Best settings for a Core Ultra 7 155H?

[mad_maxx6236]

My Dell XPS 9440 tends to throttle intensely every now and then, especially when gaming (Getting extremely low FPS on Roblox, usually between 9.5 to 24FPS). Here are my current Throttlestop settings (FIVR is greyed out, I believe it is due to Intel disabling the undervolting on the Core Ultras). Are there any better settings for a Core Ultra 7 155H even though it is unlikely I will be able to modify anything within the FIVR tab?

 

[unclewebb]

The top middle of the FIVR window shows that CPU voltage control and many other adjustments in the FIVR window are Not Available on the locked down Core Ultra series. There is no known way to make unavailable features change to available.

Many, many members of the Dell XPS family have had some extreme throttling problems for the last 15+ years.

Try running msinfo32 and see what it reports for Virtualization Based Security. If VBS is enabled, you can try disabling Windows core isolation memory integrity and anything else VBS related. Follow the disable VBS links in my signature. You will need to reboot and delete the ThrottleStop.INI configuration file before running ThrottleStop again.

Is there any reason why you checked the Disable Turbo box? I know some users do this to try and avoid the extreme throttling that can happen to XPS laptops. There is usually no need to check Clock Mod. I do not think Dell is using that old throttling method. I prefer not to check Speed Shift EPP. Switch to the Windows Balanced power plan if you want your CPU to slow down when it is lightly loaded. Windows 11 can manage the Speed Shift EPP value. Checking this box in ThrottleStop can create a fight between Windows and ThrottleStop over who gets to control the EPP register.

Try checking the Log File box on the main screen of ThrottleStop. Run a log file while you are playing. That will better show what sort of throttling is happening. Try to play for at least 15 minutes. When finished testing, exit the game and then exit ThrottleStop so it can finalize the log file. Attach an updated FIVR screenshot and a log file to your next post.

With most everything locked down, I do not like the chances of ThrottleStop being able to solve the throttling problems that Dell has created.

 

[PHVM_BR]

I have an Inspiron 16 Plus with this same Ultra 7 155H.

It's a locked CPU, so overclocking and undervolting are out of the question. I unlocked CFG Lock and Overclocking Lock in the hidden BIOS (with Smokeless UMAF) and now I can change the ratios, but I don't use this option.

I prefer to adjust through the power limits. Since the thermal headroom of your XPS is much more restricted, I recommend that you change the thermal paste for something like PTM 7950 to gain more space.

Although efficient, at 20W the 155H doesn't perform well and ideally it should be able to maintain 30W in simultaneous use with the GPU so that the CPU can flex its muscles.

My 155H Power x Performance curve:

 

[mad_maxx6236]

The top middle of the FIVR window shows that CPU voltage control and many other adjustments in the FIVR window are Not Available on the locked down Core Ultra series. There is no known way to make unavailable features change to available.

Many, many members of the Dell XPS family have had some extreme throttling problems for the last 15+ years.

Try running msinfo32 and see what it reports for Virtualization Based Security. If VBS is enabled, you can try disabling Windows core isolation memory integrity and anything else VBS related. Follow the disable VBS links in my signature. You will need to reboot and delete the ThrottleStop.INI configuration file before running ThrottleStop again.

Is there any reason why you checked the Disable Turbo box? I know some users do this to try and avoid the extreme throttling that can happen to XPS laptops. There is usually no need to check Clock Mod. I do not think Dell is using that old throttling method. I prefer not to check Speed Shift EPP. Switch to the Windows Balanced power plan if you want your CPU to slow down when it is lightly loaded. Windows 11 can manage the Speed Shift EPP value. Checking this box in ThrottleStop can create a fight between Windows and ThrottleStop over who gets to control the EPP register.

Try checking the Log File box on the main screen of ThrottleStop. Run a log file while you are playing. That will better show what sort of throttling is happening. Try to play for at least 15 minutes. When finished testing, exit the game and then exit ThrottleStop so it can finalize the log file. Attach an updated FIVR screenshot and a log file to your next post.

With most everything locked down, I do not like the chances of ThrottleStop being able to solve the throttling problems that Dell has created.

I checked Disable Boost to prevent the extreme throttling from kicking in and have tried multiple different configurations on Throttlestop to try and lessen whatever thermal throttling there is.

Also, I've just recorded a 48 minute log of Throttlestop whilst playing Roblox (exact game is Rensselaer County). Attached here will be the aforementioned log. Performance was not great as I only got between 7.5FPS and 13FPS throughout and especially towards the end of the log.

As for the updated Throttlestop settings, I have disabled the SpeedShift EPP in Throttlestop, as well as the Clock Mod.

P.S: Very sorry for the late reply!!

 

[PHVM_BR]

I checked Disable Boost to prevent the extreme throttling from kicking in and have tried multiple different configurations on Throttlestop to try and lessen whatever thermal throttling there is.

