How do I give more power to my CPU?
How do I give more power to my CPU?
A few months ago I purchased this Dell Vostro 3405 laptop equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 3450u processor. It has a 15-watt CPU, which splits the power between the CPU and integrated graphics. This is frustrating because it feels weak and becomes overwhelmed quickly—apps request more performance than it can handle, causing slowdowns. The manufacturer states the maximum TDP is 35 watts, but I’m wondering how to adjust that setting. With a 45-watt charger and running Windows 11, that should work fine. Thank you in advance!
It's a laptop built by the manufacturer, so you'd need to look at the BIOS to see if power consumption can be adjusted. Generally, laptops have fixed limits—like 15 watts—because cooling systems are designed that way or because other parts consume that much power. Also, remember the 45-watt charger supports more than just the CPU; it powers the display, motherboard, storage, fans and more.
HP EliteBooks include a feature in the BIOS that lets you significantly increase boost performance during charging, likely offering a comparable setting if available.
More power generates more heat, and the laptop can only dissipate so much heat before its performance limits. One of those Ali baba laptop water cooler mods could assist, though it may not be effective. I see them as a weak solution. The 3450u model appears to be a 2.1ghz 4/8 Zen 2 chip, but it's not a gaming processor. It might work with older games, not modern ones.
Indicates that boosting performance usually means upgrading cooling, which is a big hassle. The likelihood of needing a larger, more powerful laptop is quite high. Other unusual watercooling methods seem questionable to me.
This setup focuses on enhanced performance. All your comments indicate it does generate too much heat. That’s why it operates at very low power consumption. It’s designed to produce just enough warmth for its workload. The CPU is essentially a downclocked 3100 with an iGPU running at 10 watts. Desktop models using the 3100 typically run around 65 watts and thus perform better. Would you like me to adjust it to match a 3100’s speed? Probably yes. The issue remains that it would then generate about 65 watts, which your laptop likely can’t manage.
Edited February 15, 2023 by Bombastinator
I'm confirming the readings are normal, but you're saying it's overheating, right? You're clearly more informed about this machine.