The CPU maintains its highest frequency continuously.
The CPU maintains its highest frequency continuously.
I'm experiencing a common issue.
The CPU maintains the maximum frequency available and doesn't drop even during idle periods. In short, it consistently stays at 2.79~2.75GhZ, which I set in the power plan settings long ago since a nominal value of 3.2 wasn't necessary.
https://fastup.pl/data/Loock7/CPU Case/LoveRussia2025.08.15.12.08.22.png
Typically, the system would adjust its frequency based on actual needs, but now it remains consistently high regardless of conditions.
However, this behavior doesn't occur with the Power Saving plan.
That plan functions correctly.
All other plans (Balanced or Performance) are affected by this problem.
I've tried the following:
- Restoring default power plan settings (both general and advanced options)
- Modifying or creating new power plans
- Adjusting the minimum CPU state (previously set to 0%, tested with 5% for potential issues)
- Updating the BIOS (an update was available)
- Resetting BIOS to default configurations
- Manufacturer add-ons such as System Information Viewer and Speed Fan, or Easy Tune app for CPU control. I performed a reset to defaults and uninstalled everything.
- Running Windows in Save Mode
I attempted these steps without using web options, and the same results were observed with the third application, suggesting they aren't the cause.
Additional information I provided:
- Checking the process tab showed minimal usage, mostly around Spotify (2%) or Java programs (10-20%).
- Are there any telemetry or background Windows index tasks?
No. All are blocked or disabled.
- Has the operating system been updated recently?
No. Version 10.0.19045, Compilation 19045.
- Did I try updating Windows?
No. A new environment would likely disrupt things, and I don't require updates. The PC is stable enough.
- What recent changes on the system might be causing this?
Actually, I noticed in Event Viewer that there are numerous ESENT-related errors (codes 455 and 413). It turned out to be a folder permission issue, which I resolved by changing the permissions. The errors disappeared afterward. Other logs also indicated potential problems.
I can share the logs if it's safe.
Additionally, the GPU changed recently: from an old Radeon HD 5550 to an RX 570, along with driver updates. I also changed the previous GPU and reinstalled it, but nothing altered the situation.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Full PC specifications if needed:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 AF
https://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Zen/AMD-Ryzen 5 1600 (AF).html
Motherboard: Gigabyte A-320M-H
https://www.gigabyte.pl/products/page/mb...0m-h/kf#sp
RAM: 16GB DDR4 Samsung
https://semiconductor.samsung.com/dram/m...43cb1-crc/
GPU: Sapphire Nitro+ RX 570 8GB
https://www.sapphiretech.com/en/consumer...cification
PSU: Corsair RM650 80+
https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/psu...
SSD: GoodRam IR-SSDPR-S25A-240 Gen.2
https://www.goodram.com/produkty/ssd-ird...ta-iii-25/
Plus several HDDs
Storage: TOSHIBA MQ04ABD200 [2000GB]
Storage: TOSHIBA MQ01ABD100 [1000GB]
Update BIOS (there was an available update).
For relevance, what BIOS version do you have for your motherboard?
Version 10.0.19045 Compilation 19045
You're using Windows 10 22H2.
No, new environment changes won't affect you. I don't require updates. The PC is stable, so no need to modify it.
You may consider obtaining a spare drive and reinstalling the OS (after creating a bootable USB installer for your desired OS, with all drives except the one you want to install connected to your motherboard). This could help determine if the issue remains. If it doesn't, it suggests the older OS installation is still intact.
Manually obtain the GPU drivers directly from the maker's site.
Restart and adjust settings if needed.
Avoid third-party programs or installers.
Confirm the website is genuinely from the relevant manufacturer.
Even if the name, model, etc., match the link, it doesn't guarantee authenticity.
Disk drives: what are the capacities and how full?
Utilize Task Manager, Resource Monitor, and Process Explorer (Microsoft, free) to check background processes.
Some unknown or unexpected tasks might be consuming CPU resources without clear visibility.
Verify BIOS configurations. AMD Cool & Quiet must be activated.
M.I.T./Advanced CPU Core Settings/AMD Cool & Quiet feature.
Windows power plan configuration - choose Balanced or Power saving.
Downloaded from AMD site directly, single link provided is https://www.amd.com/en/support/download/drivers.html
Disc Drivers available are:
C: 30 GB free out of 222 GB total
X: 225 GB free out of 1,81 GB total
Z: 135 GB free out of 931 GB total
I have some experience with Process Explorer, see https://fastup.pl/data/Loock7/CPU Case/LoveRussia2025.08.15.13.52.59.png
C: drive - down to about 14% free space. Personally I maintain free space to be 20-30% free. That is just me.
I suggest a closer look at all of the drives.
The CPU may be being kept "busy" managing reads and writes via processes running up front or in the background.
All the more so if drive space is limited.
How are X: and Z: connected?
Otherwise, I performed a BIOS reset (CMOS) and switched the AMD Cool & Quiet Option from auto to enabled, as there were two entries in the settings and I set them to match. The C-state control remains enabled.
The BIOS settings tree appears as follows: (photos taken by phone)
•M.I.T
Screen
• Advanced CPU Settings
Screen
• System
Screen
• BIOS
Screen
• Peripherals
Screen
• Trusted Computing 2.0
Screen
• USB Configuration
Screen
• Network Stack Configuration
Screen
• NVME Configuration
Screen
• AMD CBS
Screen
• CPU Common Options
Screen
• Custom P-states Throttling (not changed due to responsibility notice)
• Core Thread Enablement (same as above)
• Prefetched Settings
Screen
• DF Common Options
Screen
• UMC Common Options (not changed due to responsibility notice)
• NBIO Common Options
Screen
• NB Configuration (not changed due to responsibility notice)
• Fan Control (not changed due to responsibility notice)
Screen
Chipset
Power
Screen
At this point, I discovered the Windows Power Plan Explorer app. It displays hidden power plan options and provides extensive details, though I can't fully understand them. It seems everything appears to be in order.
In the end, I plan to update the system. If no further suggestions come up, I'll consider installing a new one.