Intel Turbo Boost is a feature that allows Intel processors to temporarily increase their clock speed, providing a boost in performance when needed. However, there may be situations where you want to disable this feature, such as when you’re running demanding applications that don’t benefit from the increased clock speed or when you’re trying to conserve power. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why you might want to disable Intel Turbo Boost and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do so.
Why Disable Intel Turbo Boost?
Before we dive into the process of disabling Intel Turbo Boost, let’s discuss some reasons why you might want to do so. Here are a few scenarios where disabling Turbo Boost might be beneficial:
- Power Conservation: Intel Turbo Boost can increase power consumption, which may be a concern for laptops or other mobile devices where battery life is a priority. Disabling Turbo Boost can help conserve power and extend battery life.
- Heat Generation: The increased clock speed of Turbo Boost can also generate more heat, which can be a problem for systems with limited cooling capabilities. Disabling Turbo Boost can help reduce heat generation and prevent overheating.
- Unnecessary Performance Boost: Some applications may not benefit from the increased clock speed of Turbo Boost, and in some cases, it may even cause problems. Disabling Turbo Boost can help prevent unnecessary performance boosts and ensure stable system operation.
Disabling Intel Turbo Boost In The BIOS
One way to disable Intel Turbo Boost is through the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings. The BIOS is the firmware that controls the basic functions of your computer, and it provides a way to configure various settings, including the Turbo Boost feature. Here’s how to disable Turbo Boost in the BIOS:
- Accessing the BIOS: To access the BIOS, you’ll need to restart your computer and press a key to enter the BIOS setup. The key to press varies depending on the manufacturer of your computer, but common keys include F2, F12, and Del.
- Locating the Turbo Boost Setting: Once you’re in the BIOS setup, you’ll need to locate the setting for Turbo Boost. This setting is usually found in the Advanced or Performance section of the BIOS.
- Disabling Turbo Boost: To disable Turbo Boost, simply select the option to disable it and save the changes to the BIOS. The exact steps may vary depending on the BIOS version and manufacturer.
BIOS Settings For Popular Motherboard Manufacturers
Here are the BIOS settings for popular motherboard manufacturers:
- ASUS: Advanced > CPU Configuration > Intel Turbo Boost Technology
- ASRock: Advanced > CPU Configuration > Intel Turbo Boost
- GIGABYTE: Advanced > CPU Configuration > Intel Turbo Boost Technology
- MSI: Advanced > CPU Configuration > Intel Turbo Boost
Disabling Intel Turbo Boost In The Operating System
Another way to disable Intel Turbo Boost is through the operating system. This method is more convenient than disabling it in the BIOS, as it doesn’t require restarting the computer. Here’s how to disable Turbo Boost in the operating system:
- Windows: To disable Turbo Boost in Windows, you’ll need to use the Power Options in the Control Panel. Here’s how:
- Open the Control Panel and select Power Options.
- Click on Change plan settings next to your current power plan.
- Click on Change advanced power settings.
- Scroll down to the Processor power management section and expand it.
- Set the System cooling policy to Passive.
- Set the Maximum processor state to 99%.
- Linux: To disable Turbo Boost in Linux, you can use the cpufrequtils package. Here’s how:
- Install the cpufrequtils package using your distribution’s package manager.
- Run the command “cpufreq-set -g powersave” to set the CPU governor to powersave.
- Run the command “cpufreq-set -u 99%” to set the maximum CPU frequency to 99%.
Using Third-Party Software To Disable Turbo Boost
There are also third-party software programs available that can disable Intel Turbo Boost. These programs provide a convenient way to disable Turbo Boost without having to access the BIOS or use the operating system’s power management settings. Some popular third-party software programs for disabling Turbo Boost include:
- Intel Extreme Tuning Utility: This is a free software program provided by Intel that allows you to monitor and control the performance of your Intel processor. It includes a feature to disable Turbo Boost.
- CPU-Z: This is a free software program that provides detailed information about your CPU, including its clock speed and Turbo Boost status. It also includes a feature to disable Turbo Boost.
- HWiNFO: This is a free software program that provides detailed information about your computer’s hardware, including its CPU, motherboard, and memory. It also includes a feature to disable Turbo Boost.
Conclusion
Disabling Intel Turbo Boost can be beneficial in certain situations, such as when you’re running demanding applications that don’t benefit from the increased clock speed or when you’re trying to conserve power. There are several ways to disable Turbo Boost, including through the BIOS, operating system, and third-party software programs. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can disable Turbo Boost and achieve your desired level of performance and power consumption.
Final Thoughts
Before disabling Intel Turbo Boost, it’s essential to consider the potential impact on your system’s performance. Turbo Boost can provide a significant boost in performance, especially in applications that rely heavily on CPU processing power. However, if you’re running applications that don’t benefit from the increased clock speed or if you’re trying to conserve power, disabling Turbo Boost may be the best option. By understanding the reasons why you might want to disable Turbo Boost and following the steps outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision and achieve your desired level of performance and power consumption.
