Underclocking?

jax_5 · 30 Dec 2011 at 23:00

Since I built my system this year, I've found that I'm using my macbook for all my processing needs (mostly due to software). As my PC is on a lot of the time I'm thinking of reducing power consumption.

Would underclocking significantly reduce power consumption? If so, how would I go about doing it?

Thanks in advance

My system is a Core i5 2500k on a Asrock Z68 Extreme4 (mobo)

Rik1254 · 30 Dec 2011 at 23:38

Not significantly, more so dropping the GPU (if you have one) and using the onboard GPU, reduce the RAM, drop down to a green HDD....you get the idea.

EDIT: Obviously dropping down to an i3 would be a more effective energy saving process.

panyan · 30 Dec 2011 at 23:50

why not just turn off the machine if your not using it :confused:

jamesfreddie · 31 Dec 2011 at 00:07

panyan said:
why not just turn off the machine if your not using it

+1

cammy5477 · 31 Dec 2011 at 00:34

panyan said:
why not just turn off the machine if your not using it

this

CrixxzeH · 31 Dec 2011 at 00:48

cammy5477 said:
this

clever idea.

Admetos · 31 Dec 2011 at 00:59

Don't underclock, but instead under volt.

I under volt CPU, chip set and memory. My i5 750 is 0.2 volt under, my 1.5v memory is at 1.3 v, forget what the chip set is but it's on lowest voltage setting.

Under volting works best with a stable PSU. I have a seasonic X650, thats up to 92% efficient, but also has very stable output that allows more under volting.

Reaper 392 · 31 Dec 2011 at 01:00

or, even better, hibernate the PC. that way you get all the power saving of switching it off, but get a quicker boot time.

however, if you want to leave it running downloading stuff then yes you could underclock it, but if the PC isnt doing anything taxing then it underclocks itself far better than you could manage yourself in the bios. im not sure exactly how much it will underclock itself, but when my PC isnt doing much it drops from 3.2Ghz to 800Mhz. the GPU does the same, only more so (from 700Mhz to 50Mhz)

jax_5 · 1 Jan 2012 at 01:37

Reaper 392 said:
or, even better, hibernate the PC. that way you get all the power saving of switching it off, but get a quicker boot time.

however, if you want to leave it running downloading stuff then yes you could underclock it, but if the PC isnt doing anything taxing then it underclocks itself far better than you could manage yourself in the bios. im not sure exactly how much it will underclock itself, but when my PC isnt doing much it drops from 3.2Ghz to 800Mhz. the GPU does the same, only more so (from 700Mhz to 50Mhz)

Cheers! Very surprised.

@Reaper 392 yes, I should have stated under volt... sorry was tired, my bad.

@ everyone else. I still use it constantly for web browsing and docs. But not for the purpose I put together. I should have bought myself a Mac

toon_mad · 1 Jan 2012 at 13:22

Yup, the voltage is what determines the power output so you could decrease a bit.

Or like others said, just knock it of when not used.