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What is Processor Performance Boost Mode
Processor Performance Boost Mode is a feature that allows a CPU to temporarily increase its clock speed beyond the base frequency to enhance performance during demanding tasks. This helps improve processing speed and responsiveness when needed.
It is typically found in higher-end processors, particularly those designed for gaming or professional use, such as Intel's Turbo Boost and AMD's Precision Boost.
By default, the "Processor performance boost mode" setting under Processor power management (picture below) is hidden in the Power Options menu.
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Why and When You May Want to Disable CPU boost
One main reason is CPU temperature. When a CPU boosts its speed, it gets hotter because it uses more power. This heat can affect how well the CPU performs in two main ways:
- Higher Temperature: If the CPU gets too hot, it may slow down to avoid overheating. This means it won't be able to perform as well as it could.
- Cooling: Good cooling systems, like fans or heatsinks, help keep the CPU cool. If the cooling is good, the CPU can keep running fast without slowing down. But if the cooling isn't enough, the CPU might have to slow down, which reduces its performance.
Both of the above are related to thermal throttling, how one can lead to throttling and the other is a preventive measure.
CPU thermal throttling is a protective measure. It helps prevent the CPU from overheating by lowering its performance when temperatures get too high, ensuring safe operation and preventing damage.
While CPU boost modes can make the CPU faster, they also make it hotter, and if it gets too hot, it can slow down.
How to display the 'Processor Performance Boost Mode' Setting
Enabling and disabling processor boost in the BIOS requires restarting the computer and navigating the BIOS menu, which can be less convenient for some people.
Having the option to toggle this on and off while still keeping the PC turned on is generally easier and quicker and preferable.
- Click start and search for Registry Editor by typing regedit.
- Copy the path below and paste it into the registry editor.
- Double click on 'Attributes' and change the value data to 2 (Hexadecimal). With this value, Power Options will now display Processor Performance Boost Mode.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\54533251-82be-4824-96c1-47b60b740d00\be337238-0d82-4146-a960-4f3749d470c7
How to access Power Options Advanced Settings
- Press Windows+R to open 'Run' window.
- Type: control powercfg.cpl,,3
Pros and cons of disabling or enabling CPU boost
Common CPU boost technologies (excluding smartphones and tablets):
- Intel Turbo Boost
- AMD Turbo Core or Precision Boost (depending on the specific CPU model)
CPU Boost Enabled:
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For multi-threaded applications, the difference is that they don't rely as heavily on the CPU to work quickly in a single sequence. Instead, they can use multiple cores to do many things at the same time.
Think of it like a team of workers:
- Single-threaded applications are like a single worker doing a task from start to finish.
- Multi-threaded applications are like a team of workers doing different parts of the task at the same time.
So, for multi-threaded applications, the CPU boost is not as crucial, because the application is already using multiple cores to do different things.
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CPU Boost Disabled:
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The effect of CPU boost on performance and power use can be different depending on the CPU, system, and what you're doing. Some systems might not see a big difference, while others might see a big improvement.
In short, turning on CPU boost makes your computer faster but can use more power and generate heat. Turning it off saves power and keeps things cool but makes your computer slower.