Overview Information for Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Content Type: Product Information & Documentation | Article ID: 000007359 | Last Reviewed: 02/06/2025
| Note | We don't disclose per core Intel® Turbo Boost Technology frequencies for processors. |
Intel Turbo Boost Technology is a way to automatically run the processor core faster than the marked frequency. The processor must be working in the power, temperature, and specification limits of the Processor Base Power (previously known as Thermal Design Power). This results in increased performance of both single and multithreaded applications. There is no need to install any software or application to support Intel® Turbo Boost Technology. For more information, visit Intel® Turbo Boost Technology.
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Intel® Turbo Boost Technology has three versions.
If the Intel® Processor supports the Intel® Turbo Boost Technology then major operating systems support this technology.
The processor automatically selects the best Turbo frequency depending on the workload demand. If workload demand is high and there are no physical constraints, then the processor may operate at or close to the Turbo frequency.
Intel Turbo Boost Technology is enabled by default on supported processors. You can disable or enable the technology with a switch in the BIOS. No other user-controllable settings to change Intel Turbo Boost Technology operation are available. Once enabled, Intel Turbo Boost Technology works automatically under operating system control.
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology is a processor technology. Make sure you have an Intel® Turbo Boost Technology-supported processor. System manufacturers normally enable Intel® Turbo Boost Technology by default. You can typically enable or disable it through BIOS settings. Contact your BIOS motherboard vendors for support
No, every active core can be at a different frequency. The processor automatically selects the best Turbo frequency depending on the workload demand. If workload demand is high and there are no physical constraints, then the processor may operate at or close to the Turbo frequency.
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology is a processor technology that cannot be enabled or disabled per core.
You can typically enable or disable the overall Intel Turbo Boost Technology through BIOS settings. Contact your BIOS motherboard vendors for support.
The maximum frequency for the processor function can't be specified. The maximum frequency is automatic and dependent on working conditions.
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology won't cause the system to get too hot as the core performance increases in power, temperature, and specification limits of the Processor Base Power (previously known as Thermal Design Power). Sometimes, when Intel® Turbo Boost Technology is running, the system fan may run at a faster speed, which is normal when boosting the processor frequency. Ensure the processor is working in the power, temperature, and specification limits of the Processor Base Power (previously known as Thermal Design Power).
Intel Turbo Boost Technology runs when the processor is working in the power, temperature, and specification limits of the Processor Base Power (previously known as Thermal Design Power). Good system integration and thermal design are crucial to get the benefits of Intel Turbo Boost Technology.
If you set the number of cores to one in the BIOS and run the Intel® Processor Identification Utility, it shows the highest Turbo Boost frequency. Make sure you reset the switch in the BIOS to reactivate all cores.
There are several Intel-released tools or third-party tools that will help you see if the processor frequency is running at Turbo Boost frequency. You can also use the task manager under Performance tab. The base frequency is listed on the top and the current frequency is listed under Speed.