F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Modern AAA games need sufficient processing power to enable turbo boost.

Modern AAA games need sufficient processing power to enable turbo boost.

Modern AAA games need sufficient processing power to enable turbo boost.

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AlmightyEag
Posting Freak
785
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM
#1
Hi, Guys.
This is a planning question. I already have the processor and will be using it, primarily, for gaming. I am trying to 'guesstimate" the CPU power and cooling requirements.
The I9-9900KS is a 127 watt TDP, 8 Core, 16 Thread processor with a 4 GHz base frequency and an all core 5 GHz turbo boost frequency.
My question: Since power and cooling requirements increase dramatically when in turbo boost;
How likely are modern AAA games to demand enough from the CPU that turbo boost will activate?
-Rarely,
-Occasionally,
-Often,
or
-Almost all the time?
Please note that I am limited to the 1151 socket and already possess the CPU and MB, so telling me to change to better/more modern hardware will not be particularly useful.
TIA,
Larry
A
AlmightyEag
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM #1

Hi, Guys.
This is a planning question. I already have the processor and will be using it, primarily, for gaming. I am trying to 'guesstimate" the CPU power and cooling requirements.
The I9-9900KS is a 127 watt TDP, 8 Core, 16 Thread processor with a 4 GHz base frequency and an all core 5 GHz turbo boost frequency.
My question: Since power and cooling requirements increase dramatically when in turbo boost;
How likely are modern AAA games to demand enough from the CPU that turbo boost will activate?
-Rarely,
-Occasionally,
-Often,
or
-Almost all the time?
Please note that I am limited to the 1151 socket and already possess the CPU and MB, so telling me to change to better/more modern hardware will not be particularly useful.
TIA,
Larry

P
Patrions_
Member
216
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM
#2
Individuals who purchased the i9 have been using a 360mm AIO or a powerful air cooler.
P
Patrions_
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM #2

Individuals who purchased the i9 have been using a 360mm AIO or a powerful air cooler.

Y
YouriiruoY
Member
212
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM
#3
Lutfij,
Thank you for your response. However, I'm seeking a completely different inquiry: how often should I rely on this cooling system? The chassis I'm using has a cooler rated for 125 watts. I want to figure out how often it might fall short.
Larry
Y
YouriiruoY
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM #3

Lutfij,
Thank you for your response. However, I'm seeking a completely different inquiry: how often should I rely on this cooling system? The chassis I'm using has a cooler rated for 125 watts. I want to figure out how often it might fall short.
Larry

_
_iMoon
Member
156
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM
#4
Constantly, it doesn't matter. The CPU works to complete tasks as quickly as possible, keeping the maximum boost within the temperature limits you choose.
If you need a power goal, configure it in the BIOS beforehand. That way, there will be no surprises.
Reducing voltage can also lead to significant performance improvements, and beginning with a high-end CPU is beneficial.
_
_iMoon
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM #4

Constantly, it doesn't matter. The CPU works to complete tasks as quickly as possible, keeping the maximum boost within the temperature limits you choose.
If you need a power goal, configure it in the BIOS beforehand. That way, there will be no surprises.
Reducing voltage can also lead to significant performance improvements, and beginning with a high-end CPU is beneficial.

M
MrCm
Senior Member
636
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM
#5
High clock speeds and many cores serve different purposes in gaming, yet both are essential for most games. Typically, for tasks with light threading (like games), the CPU is boosted to its maximum two cores, while others run at the highest feasible level without exceeding power limits. If you have a CPU, check its temperatures and power consumption; if you suspect any issues or inefficiencies, share the information. Many motherboards push CPUs beyond safe limits, potentially causing overheating or high power usage. The chassis cooler plays a minimal role in CPU cooling—it requires a dedicated CPU cooler. If you already have one, provide its model; otherwise, describe it and share photos if possible.
M
MrCm
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM #5

High clock speeds and many cores serve different purposes in gaming, yet both are essential for most games. Typically, for tasks with light threading (like games), the CPU is boosted to its maximum two cores, while others run at the highest feasible level without exceeding power limits. If you have a CPU, check its temperatures and power consumption; if you suspect any issues or inefficiencies, share the information. Many motherboards push CPUs beyond safe limits, potentially causing overheating or high power usage. The chassis cooler plays a minimal role in CPU cooling—it requires a dedicated CPU cooler. If you already have one, provide its model; otherwise, describe it and share photos if possible.

L
LFPC
Member
98
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM
#6
In a situation similar to this, and since you already possess the necessary equipment, you can easily explore the issue. You'll quickly determine if your cooling and power supply systems are adequate.
L
LFPC
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM #6

In a situation similar to this, and since you already possess the necessary equipment, you can easily explore the issue. You'll quickly determine if your cooling and power supply systems are adequate.

S
SinamonShelby
Junior Member
15
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM
#7
Thank you for your understanding. I had no idea about those details. It unfortunately brings me back to the "try and see" approach I wanted to steer clear of.
S
SinamonShelby
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM #7

Thank you for your understanding. I had no idea about those details. It unfortunately brings me back to the "try and see" approach I wanted to steer clear of.

K
kevvouna
Member
54
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM
#8
Absolutely, I understand. It's clear you're looking for a different approach.
K
kevvouna
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM #8

Absolutely, I understand. It's clear you're looking for a different approach.

S
Stooked
Junior Member
5
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM
#9
The what now?!
Maybe rewind and tell us everything from the beginning?
If you have a prebuild or something it might not even allow you to use a different CPU from what comes with it.
S
Stooked
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM #9

The what now?!
Maybe rewind and tell us everything from the beginning?
If you have a prebuild or something it might not even allow you to use a different CPU from what comes with it.

A
angelinawho
Junior Member
4
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM
#10
I experienced performance issues with the 9900k @ 5ghz all-core recently, it tends to run hot and benefits from higher wattage. The 9th generation processor is aging slightly but remains functional; however, it requires significant turbo boosts for modern AAA games. You might manage with some undervolting since the K-series should perform well, though finding the optimal settings depends on trial and error to reach the ideal temperature range.

What case do you have? Which resolution are you aiming for?
A
angelinawho
10-06-2025, 12:36 PM #10

I experienced performance issues with the 9900k @ 5ghz all-core recently, it tends to run hot and benefits from higher wattage. The 9th generation processor is aging slightly but remains functional; however, it requires significant turbo boosts for modern AAA games. You might manage with some undervolting since the K-series should perform well, though finding the optimal settings depends on trial and error to reach the ideal temperature range.

What case do you have? Which resolution are you aiming for?

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