Also, I've just recorded a 48 minute log of Throttlestop whilst playing Roblox (exact game is Rensselaer County). Attached here will be the aforementioned log. Performance was not great as I only got between 7.5FPS and 13FPS throughout and especially towards the end of the log.

As for the updated Throttlestop settings, I have disabled the SpeedShift EPP in Throttlestop, as well as the Clock Mod.

P.S: Very sorry for the late reply!!

View attachment 402429

Your GPU seems to be limited to only 64°C and as a result, during gameplay it remains in thermal throttling, causing its clock to constantly vary up to 600MHz.

This makes gaming completely unfeasible.

I recommend that you change the GPU temperature limit to something like 70 or 75°C.

This can be done via the command line with Nvidia SMI or with the Asus GPU Tweak software, where you can undervolt/overclock the GPU to achieve higher and more stable performance.

 

[mad_maxx6236]

Your GPU seems to be limited to only 64°C and as a result, during gameplay it remains in thermal throttling, causing its clock to constantly vary up to 600MHz.

This makes gaming completely unfeasible.

I recommend that you change the GPU temperature limit to something like 70 or 75°C.

This can be done via the command line with Nvidia SMI or with the Asus GPU Tweak software, where you can undervolt/overclock the GPU to achieve higher and more stable performance.

As for the Nvidia SMI, how will I be able to change my GPU temp limit with it? I have never used this feature before even on my previous laptop, a HP Envy 15 which had a GTX1660Ti.

 

[unclewebb]

@mad_maxx6236

The log file shows some EDP throttling which is typically caused by a current limit that is set low. There is no way to fix this because all of the IccMax current limits in the FIVR window are not accessible. The 155H does not have any of these features available.

The other problem in the log file is BD PROCHOT throttling. This is quite severe where the CPU will rapidly cycle from regular speed down to 800 MHz. Most manufacturers thought it would be a good idea to lock out BD PROCHOT adjustment so you cannot use ThrottleStop to disable this type of throttling. You would need to modify the BIOS to unlock this but then you are still going to be stuck with EDP throttling.

CPU throttling is bad but the Nvidia GPU throttling at very low temperatures is worse. Neither the CPU or Nvidia GPU are suitable for playing games smoothly.

 

[mad_maxx6236]

@mad_maxx6236

The log file shows some EDP throttling which is typically caused by a current limit that is set low. There is no way to fix this because all of the IccMax current limits in the FIVR window are not accessible. The 155H does not have any of these features available.

The other problem in the log file is BD PROCHOT throttling. This is quite severe where the CPU will rapidly cycle from regular speed down to 800 MHz. Most manufacturers thought it would be a good idea to lock out BD PROCHOT adjustment so you cannot use ThrottleStop to disable this type of throttling. You would need to modify the BIOS to unlock this but then you are still going to be stuck with EDP throttling.

CPU throttling is bad but the Nvidia GPU throttling at very low temperatures is worse. Neither the CPU or Nvidia GPU are suitable for playing games smoothly.

So my XPS is technically unsuitable to play anything with these in mind?

 

[unclewebb]

my XPS is technically unsuitable to play anything with these in mind?

Dell dropped the ball. Dell seems to think that if a customer is interested in playing games on a laptop, they should buy an Alienware laptop. Too many of their XPS laptops for many years have too many throttling issues. You will never get consistent performance out of a laptop when the CPU and Nvidia GPU are both being severely throttled. No customer should have to waste their time trying to find a way to make their computer run at its advertised speed. There are times where the CPU is being limited to less than 1000 MHz. That is pretty sad for a CPU that has a maximum turbo frequency rating of 4.80 GHz.

The Nvidia GPU is worse. It starts off being limited to 64°C. Later on that limit drops to a completely unreasonable 46°C. Charging extra for a Nvidia GPU and then capping it like that is unacceptable. The only thing one can do with a laptop like this is to return it immediately for a full refund. It is not suitable for playing games on it.

 

[PHVM_BR]

So my XPS is technically unsuitable to play anything with these in mind?

From your log, I believe that your gaming problems are not caused by the CPU, but by the GPU temperature limit.

Your GPU is always at 64°C, forcing its temperature limit, which is very low.

It looks like the ridiculous temperature limit that Dell set for older Inspirons with entry-level MX x50 GPUs...

To fix this is simple.

Install Asus GPU Tweak, change the GPU temperature limit to 75°C.

Then overclock the entire clock x voltage curve by 200MHz and flatten the curve at the top to something like 800mV.

This will allow you to play your games.

If you want an even better experience, clean the original thermal paste well and apply PTM 7950 to the CPU and GPU.

Your temperatures will drop significantly and you will have room for your CPU to achieve higher performance.

EDIT:

What performance mode do you select in MyDell while gaming?

Select Ultra Performance and check to synchronize with Windows performance mode.

