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Inquiry on adjusting voltage for 10th generation Intel processors

Inquiry on adjusting voltage for 10th generation Intel processors

G
GASA30
Junior Member
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36
09-07-2018, 08:14 PM
#1
Hello everyone, I'm about to get the new Dell XPS 17, one of the higher specked models. Now even though it's running a huge vapor chamber and is supposed to be miles ahead of everything that's come to market previously, I'm still bummed that I might not be able to undervolt it. With my current laptop, it's a difference of over 15% in performance, and around 10 degrees JUST from undervolting, and then there's the re-paste (which I'll also do on the XPS). I've heard that some laptops can have the XTU tuning unlocked in bios, but I don't know weather Dell is one of them. If anybody knows weather Dell offers this option in bios, please let me know. I've heard though that they've been silently releasing bios updated through Windows update on last year models, locking them out of XTU as well. Is Intel planning to just forever lock the ability to undervolt, is there any way around it?.. Thanks for the help
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G
GASA30
09-07-2018, 08:14 PM #1

Hello everyone, I'm about to get the new Dell XPS 17, one of the higher specked models. Now even though it's running a huge vapor chamber and is supposed to be miles ahead of everything that's come to market previously, I'm still bummed that I might not be able to undervolt it. With my current laptop, it's a difference of over 15% in performance, and around 10 degrees JUST from undervolting, and then there's the re-paste (which I'll also do on the XPS). I've heard that some laptops can have the XTU tuning unlocked in bios, but I don't know weather Dell is one of them. If anybody knows weather Dell offers this option in bios, please let me know. I've heard though that they've been silently releasing bios updated through Windows update on last year models, locking them out of XTU as well. Is Intel planning to just forever lock the ability to undervolt, is there any way around it?.. Thanks for the help

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B
BrackzAU
Member
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50
09-07-2018, 10:10 PM
#2
Intel introduced a microcode update in December that prevents software from adjusting CPU voltage. Some users received BIOS updates that applied this change automatically via Windows Update. Once installed, no more software can control the voltage. Certain recent MSI laptops include an option in BIOS to turn on XTU. After a mandatory BIOS update, some Dell owners accessed the BIOS and performed a factory reset, which restored the ability to manage CPU voltage. This issue may be resolved at any time. Before purchasing, thoroughly investigate your laptop model. If maintaining CPU voltage control matters, look for proof of someone successfully undervolting an XPS 17 in a forum. If the feature works, consider methods to prevent future BIOS updates from disabling it.
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B
BrackzAU
09-07-2018, 10:10 PM #2

Intel introduced a microcode update in December that prevents software from adjusting CPU voltage. Some users received BIOS updates that applied this change automatically via Windows Update. Once installed, no more software can control the voltage. Certain recent MSI laptops include an option in BIOS to turn on XTU. After a mandatory BIOS update, some Dell owners accessed the BIOS and performed a factory reset, which restored the ability to manage CPU voltage. This issue may be resolved at any time. Before purchasing, thoroughly investigate your laptop model. If maintaining CPU voltage control matters, look for proof of someone successfully undervolting an XPS 17 in a forum. If the feature works, consider methods to prevent future BIOS updates from disabling it.

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K
Kronicftw
Member
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195
09-08-2018, 01:14 PM
#3
Thanks for your feedback! It seems XPS 17 will likely ship with a non-reversible bios and you won’t be able to turn on XTU control. Hopefully Intel comes up with a solution that actually works rather than disabling chip controls entirely. That would have been better, as it would have allowed more customization. It’s frustrating because you could extend screen time by lowering the CPU voltage—something you really need for longer battery life. I’m used to seeing MSI G65 and know Dell XD, but I haven’t found any positive updates yet. I truly hope things improve. I also want a thin, lightweight, high-performance laptop, which is exactly what I’ve been looking for for years. An AMD processor would have been ideal, but unfortunately Intel won’t let Dell make changes, especially with contracts in place.
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K
Kronicftw
09-08-2018, 01:14 PM #3

Thanks for your feedback! It seems XPS 17 will likely ship with a non-reversible bios and you won’t be able to turn on XTU control. Hopefully Intel comes up with a solution that actually works rather than disabling chip controls entirely. That would have been better, as it would have allowed more customization. It’s frustrating because you could extend screen time by lowering the CPU voltage—something you really need for longer battery life. I’m used to seeing MSI G65 and know Dell XD, but I haven’t found any positive updates yet. I truly hope things improve. I also want a thin, lightweight, high-performance laptop, which is exactly what I’ve been looking for for years. An AMD processor would have been ideal, but unfortunately Intel won’t let Dell make changes, especially with contracts in place.

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