Undervolting Your CPU
Undervolting your CPU involves lowering the amount of power that the processor receives. It optimizes performance by reducing temperatures and strain on the CPU, potentially increasing its lifespan.
Benefits of Undervolting:
– Reduced operating temperatures
– Lower power consumption and utility bills
– Improved processor longevity
– Better performance for laptops with limited cooling
Compatibility:
Undervolting is primarily effective on Intel processors, but it can also be attempted on AMD CPUs.
Safety Precautions:
Undervolting is generally safe, but it’s crucial to avoid excessive voltage reduction. Start with small adjustments and gradually lower the voltage until you achieve stability.
Preparation:
– Download a CPU benchmarking tool
– Install HWMonitor to monitor temperatures and voltages
Undervolting with Throttlestop:
1. Download and run Throttlestop
2. Enable Speed Shift and Hardware Controlled Performance
3. Adjust the CPU Core, CPU Cache, and Intel GPU undervolts (optional)
4. Apply the changes and test stability using the benchmark
Undervolting with AMD Ryzen Master:
1. Download and run AMD Ryzen Master
2. Select Basic Mode
3. Lower the CPU voltage in -5mV increments
4. Test stability and repeat until issues occur
Creating Profiles:
If you’re using a laptop, consider creating two Throttlestop profiles: one for AC power and one for battery life.
Automating Startup:
To ensure Throttlestop runs automatically at startup:
1. In Windows Task Scheduler, create a new task
2. Set it to run at startup and minimize
3. Select the Throttlestop executable as the task action
Monitoring Temperatures:
Regularly monitor your CPU’s temperatures to ensure they remain within safe limits. Undervolting can significantly reduce temperatures, but it’s still important to avoid overheating.
Remember to exercise caution when undervolting your CPU. If you encounter any issues, revert the changes and seek professional assistance.
