Core frequency remains steady at 4.90GHz even after disabling game boost settings.
Core frequency remains steady at 4.90GHz even after disabling game boost settings.
I performed some tests with GameBoost, then reset everything and turned it off. After that, I used CPU-Z to verify the processor was back at 3.7GHz and reported core speeds still around 4.9GHz. I restarted again, assuming I hadn't saved changes, only to find GameBoost was actually off. I set the BIOS parameters to defaults and restarted once more. The same issue persists. Anyone know why it isn't returning to normal?
4.9 GHz appears to be the standard frequency under the Windows High Performance power plan. To let your CPU run slower when not heavily used, switch to the Windows Balanced plan. A quick CPU isn't a problem. If you wish to cut down on voltage and power while idle, turn on core C states in the BIOS. Slowing the CPU only offers limited benefits versus activating those states.
It's typical for the core speed to exceed 3.7 when the game boost isn't active and you're not applying overclocking or OC settings. You're still getting a good experience with the balanced power plan, which is great! Keep up the learning—it's helping you understand the system better.
The minimum processor requirements determine if an Intel CPU enters idle mode under light usage. By default, this is configured at 5% for the Windows Balanced plan, rising to 100% in the High Performance plan. The gameboost tool you were employing could have altered this value. When your CPU has any activity, it adjusts accordingly—reflecting Intel’s turbo boost behavior. Turbo boost operates only at 3.7 GHz if disabled.