What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
To turn on AMD Smart Access Memory (SAM), open your motherboard’s UEFI/BIOS and enable Above 4G Decoding and Re-Size BAR Support. You will usually also need to disable CSM so Windows boots in UEFI mode. After restarting, check AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition → Performance → Tuning for the SAM status.
SAM is not guaranteed to increase frame rates. It can improve performance in some games, make little difference in others, and occasionally cause a regression. Enable it if your hardware supports it, then keep it enabled only if your games remain stable and perform at least as well.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What AMD Smart Access Memory does
Smart Access Memory is AMD’s branded implementation and validation of Resizable BAR, a PCIe feature that changes how the CPU accesses a graphics card’s VRAM.
Without Resizable BAR, the CPU normally accesses the GPU’s memory through relatively small mapped windows. Resizable BAR allows a larger portion of the graphics card’s address space to be mapped at once. In the right game and hardware configuration, that can reduce transfer overhead and improve performance.
#1 Best Overall
- ULTRA POWER - SUPPORTS THE LATEST RYZEN 9000 PROCESSORS IN HIGH PERFORMANCE - The MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI employs a 14 Duet Rail Power System (80A, SPS) VRM for the AMD B850 chipset (AM5, Ryzen 9000 / 8000 / 7000) with Core Boost architecture
- FROZR GUARD - Premium cooling features such as 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads, extra choke thermal pads and an Extended Heatsink; Includes chipset heatsink, EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II, and a Combo-fan (for pump & system) header (3A)
- DDR5 MEMORY, PCIe 5.0 x16 SLOT - 4 x DDR5 DIMM SMT slots enable extreme memory overclocking speeds (1DPC 1R, 8400+ MT/s); 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 SMT slot (128GB/s) with Steel Armor II supports cutting-edge graphics cards
- QUADRUPLE M.2 CONNECTORS - Storage options include 2 x M.2 Gen5 x4 128Gbps slots, 1 x M.2 Gen4 x4 64Gbps slot and 1 x M.2 Gen4 x2 32Gbps slot; Features EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II to prevent thermal throttling and EZ M.2 Clip II for EZ DIY experience
- CONNECTIVITY - Network hardware includes a full-speed Wi-Fi 7 module with Bluetooth 5.4 & 5Gbps LAN; Rear ports include USB 20G Type-C and 7.1 USB High Performance Audio with Audio Boost 5 (supports S/PDIF output)
SAM does not upscale an image, generate frames, or directly reduce input latency. It is different from:
- FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), which upscales rendered frames.
- Radeon Super Resolution (RSR), which applies driver-level upscaling.
- HYPR-RX, which combines supported Radeon features.
- Radeon Anti-Lag, which targets latency.
- AMD Fluid Motion Frames, which generates additional frames.
Check compatibility before changing BIOS settings
SAM is not automatically supported by every combination of Ryzen processor and Radeon graphics card. AMD’s current broader compatibility wording covers the following baseline:
- Graphics card: Radeon RX 5000 series or newer.
- Processor: Ryzen 3000 series or newer, with the Ryzen 5 3400G and Ryzen 3 3200G specifically excluded.
- Motherboard: AMD 500-series or newer, with a BIOS that supports the feature.
- Firmware: The motherboard BIOS and GPU VBIOS must correctly expose and initialize Resizable BAR.
- System type: OEM support is required; prebuilt manufacturers may hide or restrict the relevant settings.
AMD’s separate Smart Technologies documentation still describes the narrower original requirement of a Radeon RX 6000-series GPU, Ryzen 3000- or 5000-series CPU, and 500-series motherboard. Because AMD’s published requirements are not completely consistent, treat the list above as a starting point rather than a guarantee. Check the exact CPU, GPU, motherboard and BIOS combination on the motherboard manufacturer’s support page and in AMD Software.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Integrated graphics and laptops can expose different controls. The procedure below is primarily for a Windows desktop with a discrete Radeon GPU.
Check whether Windows already uses UEFI boot
Disabling CSM is commonly necessary for SAM, but do not disable it blindly. A Windows installation configured for legacy BIOS/MBR boot may stop booting when the system is switched to UEFI-only mode.
