Modern AAA games need sufficient processing power to enable turbo boost.
Modern AAA games need sufficient processing power to enable turbo boost.
I originally intended to share this in a build thread, but you were very considerate and responded—so you deserve a concise summary (even my summaries can be quite lengthy). It’s a bit of a long story, perhaps due to past Dod proposal writing. After finishing the TVPC discussion in an earlier thread, I now own a fully functional HP EliteDesk 800 G5. With most components already available, I believe I can assemble a solid gaming PC. Prior to this thread, I assumed I could fit everything into the 7" x 7" x 1 1/2" chassis, using an external M.2 video card and adding a 120mm case fan if needed. My current plan includes:
Chassis: HP EliteDesk 800 G5
CPU: I9-9900KS (127W TDP, 4 GHz base, more at 5 GHz)
RAM: 32GB DDR4 (64GB not necessary?)
System Drive: 4 TB NVMe
GPU: ASUS RTX 3070 converted to single fan
CPU cooling: HP internal heatsink rated at 125W
Auxiliary cooling: Noctua NF-P12 fan on top of the chassis
PSUs: Alienware 300W AC adapter for CPU, Dell 240W AC adapter for GPU
System Mounting: 16" x 9" clipboard for keyboard mount
Except for RAM, all parts are in my drawer—except the courage to start!
I’m seeking your thoughts on this preliminary design. Once I begin, I’ll likely create a new thread in Systems to repeat what I’ve shared here. Or would you prefer I keep going in this one?
Thanks to everyone who helped so far,
Larry
Intel CPUs are built to maximize turbo boost usage and operate at peak speed continuously. This feature is meant to be reassuring. Intel's turbo power settings can be changed without limit. To reduce power usage and heat output, simply adjust the turbo limits. The system will automatically adapt the amount of turbo boost applied. Setting both limits to 125 Watts means the CPU will automatically slow down once it hits that threshold, regardless of cooling capacity. You can fine-tune power use based on available cooling resources.
For instance, using ThrottleStop with both limits at 125W ensures the CPU never surpasses this value, even if you prefer lower consumption. This method gives flexibility and access to advanced Clamp settings not found in older BIOS versions.
Sorry, I forgot to address your lengthy Preliminary Design comment earlier.
I intend to use 1440p on a 49-inch screen. The monitor can handle 4k, but the remaining hardware seems limited.
Thanks for the feedback, Larry.
The components being used aren’t ideal for this task. However, if we’re going by what’s suggested, I wouldn’t expect a long lifespan from the six-to-eight year old HP motherboard when forcing it into a 9900KS that wasn’t built for it, nor would cutting a hole in the case for a larger fan help much. If this is the direction, I’d remove the case to allow fitting a suitable tower cooler, ensuring the heat sink protrudes fully through the opening.
My goodness! Among all the responses I've received, this is definitely the least helpful one. I really don't get why you even shared it. You would have benefited more by grasping the hardware you're so critical of.
For instance, the EliteDesk 800 series from HP came with the I9-9900 processor. This line doesn't include a PCIE slot, so you'd need an M.2 alternative. The cooling option you suggested completely undermines the purpose of the chassis you're planning to use and won't fit on a keyboard tray.
By the way, a genuine cooling solution must actually work. At the very least, you should have clarified why these parts don't mesh or won't deliver the performance you need.
The I9-9900 is distinct from the I9-9900KS. Despite the significant jump in clock speed and increased power consumption on a SFF proprietary board, this highlights the project's achievements. HP also offered this model with a PCIe slot, which wasn't mentioned earlier. Additionally, the keyboard design wasn't considered essential, as altering its size would compromise the build's functionality.
I believe the first step is to verify if the 9900KS is compatible with your motherboard. OEM models can have unusual limitations, and since this CPU was released after the 9900/9900K, it might not be supported.
Additionally, the 9900KS isn't really ideal for this setup right now. It probably wouldn't offer much benefit unless you're running only older or low-demand games. The main benefit of the 9900KS is its ability to sustain peak boost frequencies, though this requires more power. If you decide to go with the 9900KS, following what uWebb429 mentioned is crucial to avoid heat throttling without a suitable power cap.
I don't quite grasp the deeper meaning behind this setup. It seems unlikely to achieve a good gaming experience with such a combination—just a decent PC with a 9900KS and a 3070 GPU for 1440p on a 49-inch screen. Only older games might run, and nothing modern.
Is the limiting factor the CPU or the GPU? And, if possible, why? Please advise!