i5 4690k running above base clock, not overclocked. Why?

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domantasj1

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Jun 18, 2014
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So i got a new computer with a z97 extreme 4 and a 4690k. it works just fine but ive while inspecting it i found something a little weird. When i go into the task manager i see my cpu running at low utilisation (2-4% when idle) but it is saying that the clock speed of it is running at 3.8 - 3.9ghz and it is not overclocked even though the base clock on the cpu is 3.5 ghz. the idle temps are around 37 - 39.
94MwTIZ.jpg
the cpu says that it has turbo boost up to 3.9ghz which is probably why it is running so high but why is the turbo boost even on while the computer it completely idle.
IAMX8P1.jpg
 
Solution
Y
In the BIOS be sure that Enhanced Intel SpeedStep (EIST) is enabled. In Windows advanced power options, be sure that "Balanced" mode is selected and NOT "High Performance".

Yogi
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photonboy

photonboy

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Jun 20, 2006
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THIS.

More info:
1) Turbo Mode - this is just a setting. The PC won't go that high unless it needs to.

2) CPU-Z: this should show the changing frequency and voltage for your CPU provided you're at typical CPU settings for power managment (which you should be)

*My i7-3770K toggles between about 1500MHz and 4000MHz as I'm writing this, and the "CPU voltage" is toggling as well.

(CPU-Z doesn't show everything that Intel offers but if you see the frequency change then Speedstep is enabled which reduces heat output a lot.)

3) Typical setup in BIOS:
Click "XMP", verify CPU is at, or above Turbo for that CPU. The DDR3 memory should be at recommended frequency usually (such as 1866MHz if that's what it's rated for).

4) Overclocking:
I only do this after the PC has run a few weeks and Memtest passes however there are two methods:
a) "quick" overclock such as "XMP" or manually changing the CPU multiplier. This method will keep the Intel Power Management to dynamically change various settings for optimal power (thus reduced fan noise).

b) Advanced overclock: Depending on the method (many things can be changed such as CPU voltage etc.) you can disable settings such as the ability to dynamically adjust frequency so you might be locked to say 4.2GHz with 4.6GHz Turbo.

*Which method depends on the cooler, motherboard etc but experiment. On my i7-3770K I'm at 4.2GHz Turbo with all other settings intact so it's a slight overclock whilst still running cool. You may get higher without sacrificing power management or may just decide to concentrate on performance (i.e. 4.6GZ).

Keep in mind that you may see minimal real-world peformance benefits with higher overclocks. Always run MEMTEST again if you've changed the CPU or DDR3 memory settings.
 
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domantasj1

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Jun 18, 2014
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I do not plan on overclocking at all yet, i was just wondering why the cpu is running at 3.9 constantly even though the base clock is 3.5. So i found out that it is turbo boost but why is turbo boost running when the pc is completely idle as the speed stays around 3.8 - 3.9 at 1% utilisation. i am just worried that it might be running too high as it has a stock cooler on it and is not overclocked at all
 
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domantasj1

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Jun 18, 2014
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Thanks for the help Yogi, it turns out that the samsung ssd had its own power plan that had the cpu at 3.9 constantly even at idle, i changed it to balanced and now everything is perfect along with the clock speed which is now down at 0.8 at idle.
 
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ReVolts

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Dec 12, 2014
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Hi Guys,

just to double check - I am waiting for new rig and i took 4690K. Do I understand correcltly that it will automatically will go for 3.9 Ghz (as base is 3.5) if it needs to? I mean I dont need to OC to get that?

Thanks.
 
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Douglas Wicker

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Feb 15, 2015
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I've had an issue where when EIST is turned on, my clock speed is limited to 800mhz?? Really confusing, turning it off means it runs at 3700- 3900mhz constantly. I don't know what is making it do this?
 
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Y0GI

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Jul 22, 2013
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EIST allows the CPU speed to slow down or speed up as CPU workload decreases or increases.

What was your computer doing when you saw 800 MHz?

Yogi

 
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ezeeeze

ezeeeze

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Aug 21, 2015
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Hi!
I have a i5 4690k and when I put mode High Performance in Windows plan energy, the micro run at 3.7-3.9 always.
When I put mode Equilibrium the micro run between 0.8-3.9 with EIST.

Regards,
EzE!
 
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