Power Limit Exceeded - But how?
Power Limit Exceeded - But how?
Hello.
I encountered some instability problems with my overclock and overall system performance.
To begin fresh, I updated the BIOS before making any changes, as there were four newer versions available for my board.
After the update, I ran Cinebench R15 tests with XMP only to check stability.
Initially, the results looked normal—running at 4.6GHz across all cores.
However, after a few runs, I observed a sudden drop in core clock speeds to 4.2/4.3GHz.
According to HWinfo, it reported "Power Limit Exceeded" for all eight cores.
I understand I could adjust the long and short duration power limits in the BIOS, but my CPU is set to default 4.6GHz turbo across all cores.
This seems inconsistent with the stock configuration.
Could this be causing the issue?
(My system specifications are at the bottom)
Best regards
IF the power limit is actually the issue:
I owned an MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon with a 9900K, and everything else was identical. I kept all BIOS defaults, never experienced power throttling.
I only changed my motherboard to the ASUS model now, but default settings still caused significant power throttling.
According to forums and online sources, ASUS restricts high power draw except for Intel's 95W TDP, whereas other brands don't enforce the same limits strictly on their default configurations (likely because the TDP is seen as a constraint).
Share your voltage readings and any other configurations you're testing.
We require complete system specifications. Motherboard, CPU, and base voltage at the minimum. Xmp is a memory profile; it offers no direct impact on your CPU unless you modify overvoltage/overclocking settings, which usually doesn't cause overheating. The issue you're experiencing might be due to heat buildup and drying out of thermal paste. It's also possible that your load line calibration was set too high.
I am operating everything with default settings, except XMP activated.
However, HWinfo shows:
Minimum: 0.897v
Maximum: 1.323v
Average: 1.279v
Under load at 4.6GHz the vcore is around 1.245-1.270v.
But when it begins throttling, the voltage fluctuates widely.
My system specs are near the bottom of my list, yet I shared this for convenience.
I have an i7-9700k, Asus Rog Strix Z390-F, NZXT Kraken X72,
plus Corsair Vengeance RGB 3000MHz @ 16GB (2x8), Corsair RM750x,
NZXT H700i Window Black.
Also, I am using default/stock/auto settings except for XMP, which is the only change I made.
Temperatures are normal, between 60-65°C during Cinebench. The issue is that Power Limit is throttling.
EDIT:
I just played a game for 30 minutes and noticed my core clock remained steady at 4.6GHz.
However, when running Cinebench R15 several times, it starts hitting the power limit.
What distinguishes a game from Cinebench? Is it the current flowing through the CPU different from those two?
In contrast to other motherboard makers, some ASUS boards strictly control the stock Intel CPU TDP, which can lead to power throttling even when enough power and good hardware are available.
I’ve noticed this mainly with a 9900K using Auto or Default settings, but it might happen with your 9700K as well.
On my own 9900K, throttling becomes noticeable when trying to match the Intel CPU TDP in BIOS settings unless I adjust a few parameters.
My power supply provides ample capacity, so that isn’t the cause, and I don’t overclock.
Although we use different boards, you might want to check your BIOS for these options—though I haven’t confirmed yet.
Try these steps in BIOS:
XMP profile (Profile II works well too; Profile I uses ASUS’s default settings, which may slightly reduce performance).
When prompted, select “Allow ASUS to adjust” or “Optimized settings” instead of enforcing all limits.
Using the Extreme Tweaker Menu:
- ASUS Multicore Enhancement → Auto – Enables BIOS optimization (no multiplier changes, just a third setting; won’t overclock).
- SVID Behaviour → Auto
- External Digi+ Power Control → CPU Current Capability at 140%
These adjustments should eliminate throttling completely.
They don’t trigger overclocks beyond applying XMP for RAM, but they let the system maintain full power without reducing performance.
Temperatures and multipliers stay consistent; voltages remain unchanged.
EDIT: I just realized you might be overclocking—I apologize for missing that.
The main factor stopping throttling is the External Digi+ Power Control setting, with a 140% CPU capability.
So i followed what you recommended.
XMP changed to XMP II.
ASUS MCE was already set to Auto.
SVID was already on Auto.
CPU Current Capability reached 140%.
First Cinebench was working well. No throttling.
But already during the second run it began throttling because of power limits.
I really don't understand :S
I'm sorry to hear that. It seemed like the TDP was being enforced, but there might be another problem. I'll check my settings again to make sure I didn't miss anything, though I think I've covered everything. Apart from this, I don't have any ideas about what could be slowing your CPU, but I'll try to find something, as sometimes a small detail is all it takes.
Appreciate the feedback.
The specific question about ASUS settings versus Intel defaults didn’t appear this time. I recall it was the first time I changed my system 10 months ago, but now it’s not showing up.
Regarding the performance issue, I can run a game for an hour without the core clock reaching 4.6GHz, yet when using CBR15 after the second run it hits the power limit. What’s the cause? Is it related to how the CPU behaves under different loads?
Given that you've been under high stress for some time and are overclocking with an AI-O, have you thought about whether the VRMs might be overheating? This could be why the CPU throttles to maintain lower VRM temperatures.