15 R2 i7 6700HQ Performance Bios Option

Just got a 15 R2 from dell outlet in the uk.

Its got the i7 6700HQ Cpu and 980m 8gb and 32 gb of ram so it is really well spec'd apart from the CPU not being the top one. But looked in the bios I saw the performance option! I can unlock the CPU to overclock and also enable max fan speed.

I did a quick search and couldn't find anything. Has anyone overclocked this CPU? I take it I just use throttle stop? as there is a spelling mistake on enable max fan in the bios it makes me think this isn't a dell bios?

only had it a day and I love the laptop!

 

Really?!! What options do you have under "Performance Options"?

 

Hi, looks like my UK Outlet 17 R3 was delivered on the same day as your 15 R2! Glad you're enjoying it.

I have the same CPU as you and the same option in the BIOS, too. It's listed above the fan performance mode, correct? If so, I believe it enables the standard Turbo mode of the CPU. This is essentially a built in temporary OC that Intel integrates into many of their processors for the last few generations. If an application calls for more processing power then the processor is automatically temporarily overclocked to handle these requests before throttling back down to its normal frequency limit. You won't be able to OC this processor in the traditional sense of being able to control the OC yourself because it doesn't have an unlocked multiplier (only CPU models with a "K" at the end can do this).

I would suggest enabling the CPU performance mode unless you have thermal issues as it may come in handy with more demanding games / applications. It's interesting that Dell decided to disable Turbo mode with their default CMOS values, though.

Edit: This is wrong. See below.

 

It's these ones


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Ahh that would make sense as I did think it was locked. I'll enable them both and see what happens. I'll leave it as is for a while and push the laptop and then enable it so I can see what difference it makes.

How are you liking your 17?

 

Actually I think this has something to do with the Graphics Amplifier.... The CPU will will boost regardless (up to 3.5GHz) but when the GA is connected, the internal GPU is disabled thus giving more headroom for CPU overclocking. I'm looking for some documentation to that effect and will post here when I find it........ I'm sure this is the case!

 

What bios are you running?

 

1.2.2 as anything after that is botched......

 

Well, I have a tech booked for an on-site to replace the trackpad (backlight DOA) and heatsink fan assembly (grinding noise when spinning up / down). A few Intel graphics driver crashes after upgrading the Nvidia driver which I *think* I've resolved by upgrading the Intel graphics driver. I'm happy with the spec for the money I paid although I'd be lying if I said I wasn't considering a warranty extension. lol

You may well be correct. My belief was just based off things I'd read here and other forums. I'd be interested to know for sure myself, so please do post whatever you find.

 

That's annoying you have problems already. My aw13 was like that and wouldn't run without crashing my the hdd that came with it but seemed OK on an ssd. Then the gpu failed and the swapped the motherboard and it had a 860m instead of the 960m and all the motherboards kept failing!

I have contemplated extending mine too but I think I'll pass and just buy a brand new motherboard when needed (as its all soldered anyway) as they only replace it with refurbished stock and the price will probably be close to extended warranty

 

Good point.

I did a test with CPU performance mode enabled and disabled in the BIOS and it had no impact on CPU Turbo functionality (it remained enabled both times) so it looks like my initial speculation was just recycled forum hearsay which can now be discounted. It may be that the option merely enables a sub-menu populated with overclocking / tweaking options which are only visible if you have an unlocked CPU or an AGA attached, etc. Essentially, it may be a completely redundant option with our current system configurations.