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4790K drops clock frequency under heavy load

R

rdtfrk

n00b
Joined
Aug 6, 2016
Messages
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Hello, in my recently built computer, which is using a 4790K and MSI Z97 gaming 5 motherboard, I'm experiencing a strange problem. My processor is currently running at 4.0 Ghz. I have disabled turbo boost to keep the temperature low. Now the problem is that every time my CPU is under heavy load such as stress test and games it drops its clock frequency for a short duration. For example its running at 4 Ghz and all of the sudden it would drop to around 1.6 Ghz then go back up. I have turned off the power saving features such as IntelSpeedStep and C-states but the issue persists and my temperature never goes beyond 75C so its definitely not throttling issue. I'm really confused about what is causing this issue. Any help would be appreciated!
 
Check the TDP limit in BIOS. May be why, specially with AVX2 usage.
 
Max TDP while underload is 80 watts according to HWinfo since its running at 4.0 GHz. I am stress testing with Prime95 v26.5 and it doesn't have AVX 2.0 support.
 
Prime95 uses FMA3 and AVX2 in the 28.x series.

80W sounds like it could be power limited. Try increase it in BIOS.
 
What do you have the Power settings control panel set to? Also I would re-enable Turbo because why not...
 
melk said:
What do you have the Power settings control panel set to? Also I would re-enable Turbo because why not...
Click to expand...
Power settings control panel? Not sure what you are referring to...And I have disabled turbo because of high tempratures, onec I get the cryorig H7 I will turn it on

EDIT: You mean the power settings in the windows control panel? Thats on high performance with minimum CPU state set to 100%
 
Last edited:
Heads up: I noticed that my PSU is supplying 11.7 voltage instead of 12 voltage to the motherboard accordin to BIOS. Could this be the issue?
 
rdtfrk said:
Heads up: I noticed that my PSU is supplying 11.7 voltage instead of 12 voltage to the motherboard accordin to BIOS. Could this be the issue?
Click to expand...

No, its within tolerance.
 
Hmm. I'd reset BIOS to defaults and test again. I can't think of any reason it should drop like that. Is the BIOS updated to the newest version?
 
Most likely because the chip draws a little more than 84/88W as a whole when running AVX2/FM3 heavy torture test. Hence you need to raise this limit in BIOS.
 
I have reset the bios, flashed it to a different version and even tried replacing the motherboard, same issue. I believe the cpu itself is bad or maybe the psu. I wish i could figure out. What do you guys think?
 
You didn't try increasing the TDP/wattage limit in BIOS yet?
 
rdtfrk said:
I did, changed it to 95 watts but then it starts over heating real quick. 100c throttle in 1 minute of synthetics bench such as aida64
Click to expand...

And it doesn't overheat at the lower wattage setting? A classic issue is that motherboards per default overvoltage the CPUs and/or auto overclocks the CPUs. And from the sound of it you use the stock cooler.

1.6Ghz is the normal idle speed for it btw. Just means the load is low.

I dont think you have any HW issues. Its just a matter of settings and possible cooling in terms of heavy torture tests.
 
Shintai said:
And it doesn't overheat at the lower wattage setting? A classic issue is that motherboards per default overvoltage the CPUs and/or auto overclocks the CPUs. And from the sound of it you use the stock cooler.

1.6Ghz is the normal idle speed for it btw. Just means the load is low.

I dont think you have any HW issues. Its just a matter of settings and possible cooling in terms of heavy torture tests.
Click to expand...


It goes upto 85 in prime95 without modfying tdp, and goes to 100 if i change it. yes im on stock cooler. The thing is, the cpu dips to lower frequency while under load, not on idle. even though i have set it to stay at 100 percent in windows powr options > minimum processor state = 100 percent.
 
What voltage and clock does it hit? The voltage is most likely too high in terms of a stock view.
 
On stock cooler. Check. Throttles when it gets hot. Check.

Get a better cooler and report back.
 
melk said:
On stock cooler. Check. Throttles when it gets hot. Check.

Get a better cooler and report back.
Click to expand...
The frequency drops occur when the CPU is NOT throttling. It occurs when I am playing gae and temprature is about 65 - 70. I am keeping a constant eye on temperature sensors.
 
But are you seeing a FPS drop too? Else its irrelevant.
 
Try test again with the increased power limit in the game then.
 
I did that already shintai, no use. And Ive tried throttle stop but again to no use.
 
Try ask intel support then. They have a very good RMA service and often offers to replace even perfectly fine working chips, just in case.

But I doubt its the CPU.
 
I agree you should contact Intel at this point. Also throttling is very unlikely with Turbo OFF and no OC, the chip doesn't draw much power nor gets hot when used that way, even with the stock cooler.
 
The problem is, i bought it used. no warranty. Oh well... But thanks for your replies guys. :/
 
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