F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Same outcome but significant variation in speed.

Same outcome but significant variation in speed.

Same outcome but significant variation in speed.

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Pengwang
Member
50
02-18-2026, 05:53 AM
#1
I discovered some problems with the remade SFF Dell and HP i7 6th gen CPU guides and troubleshooting tests. I ran tests on two identical systems—one from each brand—using fresh thermal paste, cleaning both PCs thoroughly, updating drivers, using the same hardware and settings. Despite these steps, performance dropped by over 20%, causing noticeable issues. I attempted a clean Windows install on an SSD without an HDD, tried different RAM modules, switched SSD manufacturers, and even ran DISM and sfc. Still, no improvement was found. It seems something fundamental might be wrong with the processor or motherboard. I’m struggling to find a solution and would really appreciate help.
P
Pengwang
02-18-2026, 05:53 AM #1

I discovered some problems with the remade SFF Dell and HP i7 6th gen CPU guides and troubleshooting tests. I ran tests on two identical systems—one from each brand—using fresh thermal paste, cleaning both PCs thoroughly, updating drivers, using the same hardware and settings. Despite these steps, performance dropped by over 20%, causing noticeable issues. I attempted a clean Windows install on an SSD without an HDD, tried different RAM modules, switched SSD manufacturers, and even ran DISM and sfc. Still, no improvement was found. It seems something fundamental might be wrong with the processor or motherboard. I’m struggling to find a solution and would really appreciate help.

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Connor0274
Junior Member
30
02-18-2026, 07:24 AM
#2
HP systems are often recognized for power throttling problems, which could mean they're reaching their power limits in the BIOS or the VRM is getting too hot. It might help to check with tools like HWiNFO64 by measuring certain sensors.
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Connor0274
02-18-2026, 07:24 AM #2

HP systems are often recognized for power throttling problems, which could mean they're reaching their power limits in the BIOS or the VRM is getting too hot. It might help to check with tools like HWiNFO64 by measuring certain sensors.

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CatBuggz
Member
248
02-18-2026, 08:43 AM
#3
I concur, likely the VRM in the weaker system is too small or lacks proper cooling, or the BIOS is overly cautious and restricts CPU power usage, whereas the other system can temporarily exceed its power limits. You can verify overheating by blowing air over the VRM region—typically found on motherboards near the IO shield connectors and CPU socket, though on SFF boards this location may vary... a cluster of components with capacitors and inductors close to the CPU socket often indicates the issue.
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CatBuggz
02-18-2026, 08:43 AM #3

I concur, likely the VRM in the weaker system is too small or lacks proper cooling, or the BIOS is overly cautious and restricts CPU power usage, whereas the other system can temporarily exceed its power limits. You can verify overheating by blowing air over the VRM region—typically found on motherboards near the IO shield connectors and CPU socket, though on SFF boards this location may vary... a cluster of components with capacitors and inductors close to the CPU socket often indicates the issue.