My processor won't allow more than 75% (2.8ghz), and I don't understand the reason
My processor won't allow more than 75% (2.8ghz), and I don't understand the reason
I believe there are knights in shining armour with the knowledge I lack that could guide me on where I'm going wrong. I sincerely appreciate anyone taking the time to review this and would truly value any guidance.
I experimented with my BIOS configurations for two days, yet couldn't locate a setting that maintained all four CPU cores at full capacity during stress tests. I attempted overclocking both with and without turbo boost. I adjusted various parameters such as LLC, Cool&Quiet, C6, and APM. I tested numerous combinations and conducted the tests. I made minor adjustments to Vcore, though it never surpassed 1.440v, and maintained a CPU clock speed of 3.8ghz. I suspect the throttling isn't solely due to heat, since my CPU never exceeds 45°C.
My specifications:
- CPU: AMD A8 7670k 3.6ghz (up to 3.9ghz)
- Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-DS2
- CPU cooler: CoolerMaster Hyper 212x
- GPU: Radeon RX 470
- RAM: 2 x 8gb Crucial 1600mhz
- Power supply: Corsair CS850M 850W 80+ Gold
My BIOS configuration:
- CPU Clock Control: 100.00mhz
- Processor Graphics Clock: 757mhz - Default
- CPU NB Frequency: 1800mhz - Default
- CPU Clock Ratio: 38
- CPU Frequency: 3.8ghz
- Turbo Performance Boost: Disabled
- AMD Cool&Quiet: Disabled
- cTDP function: Disabled - Default
- SVM Mode: Enabled - Default
- C6 Mode: Disabled
- APM: Disabled
- CPU Vcore: +0.096
- NB Core: Normal - Default was Auto
- DRAM Voltage: Normal - Default was Auto
- Vcore LLC: Medium
- NBVID LLC: Medium
I used Prime95 for stress testing, HWMonitor to monitor Vcore, AMD Overdrive to track temperatures, and Resource Monitor to observe CPU frequency. Through these tests, I found two patterns:
1. BIOS setup with Cool&Quiet enabled – 30 seconds of CPU at 3.8ghz: all four cores stayed at 99-100% usage, Vcore at 1.404, then throttling occurred, causing fluctuations between 65% and 78% with Vcore dropping to 1.368v or less.
2. BIOS setup with Cool&Quiet disabled – CPU consistently ran at 75% capacity; frequency and Vcore remained steady (2.8ghz, 1.404v); cores 0 and 1 were at 100%, while cores 2 and 3 were at 50%.
Summary:
In both cases, I achieved only 75% CPU utilization (2.8ghz) or less during stress tests. No matter the settings, reaching a consistent 100% usage across all four cores proved unattainable.
I understand if this means giving up on overclocking, but I just want my CPU to operate at full capacity. There are certain games I need to run at very high settings, yet can only manage medium-low due to this limitation.
Once again, thank you to anyone who took the time to read this—your help is greatly appreciated! Alex.