F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Overclocking Can't boost i7-7820HK to 2.9Ghz - Alienware 15R3

Can't boost i7-7820HK to 2.9Ghz - Alienware 15R3

Can't boost i7-7820HK to 2.9Ghz - Alienware 15R3

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mr_siko_games
Member
185
01-02-2026, 09:59 AM
#1
I recently received an Alienware 15 R3 with an i7-7820HK CPU, which I think can be over-clocked. The BIOS is current and contains some preset OC settings. Despite my efforts, the CPU consistently stays below 2.89GHz. Intel Extreme Tuning Utility indicates 'power and current limits optimized' in a grayed-out box, but under advanced tuning it shows nothing. This is the first time I've encountered a K CPU system and attempted OC, but it seems unsuccessful. Anyone know what might be happening? Thanks.
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mr_siko_games
01-02-2026, 09:59 AM #1

I recently received an Alienware 15 R3 with an i7-7820HK CPU, which I think can be over-clocked. The BIOS is current and contains some preset OC settings. Despite my efforts, the CPU consistently stays below 2.89GHz. Intel Extreme Tuning Utility indicates 'power and current limits optimized' in a grayed-out box, but under advanced tuning it shows nothing. This is the first time I've encountered a K CPU system and attempted OC, but it seems unsuccessful. Anyone know what might be happening? Thanks.

C
COLIN20052012
Posting Freak
857
01-08-2026, 01:45 AM
#2
Consider reading this; Overclock help (laptop i7-7820HK) I'm searching for a new gaming laptop because I can't get a desktop due to work obligations. I want something with good cooling and an i7-7820HK with a GTX 1070. I'm thinking about overclocking from 2.9GHz to 4.2GHz and was thinking about... forums. Get familiar with overclocking in laptops. You might try undervolting the processor, cache and iGPU with ThrottleStop, but I wouldn't recommend overclocking an Alienware.
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COLIN20052012
01-08-2026, 01:45 AM #2

Consider reading this; Overclock help (laptop i7-7820HK) I'm searching for a new gaming laptop because I can't get a desktop due to work obligations. I want something with good cooling and an i7-7820HK with a GTX 1070. I'm thinking about overclocking from 2.9GHz to 4.2GHz and was thinking about... forums. Get familiar with overclocking in laptops. You might try undervolting the processor, cache and iGPU with ThrottleStop, but I wouldn't recommend overclocking an Alienware.

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Iya20154
Junior Member
21
01-10-2026, 05:36 PM
#3
That was not the main issue I was addressing. What I intended to say was that the BIOS OC settings are already included, yet they have no noticeable effect. The CPU consistently runs at 2.89GHz regardless of the workload, whether OC settings are active or not. Additionally, the Intel software suggested in my previous post shows no adjustable options—just a display of the CPU at 2.89GHz with no changes possible. Furthermore, I had previously read your post before writing this. The BIOS does offer OC presets, which suggests they are not locked, and there should be a way to select an OC level (three levels plus a manual setup option).
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Iya20154
01-10-2026, 05:36 PM #3

That was not the main issue I was addressing. What I intended to say was that the BIOS OC settings are already included, yet they have no noticeable effect. The CPU consistently runs at 2.89GHz regardless of the workload, whether OC settings are active or not. Additionally, the Intel software suggested in my previous post shows no adjustable options—just a display of the CPU at 2.89GHz with no changes possible. Furthermore, I had previously read your post before writing this. The BIOS does offer OC presets, which suggests they are not locked, and there should be a way to select an OC level (three levels plus a manual setup option).

