Article ID: 000090690 Content Type: Troubleshooting Last Reviewed: 05/01/2023

Advanced Tuning Settings Are Grayed Out on Intel® XTU with Intel® Core™ Processors K- and X-Series

Environment

Unlocked Intel Processors with K and X letters in their numbers

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Summary

Steps to solve issues with disabled Advanced Tuning Settings

Description

Why are most of the overclocking features in the Advanced Tuning tab on Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility (Intel® XTU) grayed out, preventing overclocking the processor, despite using an unlocked processor (K- and X-series)?

Resolution

Follow the steps below to solve this issue:

  1. Update the BIOS on your motherboard. Refer to your motherboard BIOS vendor for support. If this is an OEM system, contact the computer manufacturer (OEM) for the latest updates and installation instructions. The OEM can also assist in case it is required to adjust BIOS settings to allow Intel® XTU to properly access the BIOS overclocking capabilities.
  2. Check with your OEM or motherboard vendor if they are using a chipset that supports overclocking such as Z or X. If the chipset is not Z or X, then overclocking features may be grayed out, as some other chipsets can support different levels of overclocking.
  3. Uninstall the Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility (Intel® XTU).
  4. Download and install the latest version of Intel® XTU available on the Download Center.
  5. Update Windows*.
  6. If the above steps did not resolve the issue, try to reinstall the operating system.
Additional information

In order to get full access to CPU and memory controls, your motherboard BIOS should support altering of CPU and/or RAM values (usually applicable for Z- or X- chipsets). To get more information about supported controls, contact your motherboard's manufacturer.

Additional disclaimer

Altering clock frequency or voltage may void any product warranties and reduce stability, security, performance, and life of the processor and other components. Check with system and component manufacturers for details.