How to slow down the i7 13700k using Gigabyte Aorus Z690 Elite AX?
How to slow down the i7 13700k using Gigabyte Aorus Z690 Elite AX?
Hi guys,
I've been running some tests and noticed my CPU hits 100ºC even with full load on cinebench using a 240ml AIO. I checked JTC's video on Intel underclocking and managed to get it to 1.115V (static) and 5.1Ghz (I don't need it at 5.3-5.4) with Intel's XTU, and it was running at 85ºC. I also ran cinebench r23 for a long time and it performed very well, staying stable. My power consumption dropped from 280w peak to 210w.
I'm wondering if anyone knows how to set those same settings in the BIOS, since it's quite complicated and I don't want to make mistakes.
Here are my PC specs:
I7 13700k (stock)
Corsair Dominator Platinum 32GB 5200mhz DDR5
Gigabyte Aorus Z690 Elite Ax
Gigabyte RTX 3090 24g
Samsung 980pro 1tb
Thanks in advance!
If you aim for fixed voltage, simply adjust the CPU core voltage in the BIOS. It’s usually safer to establish a manual power cap, such as 200W, allowing the system to manage voltage automatically, with a slight negative offset. There isn’t a single correct method—each CPU behaves differently. Regarding motherboard settings, defining per-core limits or overall core caps is straightforward. Changing the core voltage from auto to 1.115 volts would be unnecessary and inefficient, so a negative offset seems more practical. It would enable the voltage to adapt smoothly while potentially saving energy. Power limits should be set at PL1 and PL2, with PL2 being the most relevant for boost ranges. By default on 13th generation chips, unlimited time is typically allowed for K cores.
Hey, thanks for your reply!
I’d like to adjust the power limit to around 210 W and set the clocks to 5.1GHz with a small negative offset undervolt. I don’t want my CPU to reach as high as 100ºC during full load, so getting around 85ºC while sacrificing a bit of performance would be really helpful.
Also, I’m not very familiar with Gigabyte’s BIOS since I just built this system. Could you help clarify which changes to make and where? Here’s the BIOS I used on XTU that worked well:
Voltage offset could be the solution. It might perform the same function with lower voltage, causing power to decrease. This could allow higher clock speeds while staying within the same power limit. You'll need to adjust it carefully to achieve the desired outcome. Each cooling setup, temperature condition, and CPU behaves differently. You were operating at 210W with a frequency of 5.1Ghz; try again in the BIOS.
Have you managed to sort it out?
For some reason for me intel xtu is not "applying" any changes, been also looking at a way to lower temps
Hey, here’s what I adjusted on my system:
I switched the CPU state from "Auto" to "Enable" which resolved the constant clock frequency issue.
I changed the CPU state class to C8 to boost power efficiency.
PL1 was limited to 175W and PL2 to unlimited (4095W).
Technical details:
- Actual VRM Core Voltage: Offset Mode, Sign "-"
- CPU Core Voltage Offset: Auto
- Global Core SVID Voltage: Adaptive Mode, Sign "-"
- Additional Turbo Mode CPU Core Voltage: Auto
- Offset Voltage: .13500
- Cache SVID Voltage: Adaptive Mode, Sign "-"
According to these configurations:
When the PC is idle
CPU temperature 29-33°C, package 35-40°C
Power usage was 17W-18W (previously 24W-30W)
Fan speeds:
CPU 700-800rpm, 2 front panel inputs at 360rpm (200mmx2)
Input from bottom panel 0rpm (120mmx1)
Top panel outputs 436rpm (140mmx2)
Exhaust 620rpm (120mmx1)
When the PC runs load
Cinebench R23 multicore 30627, single 2086;
Max CPU 76°C, package 87°C
Max power consumption 189W
Fan speeds:
CPU 2150rpm (full), 2 front panel inputs 740rpm (full)
Input from bottom panel 1100rpm (full)
Top panel outputs 1000rpm (full)
Exhaust 1500rpm (full)
I see a lot of changes here for something quite simple. Why nobody's talking about "
Enhanced multi-core performance
" ? I see it on
auto
on your screenS. This is the
first thing to turn off
! It means the MB is OCing badly to gain some useless perfs but at a temp/Volts/Watts cost very bad. Stupid battle between Intel/AMD, they're pushing hard for no reason.
After that a simple adaptive V-core (1.330V) and Vcore offset (-0.125V) and some watts tweaks (PPL 1 125, PPL2 253). Temp limit if you're cautious and you're good. 5400Mhz and all, max 75-80°C Cinebench R23. And this is certainly too safe, could do better. Directly in the BIOS, quick to do. This should also help getting XMP (auto) stable.
What you aim to achieve by lowering your processor's voltage is to improve its performance without overheating. Adjusting voltages carefully can help, but mistakes may lead to damage. Check out how the 13900K handles cooling with modest coolers:
Undervolting won't create any damage. Quite the contrary. Unless you really do total nonsense. That's why I'm not a big fan of changing 10-20 settings for something simple. There are tons of reasons to not let the CPU go at 100°C and consume massive power each time it "needs" it. Why do you think there are videos, topics, guides absolutely everywhere about undervolting if this was not a thing ?? Correctly done it can even bring more perfs. There is a controversy about this current situation with 13gen.
Also your link does not contradict the interest of putting limitations. They do the test too. Have you read it ?? For some people (bad MB bending, moderate cooling) default settings won't even be ok. The all thing is why letting your MB push this hard your CPU (max temp, abnormal power use) for no real reason.
I mean, the situation is so crazy everyone now want to install contact frame on their high-end MB... and the best proof : Intel is warning about the "necessity" to have decent cooling method for those CPUs. You can read this warning on every dealer online. Is that ok to force ppl investing on better rads than usual ? Was it like that before ? Should we be happy with it ? (prices are already a concern)