Article ID: 000088048 Content Type: Troubleshooting Last Reviewed: 05/25/2023

What Is Throttling and How Can It Be Resolved?

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Summary

Explains throttle and tips on how to manage and avoid in Intel® Boxed processors and Laptop processors.

Description

Seeing issues in the system such as reduction in speed of the CPU and stuttering when playing games.

Resolution

What is throttling?

Throttling is a mechanism in Intel® Processors to reduce the clock speed when the temperature in the system reaches above TJ Max (or Tcase). This is to protect the processor and to indicate to the user that there is an overheating issue in their system that they need to monitor.

How to fix throttle?

For self-built PC with Intel® Boxed Processors, ensure the following:

  1. Make sure that the thermal solution being used is compatible and correct for the specific CPU.
    1. Refer to How to Choose Thermal Solutions for Intel® Core™ Boxed Desktop Processor.
    2. Refer to Information about Thermal Solutions
  2. Verify proper installation of the processor thermal solution.  Refer to the Cooler Installation section in Intel® Desktop Boxed Processors Support Videos and Instructions
  3. Make sure to apply the right amount of thermal interface material (TIM).  
  4. Check system fan operation.
  5. Check air ventilation.

For laptops, refer to OEM since the OEMs decide the power/current limits. Any throttling happening there would be completely based on how the OEM designs the laptop.

For overclocking: Note that the motherboard does have an impact on the ability to overclock. Some are better quality and more capable than others. Furthermore, the way the motherboard is set up also impacts the overclocking ability of a particular system (such as liquid cooler vs fan).

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