Overclocked to 3.7ghz, not exceeding the 3.5ghz limit.
Overclocked to 3.7ghz, not exceeding the 3.5ghz limit.
Fascinating, I realize this might be achievable yet I wasn't aware Alienware would go that far from the factory.
Excellent thread pull. @linusfanboi_skrub1 Based on this information, it appears your system has at least +200 MHz applied as an OC to the CPU (And may have room for +200 more for single core turbo). It's unknown to me if this is a default operation by Alienware, or may have been enabled somehow in BIOS or in OS software.
Several 4th generation mobile CPUs offer restricted overclocking. The 4700MQ supports a +2 bin boost reaching 200 MHz. The 4710HQ likely shares this capability. XTU or ThrottleStop can utilize this feature provided the manufacturer hasn't disabled it in the BIOS.
Building on Unclewebb's comments, the 4710HQ offers a consistent +100MHz boost across the 4700MQ. It can reach up to 3.5GHz all-core turbo and 3.7GHz single core turbo. For Haswell architecture, 47xx models provide +200MHz, 48xx add +400MHz, 49xx deliver +600MHz, while the 49xxMX series are fully unlocked. I’m unsure if your system has sufficient power to support these HQ chips, since all 4xxxHQ units are capped at a PL1 of 45W—likely limiting them to higher speeds only under lighter workloads.
The 4710HQ features a TDP rating of 47W. During extended use, these processors are built to stay within that power consumption. The system automatically reduces performance (throttles) to prevent exceeding the 47W mark. If you manage to raise this threshold, then under heavy load the CPUs can operate closer to their maximum speed without hitting any power cap. The throttle settings aren’t related to your charger’s capacity. These limits control how much energy the CPU draws. Intel advises aligning the long-term turbo setting (PL1) with the TDP and setting a short-term limit 20-25% above it. Here are some scenarios: Using the ThrottleStop TS Bench test, initially the CPU can run beyond 47W without restriction. https://i.imgur.com/hN13tNr.png No throttling occurs; it operates at full capacity of 34.00x. As the test progresses and the turbo window expires, it switches to the 47W limit, causing a noticeable drop in speed—around 220 MHz loss. Power usage stays steady at 47W as long as temperatures remain normal. https://i.imgur.com/0juQBZv.png On newer models, you can easily modify these limits. Most older 4th Gen mobile chips had strict caps. One workaround @D2ultima shared is the ThrottleStop PowerCut. Some 4th Gen Haswell CPUs have a flaw that remains unresolved. By fixing the VCCIN voltage to a constant value, it misleads the CPU into reporting minimal power draw, preventing throttling. All tracking tools will show low consumption even when heavily loaded. The CPU interprets this as minimal usage and avoids any restrictions. Past tests show the multiplier stays at 34.00 even after reaching 90% of the benchmark. https://i.imgur.com/IOto2VB.png When fully loaded, the CPU may falsely claim only 3.5W usage. Throttling is unnecessary except when temperatures approach safe levels.
Thanks for the details. I’m not very familiar with the system’s settings. To reduce power limits or thermal throttling, you can adjust XTU’s power scaling parameters. Raising the turbo power max to around 72W and slightly increasing it toward 20-25% should help maintain performance without hitting restrictions.
The turbo power cap at 72W could be sufficient. It’s 25W above the standard 47W limit for your 4710HQ. Consider testing with the XTU benchmark to monitor CPU performance and energy use. Keep an eye on any throttling signs—XTU will display a yellow warning if limits are applied and CPU speed drops. My issue was that XTU’s adjustable setting didn’t function properly; the BIOS locks the turbo limit, making the adjustment ineffective. I can still set XTU to a high value, but my 4700MQ remains capped at 47W. Perform some testing and see if you encounter similar issues. To prevent thermal throttling, improving cooling is key—some users replace thermal paste or clean dust from the CPU. XTU will track temperatures and alert you about overheating problems.