Rank #2
- AMD Socket AM5: Supports AMD Ryzen 9000/Ryzen 8000/Ryzen 7000 Series Processors
- DDR5 Compatible: 4*DIMMs with AMD EXPO & Intel XMP Memory Module Support
- Commanding Power Design: Twin 14+2+1 Phases with 70A Power Stage Digital VRM Solution, 8-Layer 2X Copper PCB
- Cutting-Edge Thermal Design: 6mm Heatpipe, Fully Covered MOSFET Heatsinks, M.2 Thermal Guard, PCIe Ultra Durable Armor
- Next Gen Connectivity: PCIe 5.0, PCIe 5.0 NVMe x4 M.2, Front and rear USB-C
- Press Windows key + R.
- Enter
msinfo32and press Enter. - In System Information, find BIOS Mode. It should say UEFI.
You can also check the system disk’s partition style in Disk Management: right-click the disk label, choose Properties, open Volumes, and check whether the partition style is GPT. Do not change partition settings without backing up important data. If BIOS Mode says Legacy, follow Microsoft’s supported UEFI/GPT conversion guidance or plan a clean installation before changing CSM.
AMD explains that the Compatibility Support Module can prevent modern Radeon cards from accessing capabilities required for SAM. See AMD’s CSM and UEFI guidance.
Prepare the system
Before updating firmware or changing settings, record your CPU model, GPU model, motherboard model, current BIOS version and GPU VBIOS version. If you want to measure the difference, run a repeatable benchmark in one or two games with SAM disabled first.
Install current versions of:
- AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition for the Radeon GPU.
- The AMD chipset driver for the motherboard platform.
- The motherboard BIOS, if the vendor’s release notes indicate that SAM, Resizable BAR or a relevant AGESA update was added or fixed.
A BIOS update is not risk-free. Use the motherboard manufacturer’s exact instructions, connect the PC to reliable power, do not interrupt the flash, and do not update while the system is unstable. Keep the motherboard manual available and learn the board’s CMOS-reset procedure. If the board supports BIOS Flashback, identify the correct button, USB port and recovery file before starting.
Enable Smart Access Memory in UEFI/BIOS
Menu names vary between ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock and other firmware versions. The following is the common sequence, not a universal menu path.
Rank #3
- Ready for Advanced AI PCs: Designed for the future of AI computing, with the power and connectivity needed for demanding AI applications
- AMD AM5 Socket: Ready for AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000 and 7000 series desktop processors
- Intelligent Control: ASUS AI Advisor, AI Networking II and AEMP to simplify setup and improve performance
- Robust Power Solution: 14+2+2 power solution rated for 80A per stage with an 8+8-pin ProCool power connector, high-quality alloy chokes, and durable capacitors to support multi-core processors
- Optimized Thermal Design: Massive heatsinks bridged to the VRMs with high-conductivity thermal pads and an integrated I/O cover
1. Enter firmware setup
Restart the PC and repeatedly press the motherboard’s setup key during startup, commonly Delete or F2. Use the motherboard manual if neither key works.
2. Disable CSM
Find a setting named CSM Support, Compatibility Support Module, Legacy Boot or Boot Mode. Set CSM to Disabled, or choose UEFI only.
Only do this after confirming that Windows is installed for UEFI boot. If Windows will not start afterward, return to firmware and restore the previous CSM or boot-mode setting.
3. Enable Above 4G Decoding
Find Above 4G Decoding. It is often under Advanced, PCI Subsystem Settings, PCIe/PCI Configuration, AMD CBS or Chipset Configuration. Set it to Enabled.
4. Enable Re-Size BAR Support
Find Re-Size BAR Support, Resizable BAR, PCIe Resizable BAR or Smart Access Memory. Set it to Enabled. If the motherboard manual specifically recommends Auto, use Auto; on some boards, Auto enables the feature when the platform is compatible.
Rank #4
- AMD Socket AM5: Supports AMD Ryzen 9000/Ryzen 8000/Ryzen 7000 Series Processors
- DDR5 Compatible: 4 SMD DIMMs with AMD EXPO and Intel XMP Memory Module Support
- Unparalleled Performance: 12 plus2 plus2 Phases Digital VRM Solution
- Advanced Thermal Design and M.2 Thermal Guard: To Ensure VRM Power Stability and M.2 SSD Performance
- Stable Connectivity: 1 x PCIe 5.0 plus 2 x PCIe 4.0 M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C
AMD Community guidance identifies Above 4G Decoding and Re-Size BAR Support as the principal firmware controls, but your motherboard manual takes precedence because locations and labels differ.