S
Shardgale
Senior Member
547
01-10-2026, 07:17 PM
#4
2.90 GHz serves as the fundamental frequency for a 7820HK processor.
Refer to the Intel documentation for details: https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...78...0-ghz.html
Ensure Intel Turbo Boost is activated in the BIOS to allow the CPU to operate at its peak speed. Consider enabling Speed Shift Technology as well.
If issues persist, try utilizing ThrottleStop.
Check the main window, FIVR, and TPL windows for troubleshooting steps.
The K series includes an unlocked multiplier, permitting overclocking. However, some laptop makers have disabled the lock bit within the CPU to block this capability. Your ThrottleStop images will help confirm if this is the cause.
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Shardgale
01-10-2026, 07:17 PM #4

2.90 GHz serves as the fundamental frequency for a 7820HK processor.
Refer to the Intel documentation for details: https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...78...0-ghz.html
Ensure Intel Turbo Boost is activated in the BIOS to allow the CPU to operate at its peak speed. Consider enabling Speed Shift Technology as well.
If issues persist, try utilizing ThrottleStop.
Check the main window, FIVR, and TPL windows for troubleshooting steps.
The K series includes an unlocked multiplier, permitting overclocking. However, some laptop makers have disabled the lock bit within the CPU to block this capability. Your ThrottleStop images will help confirm if this is the cause.

6
60NoMeuPau
Member
205
01-12-2026, 12:33 AM
#5
I will check Throttlestop tomorrow. In the meantime, the BIOS doesn<|pad|> to not include any Turbo Boost options—it isn't mentioned at all.

I quickly did one thing: I unchecked the 'disable turbo' option in Throttlestop, and the CPU reached 4.16 GHz, then returned to normal after I restarted the laptop.

This might seem like a strange question, but how do I attach photos? I don’t see a clear method. Insert image asks for an HTTP address.
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60NoMeuPau
01-12-2026, 12:33 AM #5

I will check Throttlestop tomorrow. In the meantime, the BIOS doesn<|pad|> to not include any Turbo Boost options—it isn't mentioned at all.

I quickly did one thing: I unchecked the 'disable turbo' option in Throttlestop, and the CPU reached 4.16 GHz, then returned to normal after I restarted the laptop.

This might seem like a strange question, but how do I attach photos? I don’t see a clear method. Insert image asks for an HTTP address.

N
NoahWraith
Member
199
01-13-2026, 02:00 AM
#6
Do you have the most recent BIOS version? The CPU setup isn't working properly. Are you running Windows 10 or Windows 11?

ThrottleStop might help resolve these issues, but understanding the underlying cause is always beneficial.
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NoahWraith
01-13-2026, 02:00 AM #6

Do you have the most recent BIOS version? The CPU setup isn't working properly. Are you running Windows 10 or Windows 11?

ThrottleStop might help resolve these issues, but understanding the underlying cause is always beneficial.

S
SB0823
Member
173
01-13-2026, 09:50 AM
#7
Thank you for the attached images. I'm using Windows 11 Pro with the latest BIOS version 1.18. As a PC engineer experienced in repairs and upgrades, I'm familiar with computers but haven't done overclocking before. I'm only interested in a basic overclock here, just to ensure the system functions as intended. I plan to review the throttle stop guide tomorrow, which is Sunday, 8th October 2023—who knows, maybe someone will see this in 3023...
S
SB0823
01-13-2026, 09:50 AM #7

Thank you for the attached images. I'm using Windows 11 Pro with the latest BIOS version 1.18. As a PC engineer experienced in repairs and upgrades, I'm familiar with computers but haven't done overclocking before. I'm only interested in a basic overclock here, just to ensure the system functions as intended. I plan to review the throttle stop guide tomorrow, which is Sunday, 8th October 2023—who knows, maybe someone will see this in 3023...

F
Frinex10
Posting Freak
806
01-13-2026, 02:54 PM
#8
download throttlestop and check the limit tab, what is the limit for your cpu?
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Frinex10
01-13-2026, 02:54 PM #8

download throttlestop and check the limit tab, what is the limit for your cpu?

D
DJBazzInc
Member
231
01-13-2026, 04:20 PM
#9
Got it working now.
D
DJBazzInc
01-13-2026, 04:20 PM #9

Got it working now.

I
ItsJeGirlRomy
Member
200
01-14-2026, 12:12 AM
#10
Hello, the screenshots from throttlestop seem to be accurate.
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ItsJeGirlRomy
01-14-2026, 12:12 AM #10

Hello, the screenshots from throttlestop seem to be accurate.

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