Updated: Tuning Cool'n'Quiet: Maximize Power And Performance

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Test System Configuration
CPUAMD Athlon X2 7750 (2.7 GHz, 3MB cache)AMD Athlon X2 7850 (2.8 GHz, 3MB cache)AMD Athlon II X2 250 (3 GHz, 2MB cache)AMD Phenom II X3 710 (2.6 GHz, 8MB cache)AMD Phenom II X4 945 (3 GHz, 8MB cache)AMD Phenom II X4 955 (3.2 GHz, 8MB cache)
MotherboardAMD 790GX:Biostar TA790GX 128MGigabyte GA-MA790GP-DS4HGigabyte GA-MA790GP-UD4HBiostar TA790GX A3+
RAMKingston KHX8500D2K2/2G  PC1066 (4GB) at DDR2-800 CAS 5-5-5-16Team Elite TED32048333HC9D PC1333 (8GB) at DDR3-1066 CAS 9-9-9-24
Graphics CardATI Radeon HD 3300 (AMD 790GX), 500 MHz GPU
Hard DriveWestern Digital Green Power 1TB WD10EACS, 16MB cache, SATA 3.0 Gb/s
SoundOnboard Sound, Realtek ALC880
NetworkingOnboard Gigabit Ethernet, Realtek RTC8111C, 1 Gb/s
Power SupplyPC Power & Cooling Silencer 750W ATX12V v.2.2, EPS 12V CrossFire EditionEnermax Tomahawk 405W ATX12V
CPU CoolerThermalright Ultra Extreme 120, Noctua NF-P12 120 mm fan
Fans2 x Noctua NF-P12 120 mm fan (not including CPU fan)
Software
Operating SystemWindows Vista Home Edition 32 bit SP1
GraphicsAMD Catalyst 9.5
48 Comments Comment from the forums
  • DrgnRebrn
    Nice article! I'm curious to know if the "e" CPUs can be affected in the same way, such as the Phenom II X3 705e. I have chosen this CPU for a HTPC build because of it's already low 65W TDP. Also, what are the effect to power usage when using ACC features & enabling dormant cores?
    Reply
  • cyberkuberiah
    On the behalf of all readers , Welcome , and so to say , Hi! , Arnawa Widagda :)
    Reply
  • Inf3rnal
    I'd like to see same article about Intel i5/i7 power setting tweaking.
    Reply
  • razor512
    did any of these changes negatively effect performance?
    Reply
  • Very good article! Undervolting it's a great tweak to make and most of the people don't even know that it is possible as well as overvolting, getting a power efficient processor for no money! Thanks tom's for caring about this matter.
    Reply
  • nukemaster
    My old A64 3200+ is about to get this treatment
    Reply
  • autoimmune
    Inf3rnalI'd like to see same article about Intel i5/i7 power setting tweaking. O my GOD i bet the writers at Toms Hardware had not thought of that, and are not currently in the process of writing that article!
    Reply
  • whiz
    Oops!
    Reply
  • i love you guys. i have just the system that i am using as HTPC. i was wondering about ways to reduce the power usage as i dont use it for hardcore gaming or any other cpu intensive jobs. all i use it for watching blurays and tv and other movies and songs. i have an ASROCK 790gxh 128M mobo. and 1thlon x2 7750 kuma, that i bought from newegg for $59 (darn steal for the performance it gives. the machine has almost zero latency for any operation)
    Reply
  • Jerky_san
    Anyone know where to get k10stat?
    Reply