CPU runs continuously at its highest speed.
CPU runs continuously at its highest speed.
The HWMonitor readings don’t accurately reflect your CPU’s performance. It often swings between 800 MHz and 4000 MHz while overlooking all intermediate speeds. Which software are you employing to lower your CPU voltage? Intel XTU and ThrottleStop provide a clearer picture of actual CPU dynamics. What power plan are you running? The top performance profile keeps the CPU at its maximum output. This isn’t as problematic as it seems. When mobile CPU cores aren’t active, they automatically switch to the low-power C7 mode. In this state, the cores disconnect from the clock and voltage, effectively operating at 0 MHz and 0 Volts. An idle machine can have these cores running over 99% of the time. The speed they operate at during the remaining 1% is irrelevant. Tracking tools that repeatedly bring idle cores into C7 aren’t reliable indicators of their recent activity. Bringing them back to full speed misrepresents their true state. If you need better insight, switch your power plan to one that reduces idle CPU activity.
my laptop was originally factory set to a low voltage of -1.25v, but after some attempts to lower it further to -1.4v with XTU it didn’t improve cooling performance during games and still experienced throttling up to 95°C. I changed power plans and it remains on balanced mode. I’ve also capped the processor at 99% utilization, yet the system continues to overwork the CPU.
Intel XTU displays your CPU at its maximum when idle. The Task Manager Performance chart reflects this behavior. Most contemporary laptops employ Speed Shift Technology to manage CPU performance. Close HWMonitor to prevent unnecessary load, then display both XTU and Task Manager graphs.
I checked the BIOS settings to disable speed shift, but it seems limited options are available. I also cleared all related software (Steam, Logitech G Hub, etc.) before trying again.
The graph displays a Windows 10 system while it's idle, but your screen indicates activity. The CPU isn't resting; it's actively processing tasks. Checking Task Manager reveals background processes consuming resources. This leads to increased heat generation. The XTU chart shows fluctuating core speeds, which will improve if you remove unnecessary background apps. Even at 21% utilization while idle, performance remains stable.