Many Dell laptops have a severe power limit throttling problem. This first started with Dell laptops using Intel 8th Gen CPUs. It is a problem that Dell never owned up to let alone fixed. Speed and power consumption can be reduced far below the Intel rated specs. There is no simple fix for this issue. The throttling scheme that Dell engineers dreamed up is horrible.
Start by powering off your computer, restart and update to ThrottleStop 9.6
Delete the previous ThrottleStop.INI configuration file.
Check the MMIO Lock box which is near the top right of the TPL window in the new version. On the main screen check the Log File box and then go play a game for at least 15 minutes. Play however long it takes to go through some throttling episodes. When finished testing, exit the game and then exit ThrottleStop so it can finalize the log file. This file will be in your ThrottleStop / Logs folder. Attach a log file so I can get a better understanding of the problem you are having.
Intel thermal throttling works fantastic. They designed their CPUs to run as fast as possible. If an Intel CPU ever reaches 100°C, it will slow down as little as possible to maintain maximum performance for a smooth user experience. Intel designs their CPUs so they can safely run for hours on end at 99°C to 100°C if necessary.
Someone at Dell must have thought this was a bad idea. Dell decided to create their own throttling scheme that overrides the well thought out Intel throttling methods. When a Dell laptop gets too hot, it starts reducing power consumption. It uses an embedded controller (EC) to lower the turbo power limits to a ridiculously low level. A CPU with a 45W TDP rating might be reduced to 15W or less. Some laptops try to go as low as 0 Watts which reduces a computer to its lowest possible speed. Performance plummets and this can continue on for long periods of time or even indefinitely. The result is poor performance and low FPS. Playing a game can become a slide show. Sound familiar?
Dell's decision to lock down the FIVR voltage settings means there are few options available to try and control this problem. Avoid letting the CPU temperature ever reach 100°C. The Dell power limit throttling scheme might be triggered by the average CPU temperature or perhaps some other separate sensor within your computer. Try slowing your computer down so it does not get too hot. A simple test would be to check the Disable Turbo box on the main screen of ThrottleStop. A 10870H will only run at 2.20 GHz when this box is checked which of course is pathetic. It will be interesting to see if you can play a game at this speed without triggering any power limit throttling.
If this works, then you can try finding a speed somewhere between 2.20 GHz and 4.00 GHz that works without triggering Dell's poorly engineered throttling scheme. To run your computer at a speed between these two values, clear the Disable Turbo box, in the TPL window check the Speed Shift box and adjust the Speed Shift Max value to however fast you want your computer to run. Try using a value of 30 to run the CPU at 3.00 GHz.
why the frequency reduced so much
That is a good question to ask Dell. They seem to have no answers for this question. They usually say, "it is working as designed". No other laptop manufacturer uses power limit throttling like this. Only Dell. Some truly irrational throttling schemes have been used in Dell laptops for at least 15 years. Dell laptops are the reason why ThrottleStop exists.
