor as of December 2022, with 11 percent faster single-thread performance and 49 percent faster multitask performance over the prior-generation Intel Core i9-12900HK chip.

What makes a computer faster RAM or processor? ›

A more powerful processor will help with tasks such as streaming or running multiple programs. At the same time, large amounts of RAM will help with multitasking but will primarily improve performance in complex programs and operations.

What does resize bar do? ›

Resizable BAR (Base Address Register) is a PCIe capability. This is a mechanism that allows the PCIe device, such as a discrete graphics card, to negotiate the BAR size to optimize system resources. Enabling this functionality can result in a performance improvement.

What is ErP BIOS setting? ›

The ErP function automatically turns the main power switch OFF when the main power switch is ON and the machine remains in any of the following conditions for a certain period of time: - The sub power switch is OFF. - Auto Shut OFF is activated. - Auto Low Power is activated.

Does resizable Bar hurt performance? ›

Resizable BAR isn't a magic lever that throws your PC into Ludicrous Speed, but it can give you a nice little boost. AMD promises up to 16 percent more gaming performance, while Nvidia claims up to 12 percent. Some select games, like Assassin's Creed: Valhalla and Resident Evil 3, see much bigger enhancements.

What games take advantage of resizable bar? ›

Examining profiles and filtering for ReBAR, 24 profiles out of 6676 profiles in the 531.18 driver have official ReBAR support:
  • Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
  • Battlefield V.
  • Borderlands 3.
  • Control.
  • Cyberpunk 2077.
  • Dead Space (Remake)
  • Death Stranding removed in 527.56.
  • Deathloop.
Sep 11, 2022

What does the resize option help you to do? ›

The act of changing the dimensions of an object in a graphical environment. For example, in a graphical user interface, a user may resize their window to allow them to view other windows on their screen, or help arrange windows.

Should I turn ErP on or off? ›

Enabling ErP function cut usb power after shutdown.it should be enabled if you don't want unnecessary lights on keyboard or sounds on PSU.

When should I activate ErP? ›

Why Do We Use ERP? 5 Signs Your SME Needs an ERP System
  1. You've outgrown your existing software. ...
  2. You lack visibility into key business data. ...
  3. Inefficient processes are lowering productivity. ...
  4. You have separate systems for each business process. ...
  5. You need a system that will grow with your business.
Sep 14, 2020

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