Options for upgrading the i7-6700 and its energy performance.
Options for upgrading the i7-6700 and its energy performance.
You're evaluating power efficiency for your current setup. The i7-6700 is handling light tasks well, but you're looking to reduce energy use while maintaining performance for typical workloads. Considering a switch to an i7-8700T could offer better power efficiency under constant load compared to the T-series chips. However, since your usage spikes only occasionally (e.g., during media playback or file transfers), a full upgrade might not be necessary unless you notice significant power draw. A 9th or 10th gen 10700 could provide similar performance with lower power consumption, especially if you can keep it lightly loaded. It's worth testing both options in real conditions to see which aligns best with your needs.
A T series chip is energy efficient, but it doesn’t match the peak performance of the mainline model. The power savings don’t always match the cost savings because you still need to invest in the new CPU and other parts. It’s wiser to stick with the older CPU until it fails, especially if it’s intended for a server setup. From an environmental perspective, trying to cut waste by buying something new can create more waste than simply maintaining your current system.
I understand you're planning to maintain older server components while creating a separate backup system. You're considering a T series chip that matches the performance of the 6th generation but with potential power-saving features. Your concern about load conditions and the constant load from your Iris device is important—do you think the T functionality actually provides efficiency benefits, or would it be limited by your ongoing workload? You're weighing a regular chip for better reliability against the need for a specialized backup that can operate on a schedule without performance loss.
The T series functions more as a marketing tactic. Intel has employed two turbo power caps across its Core i CPUs over the past decade to manage energy use. When you opt for a K series processor and push it beyond normal limits, the BIOS raises these caps significantly. Conversely, if you select a T series chip, Intel establishes lower default turbo thresholds. Despite these differences, the hardware remains largely the same. In many cases, K series chips offer superior build quality, allowing them to match or exceed T series performance while using less energy. You can fine-tune power settings with tools such as ThrottleStop to suit your needs. For instance, a fully loaded 10-core processor running at 65W will automatically reduce its speed to stay within the 65W limit. The T series performs identically in this regard. It’s worth considering a custom-built T series if you want to avoid the high power draw associated with 10th Gen models.
Thanks @unclewebb. Yes, the lower clock speed does assist in a T series design. The chip can operate efficiently at reduced frequencies, allowing it to idle with less power consumption. You can further optimize savings by adjusting underclocking and undervoltage settings. There are also dynamic methods available to fine-tune these parameters during runtime.
You have flexibility in choosing your Intel CPU's speed and voltage. The T series CPUs may default to a lower multiplier, but you can adjust any processor to operate at a reduced frequency if needed. For instance, a 5000 MHz chip can be capped at 2000 MHz during a benchmark with all 16 threads active. With Intel Core i chips, there might not be a compelling reason to limit speed. The optimal method for conserving energy is activating C states. Idle cores that aren't working will power down automatically by entering C7, disconnecting from both the clock and voltage supply. This keeps them idle at 0 MHz and 0 volts. These techniques yield limited results if C states are correctly configured. Earlier CPUs used SpeedStep to manage speed changes. The 6th generation and later Intel chips employ Speed Shift Technology, allowing full control over CPU frequency when desired. Remember, the T line is primarily marketing; they achieve savings by running slower. Slowing a high-speed processor also reduces power consumption. A 23W performance at 2000 MHz in my screenshot is significantly more efficient than the usual 150W when operating at full capacity.
I've never encountered a BIOS offering this degree of management. That's why you should rely on tools in Windows for complete authority.