5. Save and reboot
Save the changes and exit. Let the PC complete a full restart. Avoid changing memory timings, CPU overclocks or other unrelated settings at the same time, so any problem has a clear cause.
Verify SAM in Windows
- Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.
- Go to Performance → Tuning.
- Find the Smart Access Memory status or control.
- Check whether it reports Enabled, Disabled or Not available.
AMD says SAM may be enabled automatically on a compatible system during driver installation. If AMD Software displays a toggle, close games before changing it. AMD also warns that changing the setting can restart the software and briefly blank the display.
AMD Software is the primary AMD-facing check, but its status can occasionally disagree with firmware, VBIOS or driver reporting. As an optional second check, a utility such as GPU-Z can report whether Resizable BAR is active. That is a third-party diagnostic, not a requirement for using SAM.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11How to test whether SAM improved gaming performance
Do not judge SAM from a single changed frame-rate reading. Compare the same test with the feature on and off:
Best Value
- AMD Socket AM5: Ready to support AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, 7000 Series Processors
- Enhanced Power Solution: 8+2+2 Digital VRM Design with 6-layer PCB and premium chokes and capacitors for stable power delivery.
- Advanced Thermal Armor: Advanced VRM heatsinks for better heat dissipation. Integrated I/O shield for quicker PC DIY assembly.
- Boost Your Memory: Compatible with DDR5 and supports 4 DIMMS, with AMD EXPO Memory Module Support.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot with reinforced PCIe UD slot, 2x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, and 1x Front USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port for hassle free setup.
- Use the same game version, graphics settings, resolution, graphics API, ray-tracing settings and upscaling mode.
- Restart Windows after changing SAM.
- Use the game’s built-in benchmark or the same repeatable route three times.
- Record average FPS, 1% lows if available, frame-time consistency, stutter and crashes.
- Compare SAM enabled against SAM disabled.
There is no universal FPS percentage. AMD describes SAM as something that may improve performance in certain situations. Results depend on the game, driver, BIOS, GPU VBIOS, resolution and other system settings. Leave SAM enabled when performance is equal or better and the system is stable; disable it for a game or configuration that regresses.
Troubleshooting SAM
SAM says “Unavailable”
Check these items in order:
- Confirm the exact CPU, GPU and motherboard models.
- Check the motherboard support page for a BIOS update mentioning SAM, Resizable BAR or AGESA.
- Update the AMD chipset driver and Radeon Software.
- Confirm Windows boots in UEFI mode.
- Confirm CSM is disabled.
- Confirm Above 4G Decoding is enabled.
- Confirm Re-Size BAR Support is Enabled or Auto.
- Shut down completely, power the PC back on, and check AMD Software again.
If firmware reports the feature enabled but AMD Software says unavailable, use an independent Resizable BAR check and look for a motherboard BIOS, GPU VBIOS or driver compatibility issue. Do not use unofficial modified drivers as a normal fix.
The BIOS option is missing
The BIOS may be too old, CSM may be hiding the option, or the board may not support it. The setting may also be located under an unexpected PCIe or chipset submenu. OEM systems frequently lock these controls. Check the vendor’s manual and BIOS notes rather than assuming the option exists under the same menu on every brand.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Windows will not boot after disabling CSM
Return to firmware setup and restore the previous CSM or boot-mode setting. If necessary, temporarily disable Re-Size BAR and Above 4G Decoding as well. If the PC cannot display firmware setup, use the motherboard’s documented CMOS-reset procedure.
For a legacy/MBR installation, the long-term solution may be a supported UEFI/GPT conversion or a clean installation. Back up important files first and follow Microsoft’s procedure; do not repeatedly change boot settings without a recovery plan.
The screen goes black
A brief blank screen can occur while AMD Software restarts after a SAM change. Wait briefly, then restart the PC if the display does not return. Try another display output if available. If the problem persists after a firmware change, power down fully, clear CMOS according to the motherboard manual, and revert the last change.
Games crash or run slower
Disable SAM and retest the affected game. Compare frame times as well as average FPS. A regression can result from an interaction between a game patch, driver, BIOS, GPU VBIOS or a particular workload. SAM is optional: stability and actual game performance matter more than leaving the label enabled.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
