New to mobile CPU overclocking- need some tips

Hi everyone,

I just downloaded the Intel XTU tool for my i7 4810MQ. I ran a benchmark on the software and scored 710 marks- which I guess is pretty standard. The overclocking options listed on the program are a little overwhelming for me, so I just have a few questions.

- What are the key options should I adjust for better performance?
- I can probably see the performance increases in 3DMark, but what are some games that are particularly CPU heavy and might show improvement?

My GPU is a 980m, if that's relevant.

 

Put this way OCing laptop will results in higher then normal running Temp and may shorten your system hardware thus voiding your warranty. You GPU is more then sufficient to handle more recent games without OCing. Since we don't know exactly what model/make laptop your asking about this is hard to tell one way or another about your system. More RAM and SSD will do more to improve your system performance.

 

Sorry, don't play/use OC'ing tools.

But one thing I can tell you; if the changes you make with these programs significantly increases the running temperatures of your components (all of them) but gives small increases in actual workflow productivity (or frame rates, as the case may be), then it would be wise to undo those changes and try again.

Of course, if you're just going after a BM 'score' to show off with, that is another ball game.

In my experience, the highest performing systems are the ones that had the highest performing (stock) cpu's, the most RAM and ran the coolest too. And also the ones I kept running 24/7 day in and day out.

With the hardware you seem to have in your current setup, I am guessing that you don't need OC'ing to play any game at acceptable levels?

If you have 16GB of RAM or more, along with a fast/high capacity SSD, chasing OC'ing scores will become the 'game', rather than the original reason you bought this system in the first place.


Good luck.

 

Laptop model? I need to know this as then I'll know your power brick (and cooling potential) before I tell you what to do with it.

 

Thanks for the replies. I do understand the risks involved, I'm just interested in how to manipulate and understand the components in my system. This isn't something I'll be doing daily. I'm much more comfortable with overclocking GPUs (although recent driver updates by NVidia have made that difficult), but relatively new to mobile CPUs. I'd like a better grasp of how they can work.
It's true that I don't NEED overclocking to play the games at acceptable levels, but when have PC owners ever stopped at 'acceptable'? A 980M still has plenty of headroom. Mine has never passed 75C under load, for instance.

It's a customized Clevo P177SM with a 230 watt/100-240 volt power supply. Ambient temperature of the room is about 18 C/65 F. I keep it on a cooling pad at all times when running games or demanding applications.

 

Okay. Well first, that means you've got a good machine. Next, you'll want to increase your power limits and short power limits. About 100W is fine for both; it's fine if they match. Then increase the current limit. 100A or 112A should be fine. Do this and increase the multipliers (and processor cache ratio to match) on stock voltage. Please note that these are "limits" and not "absolutes". If the chip NEEDS to draw more power, that's fine. If it doesn't, it won't. You can keep the relaxation on 24/7; 230W is more than enough for a 100W GPU and a CPU using 70W with the rest of the system being used. Unless you're gonna go ultra HAM in OCing that GPU.

Once you've determined it stable, begin undervolting the chip in small increments. -10mV until it crashes, then see if you can squeeze out another -5mV from the last lowest stable undervolt. To undervolt, you should use the dynamic CPU voltage offset slider, and not try to force static voltage (yet at least). The end result could look something like this (my CPU sucks and needs stock voltage):

 

Do not forget to put Turbo boost power time Windows to 128 sec. Default is 28 sec. If you fail to have a stable overclock with high multiplier of all 4 cores and Cashe ratio at same multi with an ok volt, then it is better to reduce processor Cashe ratio down one notch than reducing multiplier.