System isn't utilizing the processor.
System isn't utilizing the processor.
Intel 7th Generation CPUs offer Speed Shift Technology (SST) for enhanced performance. Some laptops fail to activate SST as expected in the BIOS settings. This capability lets the CPU manage its speed more effectively. Optimal performance is achieved when SST is active. Press the TPL button to reveal the Turbo Power Limits window. Review the Speed Shift setting and apply it by clicking the Apply button. You’ll receive the recommended minimum and maximum values at the top of the screen. For a 7700HQ model, the maximum SST multiplier should be 38. Confirm OK to return to the main display, where SST will appear green confirming its activation. Examine the Speed Shift - EPP section; this value dictates the turbo boost level. Adjusting it to 128 lets you fine-tune the settings. Setting EPP to 0 forces full-speed operation regardless of load. A value between 80 and 128 suits most laptops, allowing slower speeds under light usage. Higher values (128+) work well on battery power. You freely choose your EPP setting. For ThrottleStop, you can create multiple profiles to automatically modify EPP based on power state. If SST issues persist after a Windows update, consider running a TS Bench - 1 Thread test. Capture a screenshot of ThrottleStop during the test; it should display a high multiplier and active turbo boost.
Your machine leverages Intel Turbo Boost for enhanced performance. When the system is not in use, press C10 and launch the C States interface. Disabling C states in the BIOS will prevent full turbo boost capability. If all three indicators—C3%, C6%, and C7%—display 0.0, verify in the BIOS that C states are activated. Intel's locked processors require C states enabled to access the maximum turbo multiplier (38). Your setup runs with core C7 during idle periods.
Open the ThrottleStop C section. Check if your C states function properly while the system is off. Share a screenshot of the C States window during idle mode. It seems the turbo boost isn't operating correctly, which likely means all C states are turned off.
Your C states aren't functioning properly. This causes the laptop to overheat and prevents the CPU from reaching its full turbo boost. You should adjust the BIOS settings for this issue. Share some images of your BIOS configuration. When C states are turned off, the CPU operates at a maximum of 3400 MHz. With C states enabled, it can reach up to 3800 MHz when one core is active.
You're correct about your Asus laptop's BIOS limitations. Some manufacturers intentionally turned off certain control settings. This could cause your CPU to overheat when idle and prevent it from utilizing the full 38 multiplier. I've noticed similar issues with other gaming laptops. With Speed Shift enabled, your CPU can now use the 34 multiplier, which is an improvement over previous versions. You might want to experiment with ThrottleStop to change the power plan settings. Check the C states window in the top left corner of the main screen—select High Performance, Balanced, then Power Saver. Observe if a different plan improves performance. If not, reverting back to High Performance or Balanced and clearing the check mark may be your only options.