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i7 12700f multi-core is under performing

Boomstick777

Boomstick777

Boomstick777

Soldato
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UK.
Hey guys, just installed an i7 12700f into an n50 - 640 Acer pre build system. The single core performance seems great but multicore is down quite a bit from where it should be. Could this be a hardware power limitation? Or could there be something else happening?

Temps never go past around 50c.



 
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Boomstick777 said:
Would that be something that couldn't be adjusted? I could learn to live with that. Only concerned if it's an setup issue and there's lost performance if that makes sense.
Click to expand...
Depends on what motherboard you have?

May just be a BIOS setting to raise the VRM Current Limit

Current/EDP Limit Throttling

There can be multiple reasons why the current/EDP throttling is set on the processor. Three common reasons are listed below:-

  • Processor Core IccMax is set too low in the Intel® XTU.
  • VR (voltage regulator) current limit is set too low in BIOS. Different motherboard OEMs may have different names for this control. Contact your motherboard vendor.
  • The motherboard is not able to provide high enough current for the given processor. Pairing a low-power motherboard with a very high Thermal Design Power (TDP) chip can cause current/EDP throttling, even with current limits set to the maximum.
Click to expand...
www.intel.com

Current /EDP Limit Throttling and Power Limit Throttling Indicators...

Explains meaning and settings for Current/EDP (Electrical Design Point) Limit Throttling and the Power Limit Throttling indicators in the Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility
www.intel.com www.intel.com
 
Armageus said:
Depends on what motherboard you have?

May just be a BIOS setting to raise the VRM Current Limit


www.intel.com

Current /EDP Limit Throttling and Power Limit Throttling Indicators...

Explains meaning and settings for Current/EDP (Electrical Design Point) Limit Throttling and the Power Limit Throttling indicators in the Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility
www.intel.com www.intel.com
Click to expand...

Thanks, yeah the mobo is really limited in BIOS options. It's one of those Acer pre build PCs, think the mobo is a cutom b660, the only options I can see in BIOS are basics boot order, turn of VMD etc. nothing that would unlock more juice from what I can see. Maybe it's aggressive on keeping the power use low?

Single core seems fine, just that multi-core performance is down.
 
Armageus said:
Likely the VRM just isn't up to the job of delivering enough power and so the BIOS is limited to protect it.

Unfortunately nothing will work round that - either live with it or replace the motherboard :(
Click to expand...

That makes sense, yeah I was worried it was some kind of config issue, so was trying to correct it. If it's a hardware limitation I will just have to make do lol.
 
The multi core score is not that bad.

What I'd do is sell the i7 and buy an i5 14600K - the K cpus are better binned and consume less power, so probably will give a little bit higher single and multi core performance.
 
Armageus said:
Likely the VRM just isn't up to the job of delivering enough power and so the BIOS is limited to protect it.

Unfortunately nothing will work round that - either live with it or replace the motherboard :(
Click to expand...
Well, OP could just point a large fan at the VRMs.

That would probably be good enough to improve the performance, especially if it’s a large fan that pushes enough air.

Buildzoid regularly states that even a poor VRM or set of RAM sticks running too hot can be cooled with enough airflow.

I’ll admit, it’s not a pretty solution, especially if you need to use zip ties but if you don’t mind the looks, it will save having to buy a whole new motherboard.

@OP it’s usually the situation with prebuild systems from OEM manufacturers that they skimp on the VRMs and other features to save money.

They might run a different motherboard for the i7 based prebuild that they sell because they know it’ll throttle otherwise.

My aunts partner bought a Dell prebuild with a 9700K and the motherboard came with very few VRMs and no heating on them.

Sheer Madness when you’re spending more than you would for a regular computer from OC.
 
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Boomstick777 said:
Hey guys, just installed an i7 12700f into an n50 - 640 Acer pre build system. The single core performance seems great but multicore is down quite a bit from where it should be. Could this be a hardware power limitation? Or could there be something else happening?

Temps never go past around 50c.



Click to expand...
Point a large 14cm fan at your VRMs and see if that helps.

I doubt you’ll have a side panel to be able to see the fan so just cable tie the fan into position and it’ll be fine.

It’ll stop the VRMs from overheating and possibly extend their lifespan if they are running very very hot as is.

Edit: like this

imgur.com

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

Discover the magic of the internet at Imgur, a community powered entertainment destination. Lift your spirits with funny jokes, trending memes, entertaining gifs, inspiring stories, viral videos, and so much more from users like JollyJamma3.
imgur.com imgur.com
 
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Armageus said:
Not sure why people are focusing on VRM temperatures? Surely the OPs XTU Screenshot would say "Motherboard VR Thermal" rather than "Current/EDP Limit".

Current/EDP Limit suggest it's hit a preset limit rather than a physical limit e.g. temperature
Click to expand...

Yes I think your right, all the temps etc are actually incredibly low. Impressive really for such a small PC with an Thermalright Assassin. Like you mentioned I believe it throttles even when temps are ok, based on power consumption or voltage. PC only has a 500w PSU.

The PC performs great, that multi-core score had me a lil worried that maybe something was wrong, but single core is great. Played some Alan Wake 2 on this machine yesterday, performance was great. I think I will just live with the power limitation, if it keeps consumption low maybe not a bad thing.
 
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