F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop What methods exist to lower energy usage?

What methods exist to lower energy usage?

What methods exist to lower energy usage?

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mercolour
Member
56
01-02-2026, 08:05 AM
#1
Hey there. I have a question about my setup after a motherboard upgrade. My temperatures spiked significantly. I’ve heard the 11th generation can be tricky, especially with the new i5-11400f. On the latest board, it’s drawing 190 watts at full load with a 65W TDP. I’m trying to keep things cooler—currently around 35°C when idle and under 60°C during games. Would it be better to stick with this configuration or make adjustments? Thanks for your help!
M
mercolour
01-02-2026, 08:05 AM #1

Hey there. I have a question about my setup after a motherboard upgrade. My temperatures spiked significantly. I’ve heard the 11th generation can be tricky, especially with the new i5-11400f. On the latest board, it’s drawing 190 watts at full load with a 65W TDP. I’m trying to keep things cooler—currently around 35°C when idle and under 60°C during games. Would it be better to stick with this configuration or make adjustments? Thanks for your help!

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FyrewallPlayz
Junior Member
29
01-02-2026, 09:47 AM
#2
Your idea doesn't align with how temperatures affect power use. Higher temps actually speed up energy release, not reduce it. A 11400F won't consume 190W unless it's a GPU or full system load.
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FyrewallPlayz
01-02-2026, 09:47 AM #2

Your idea doesn't align with how temperatures affect power use. Higher temps actually speed up energy release, not reduce it. A 11400F won't consume 190W unless it's a GPU or full system load.

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MasTerH200
Member
211
01-02-2026, 11:58 AM
#3
35 degrees on idle and under 60 in gaming are perfectly acceptable temperatures. Focus on the numbers only if you're using them constantly for testing. They seem too extreme and put a lot of strain on the CPU beyond what games require. If you're just playing and your CPU stays between 60-70°C, that's all right. Keep things simple.
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MasTerH200
01-02-2026, 11:58 AM #3

35 degrees on idle and under 60 in gaming are perfectly acceptable temperatures. Focus on the numbers only if you're using them constantly for testing. They seem too extreme and put a lot of strain on the CPU beyond what games require. If you're just playing and your CPU stays between 60-70°C, that's all right. Keep things simple.

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Manuki
Junior Member
34
01-08-2026, 09:44 AM
#4
Adjust the system's power cap in BIOS to 125 watts.
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Manuki
01-08-2026, 09:44 AM #4

Adjust the system's power cap in BIOS to 125 watts.

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demicool1
Junior Member
6
01-08-2026, 10:35 AM
#5
It's a CPU package, operating between 17-22 watts and currently in idle mode.
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demicool1
01-08-2026, 10:35 AM #5

It's a CPU package, operating between 17-22 watts and currently in idle mode.

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KablooieKablam
Posting Freak
908
01-16-2026, 06:04 AM
#6
I'll give it a shot. If I don't want to restrict the power, I'll keep it at its regular setting since daily use isn't even a major concern for me, especially with these hot temperatures.
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KablooieKablam
01-16-2026, 06:04 AM #6

I'll give it a shot. If I don't want to restrict the power, I'll keep it at its regular setting since daily use isn't even a major concern for me, especially with these hot temperatures.