undervolting i7 9750H

[foodtruck53]

I just got started using throttlestop as I recently switched to a xps 15 7590 laptop and it's been throttling and experiencing high temps. I read a few threads here and played with the settings here, but when running cinebench, the cpu is pulling 37-40 watts instead of ~50 watts where it's rated at. Here are some screenshots and my settings.

What's the ideal cinebench score for the xps 15 7590 w/o any hardware modifications? I got ~5700 earlier today but the scores seem to be in between the 5600-5700 range. Also lmk if theres something really wrong with my settings.

 

[unclewebb]

instead of ~50 watts

The 9750H has a 45W TDP rating.

Intel® Core™ i7-9750H Processor (12M Cache, up to 4.50 GHz) - Product Specifications | Intel

Intel® Core™ i7-9750H Processor (12M Cache, up to 4.50 GHz) quick reference with specifications, features, and technologies.

www.intel.com

Some manufacturers will program an EC to enforce the 45W TDP limit. You cannot use ThrottleStop to go beyond an EC enforced power limit.

For maximum performance when fully loaded during Cinebench, a 9750H might need 75W or more. Your computer is overheating and thermal throttling at 50W. Unless you find a way to improve the cooling, your Cinebench scores might be a little lower compared to other users with the same CPU if their computers are not throttling.

Before running Cinebench, check the Log File box on the main screen of ThrottleStop. That way you will have a record of CPU performance as well as any reasons for throttling. Attach a log file to your next post so I can see what the biggest issue is. The log files are saved in the ThrottleStop / Logs folder.

The 9750H is a locked CPU. Setting the Turbo Ratio Limits any higher than the listed values will be ignored by the CPU. You can request the 45 multiplier when all 6 cores are active but the CPU will ignore that request and limit the CPU to the 40 multiplier. The K series CPUs have the ability to run an all core overclock at the highest multiplier. The locked H series do not have that feature.

Use Honeywell PTM 7950 if you ever decide to replace the thermal paste.

 

[foodtruck53]

Ok I did a cinebench again with the logs here. Ignore everything up to the power status change because I forgot to plug in my laptop when running the test.

 

[unclewebb]

Your log file shows constant thermal throttling. That is what all those TEMP messages mean in the log file. If your CPU was not overheating, it could be running about 800 MHz faster as long as there was no power limit throttling. A 30% faster CPU would improve your Cinebench scores.

Try to fix the cooling problem and see if performance improves. A different type of throttling might start once the thermal throttling is fixed.

The EDP throttling at the start of the log file indicates that your computer reduces one of the current limits to protect the battery when running on battery power. It would not be a good idea to try and bypass this limit. Battery fires are not good.

 

[foodtruck53]

Any ideas for ways to fix the cooling problem other than the ptm 7950? Under a reasonable load the cpu already goes up to 80-85 C. Does EDP throttling when on battery power indicate that one of my settings is set to an unoptimal value? I don't plan on using battery power when using this laptop under load but I wanna know just in case.

 

[unclewebb]

Have you ever replaced the thermal paste or cleaned the inside of your laptop? Many people are surprised how dirty laptops get inside during normal use.

Some manufacturers base their cooling system designs on the 45W TDP rating which is not enough for continuous maximum performance. Even if your laptop is uber clean inside and has the best thermal paste properly installed, if the cooling system is under designed then you still might not be able to run your computer at full speed during Cinebench.

It is quite likely that Dell programs an embedded controller EC to enforce the current limit when running on battery power. ThrottleStop cannot be used to change this current limit and that is a good thing. That limit helps protect your battery from being damaged.

 

[foodtruck53]

so the only thing i can do is try to clean the laptop? I dont have thermal pads as of right now. I also think the cooling system might not be enough for this set of hardware

 

[unclewebb]

the cooling system might not be enough for this set of hardware

That is kind of what I think. Not many laptops were designed to fully cool a 9750H when running continuously at full load and full speed. Most Dell laptops from this era will likely enforce a power limit if you try to do this. The log file shows the CPU running under the 45W TDP limit because it is thermal throttling. If you fix the cooling problem then the 45W limit might be the next hurdle.

 

[foodtruck53]

I'll get some thermal pads and maybe a laptop cooler mount and update this thread. Might not be anytime soon though. Thanks for all your help!

 

[foodtruck53]

Ran 6350

 

[unclewebb]

What does the log file show? Is there still constant TEMP thermal throttling or is that problem fixed now?

 

[foodtruck53]

There still is. The cpu is running more consistently now though. I'll invest in a laptop cooler and maybe some thermal paste. I'll update once I do that if it fixes anything.