 

[mad_maxx6236]

From your log, I believe that your gaming problems are not caused by the CPU, but by the GPU temperature limit.

Your GPU is always at 64°C, forcing its temperature limit, which is very low.

It looks like the ridiculous temperature limit that Dell set for older Inspirons with entry-level MX x50 GPUs...

To fix this is simple.

Install Asus GPU Tweak, change the GPU temperature limit to 75°C.

Then overclock the entire clock x voltage curve by 200MHz and flatten the curve at the top to something like 800mV.

This will allow you to play your games.

If you want an even better experience, clean the original thermal paste well and apply PTM 7950 to the CPU and GPU.

Your temperatures will drop significantly and you will have room for your CPU to achieve higher performance.

EDIT:

What performance mode do you select in MyDell while gaming?

Select Ultra Performance and check to synchronize with Windows performance mode.

How would I be able to find the clock x voltage curve in Asus GPU Tweak? I am unable to find it after installing but I am able to change GPU voltage and temp target.

 

[PHVM_BR]

How would I be able to find the clock x voltage curve in Asus GPU Tweak? I am unable to find it after installing but I am able to change GPU voltage and temp target.

Do a Google or YouTube search for tutorials.

It's very simple.

Example (see from minute 27:52 Manual Undervolting):

To change the temperature limit you must change the temperature in GPU Temp Target and apply.

Then let us know if your system improved during games.

 

[mad_maxx6236]

Do a Google or YouTube search for tutorials.

It's very simple.

Example (see from minute 27:52 Manual Undervolting):

To change the temperature limit you must change the temperature in GPU Temp Target and apply.

Then let us know if your system improved during games.

I've changed my temperature target to 87°C and done some changes to what I believe is the clock x voltage curve with the amount you have specified. Am getting between 32 and 75 FPS now (as long as I do not lag too much I am content), but I am not too sure if my current clock x voltage curve is correct even though I have used the OC scanner to help with it.

Also here are my custom settings for now that I use only for gaming at the moment, do let me know if I should tweak anything else.

 

[PHVM_BR]

I've changed my temperature target to 87°C and done some changes to what I believe is the clock x voltage curve with the amount you have specified. Am getting between 32 and 75 FPS now (as long as I do not lag too much I am content), but I am not too sure if my current clock x voltage curve is correct even though I have used the OC scanner to help with it.

Also here are my custom settings for now that I use only for gaming at the moment, do let me know if I should tweak anything else.

I would leave the temperature limit at 75-78°C since it is a very thin laptop with a limited cooling system.

I would like to see your original curve.

What I had recommended was that you overclock the entire curve by 150 to 200MHz and then flatten the curve around the 800mV point.

This way your GPU would work limited to 800mV, but with an overclock.

This should prevent your system from overheating, keeping performance stable, and you wouldn't have any major losses since your GPU is limited to 30W and should work at very low voltages in most cases.

Remember to select Ultra Performance mode and check to synchronize with Windows power mode in MyDell.

If you want to achieve new possibilities with another level of performance, the next steps are:

1- Replace the original thermal paste with PTM 7950 on the CPU and GPU.

2- Replace the original 30W VBIOS with the 50W VBIOS of the 4050 of the XPS 16 9640 and use a 130W Dell USB-C charger.

 

[mad_maxx6236]

I would leave the temperature limit at 75-78°C since it is a very thin laptop with a limited cooling system.

I would like to see your original curve.

What I had recommended was that you overclock the entire curve by 150 to 200MHz and then flatten the curve around the 800mV point.

This way your GPU would work limited to 800mV, but with an overclock.

This should prevent your system from overheating, keeping performance stable, and you wouldn't have any major losses since your GPU is limited to 30W and should work at very low voltages in most cases.

Remember to select Ultra Performance mode and check to synchronize with Windows power mode in MyDell.

If you want to achieve new possibilities with another level of performance, the next steps are:

1- Replace the original thermal paste with PTM 7950 on the CPU and GPU.

2- Replace the original 30W VBIOS with the 50W VBIOS of the 4050 of the XPS 16 9640 and use a 130W Dell USB-C charger.

I just read your message and I've modified my curve with the temperature updated to 78°C. I feel it has helped slightly better with my lag, as now my framerates seem to be slightly less choppy and gameplay on Roblox feels smoother now.

Here are my updated settings (curve flattened around +/- 800mVs) and overclocked the whole curve a little.

 

[PHVM_BR]

I just read your message and I've modified my curve with the temperature updated to 78°C. I feel it has helped slightly better with my lag, as now my framerates seem to be slightly less choppy and gameplay on Roblox feels smoother now.

Here are my updated settings (curve flattened around +/- 800mVs) and overclocked the whole curve a little.

If possible post a new log during the game with GPU adjustment.

 

[mad_maxx6236]

If possible post a new log during the game with GPU adjustment.

Alright, probably will do so the day after tomorrow

Still thanks for the help! :>