Dell Precision 7540 and 7740 Owner's Thread

Hi all.

Just wondering why my CPU is running only at 3.2 GHz instead of closer to 5.

Is it getting too hot, so throttling? If so, is this normal? It's a 7740, exporting a video and at the same time processing 3D scan data.

Thanks

 

Definitely thermal-throttling. 5 GHz on the Intel 14nm process requires something like 120+W instantaneous power, even with an undervolt. The Precision 7740 is not equipped to dissipate that much heat.

 

It is normal. You will only get up around 5 GHz for short bursts. A sustained load like encoding a video will have it stabilize at a much slower clock rate. Undervolting + repasting may allow you to increase the clock speed.

 

Thanks guys. Not bothered about doing anything to increase the speed, just wanted to confirm it was working as it should.

Much appreciated.

 

Speaking of throttling, has anyone experienced drastic throttling when using 100% CPU and GPU (such as running the folding@home client)?

When I use the included 240W PS, the CPU drops to 0.90Ghz, the battery starts draining, and eventually it goes to sleep due to the battery running out.

When using the WD19DC dock, everything works as expected. I have 128GB of memory, 3 SSDs, and a 9980HK/RTX5000 so I'm not light on power usage.

I may try a new PS from Dell as a first step.

Edit: Spoke too soon - Down to 0.79GHz on the dock. It must have just taken a bit to get heat soaked. Battery is down to 21% and not charging. Very odd behavior...

 

Does anyone know why, even with the settings below, the processor speed drops right down whenever I'm running on battery?

I don't care how fast the battery drains, I just want the PC (7740) to run at full power on battery as well as on mains. Is there a way to do this?

Many thanks

 

Keep in mind that the system can only draw 100W from the battery (vs 200W+ from a power outlet) so you will run into power throttling much more quickly if there is any load going to both the CPU and GPU.

 

Thanks, I didn't know that. I guess what I'm asking is not possible then. Never mind.

 

I have two Precision 7540's, one with the 6-core Xeon and another with the i9. The i9 is also outfitted with the RTX 5000, and the Xeon has a T2000. That being said, the RTX 5000 being paired with a 4K runs great (to it's power limit), and my Xeon one only has a 1080p screen. Should I upgrade to the 4K display on that laptop as well? I don't want to overwhelm the T2000. I mostly do vector graphics.

 

Why did Dell have to relocate the home/end keys on the m7540 and put them right after F12 keys? And you have to disable the FN key function to use those two keys !! I haven't yet checked the bios for keyboard customization.