What Is Intel Turbo Boost And Why Would I Want To Disable It?
Intel Turbo Boost is a feature that allows Intel processors to temporarily increase their clock speed when the system demands it, usually during intense tasks or workloads. This can lead to increased power consumption and heat generation. You may want to disable Intel Turbo Boost if you’re experiencing overheating issues, high power bills, or if you’re looking to prolong the lifespan of your processor.
Disabling Intel Turbo Boost can also be beneficial if you’re using your computer for tasks that don’t require intense processing power, such as browsing the web, checking email, or office work. By disabling Turbo Boost, you can reduce the power consumption and heat generation of your processor, making it more energy-efficient and potentially prolonging its lifespan.
How Do I Disable Intel Turbo Boost In The BIOS Settings?
To disable Intel Turbo Boost in the BIOS settings, you’ll need to access the BIOS setup utility on your computer. The steps to access the BIOS setup utility vary depending on the manufacturer of your computer, but it’s usually done by pressing a key such as F2, F12, or Del during boot-up. Once you’re in the BIOS setup utility, look for the “Advanced” or “Performance” tab and navigate to the “Intel Turbo Boost” or “Turbo Mode” option.
Once you’ve found the Intel Turbo Boost option, you can disable it by selecting the “Disabled” or “Off” option. Save your changes and exit the BIOS setup utility. Your computer will then reboot, and Intel Turbo Boost will be disabled. Note that disabling Intel Turbo Boost in the BIOS settings will affect all applications and workloads, so you may need to adjust your system settings or application configurations accordingly.
Can I Disable Intel Turbo Boost In The Windows Operating System?
Yes, you can disable Intel Turbo Boost in the Windows operating system using the Windows Power Options or the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility. To disable Intel Turbo Boost using the Windows Power Options, go to the Control Panel, click on “Power Options,” and select the “Change plan settings” option next to your current power plan. Click on “Change advanced power settings” and navigate to the “Processor power management” section.
In the “Processor power management” section, you can disable Intel Turbo Boost by setting the “System cooling policy” to “Passive” or by setting the “Maximum processor state” to a lower value, such as 50% or 75%. This will limit the processor’s ability to increase its clock speed, effectively disabling Intel Turbo Boost. Alternatively, you can use the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility to disable Intel Turbo Boost and adjust other processor settings.
What Are The Potential Drawbacks Of Disabling Intel Turbo Boost?
Disabling Intel Turbo Boost can result in reduced system performance, especially during intense tasks or workloads. This is because the processor will not be able to increase its clock speed to handle demanding tasks, which can lead to slower performance and longer processing times. Additionally, disabling Intel Turbo Boost may not always result in significant power savings, especially if you’re using your computer for tasks that don’t require intense processing power.
Another potential drawback of disabling Intel Turbo Boost is that it may affect the performance of certain applications or games that rely on the processor’s ability to increase its clock speed. Some applications or games may not be optimized to run at lower clock speeds, which can result in reduced performance or compatibility issues. Therefore, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of disabling Intel Turbo Boost before making any changes to your system settings.
Can I Disable Intel Turbo Boost For Specific Applications Or Workloads?
Yes, you can disable Intel Turbo Boost for specific applications or workloads using various tools and utilities. For example, you can use the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility to create custom profiles for specific applications or workloads, which can include disabling Intel Turbo Boost. Alternatively, you can use third-party tools, such as CPU-Z or HWiNFO, to monitor and control the processor’s clock speed and disable Intel Turbo Boost for specific applications or workloads.
Another approach is to use the Windows Task Manager to set the priority of specific applications or processes, which can help to limit the processor’s ability to increase its clock speed. By setting the priority of an application or process to “Low” or “Below Normal,” you can reduce the processor’s clock speed and effectively disable Intel Turbo Boost for that specific application or workload.
Will Disabling Intel Turbo Boost Affect My Computer’s Warranty Or Support?
Disabling Intel Turbo Boost should not affect your computer’s warranty or support, as it is a feature that can be enabled or disabled by the user. However, it’s essential to check your computer’s warranty terms and conditions to ensure that disabling Intel Turbo Boost does not void the warranty. Additionally, if you’re experiencing issues with your computer after disabling Intel Turbo Boost, you may need to re-enable it to troubleshoot the issue or to receive support from the manufacturer.
It’s also worth noting that disabling Intel Turbo Boost may affect the performance and functionality of certain features or applications that rely on the processor’s ability to increase its clock speed. In such cases, you may need to re-enable Intel Turbo Boost to restore the feature or application’s functionality. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of disabling Intel Turbo Boost before making any changes to your system settings.