These are not standard third-gen mobile processors. They appear to be reference models for older mobile CPUs.
These are not standard third-gen mobile processors. They appear to be reference models for older mobile CPUs.
Hello, after the closure of the notebookreview forums, it’s been challenging to find clear guidance on this topic. I’ve lowered my GTX 1070 and i7-7700HQ on an entertainment laptop using MSI Afterburner and Throttlestop. Intel XTU didn’t work well for me, which is frustrating. My work laptop runs a 3rd generation i7-3820QM, and my backup machine has an i5-3610ME. Some sources suggest Ivy Bridge processors aren’t suitable for undervolting, yet I see many searches about it. Do you think there’s a way to safely undervolt 3rd generation Intel i5/i7 processors?
It's really disappointing when Notebookreview stops operating. Fortunately, some archives are available online, though results might not be ideal: https://www.nbrchive.net/
@SJLPHI Intel added the integrated voltage regulator (FIVR) starting with their 4th Gen Haswell CPUs. Undervolting is not possible with 3rd Gen mobile CPUs. That is a definitive answer from someone that has been knee deep in Intel datasheets for the last 10+ years.
Checking compatibility for K versions and desktop CPUs is common. Many users discuss results, noting that some systems handle over/under clock and voltage adjustments well.
Desktop processors manage voltage independently from the CPU core. On second or third generation systems, you might adjust the voltage if the motherboard BIOS supports it. I’m not aware of laptops from that era offering this capability. Voltage control became available from the fourth generation onward. Even without a built-in adjustable voltage setting, tools like Intel XTU or ThrottleStop can influence the voltage for processors from the fourth generation and beyond. Many motherboards still provide a BIOS option to bypass the voltage regulator and deliver power directly to the CPU. Underclocking works across all CPU generations, causing voltage to drop as well. Some believe they can undervolt CPUs, but in reality they merely reduce performance. When FIVR is present, only voltage can be adjusted without altering speed. Older Core 2 Duo chipsets allowed software-based undervolting, but the first three Core i series lack this feature. Consequently, running ThrottleStop on a third generation Core i CPU won’t show the FIVR option—it will instead display a TRL button. You can only modify turbo ratios on third generation CPUs, since FIVR didn’t exist then. For more details on FIVR, see the referenced document about Intel’s fourth generation processors.