how to enable turbo boost i7 laptop 6700hq

How to Enable Turbo Boost on an i7 Laptop with a 6700HQ Processor

If you own an Alienware 15 R2 laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor (specifically the 6700HQ model), you may have noticed that your CPU is not reaching its maximum turbo boost frequency, even when you're running demanding applications or games. This can be frustrating, especially if you've invested in a powerful processor like the i7-6700HQ.

In this article, we'll explore why your laptop's CPU might not be utilizing its full potential and provide step-by-step instructions on how to enable turbo boost on your i7 laptop with a 6700HQ processor.

Understanding Turbo Boost

Turbo Boost is a technology developed by Intel that allows the CPU to temporarily increase its clock speed when needed, provided that the processor's temperature remains within a safe range. This can significantly improve performance in applications that rely heavily on processing power, such as gaming or video editing.

However, Turbo Boost may not always be enabled due to various factors, including:

1. Thermal throttling: When your CPU reaches a certain temperature threshold, it will automatically reduce its clock speed to prevent overheating.

2. Power management settings: Your laptop's power management settings can limit the CPU's ability to turbo boost in order to conserve battery life or reduce heat generation.

3. Hardware limitations: The 6700HQ processor has a maximum turbo boost frequency of 3.5 GHz, but it may not always be able to reach this speed due to various hardware and software factors.

Enabling Turbo Boost on Your i7 Laptop with a 6700HQ Processor

To enable turbo boost on your Alienware 15 R2 laptop with an i7-6700HQ processor, follow these steps:

1. Download and install ThrottleStop v8.70 (or the latest version) from the official website.

2. Launch ThrottleStop and ensure that it's set to monitor the CPU's temperature and voltage.

3. Check your CPU's temperature during intense gaming or processing tasks. If it exceeds 80°C, you may need to adjust your cooling settings or consider replacing the thermal paste (more on this later).

4. Adjust your power management settings: Go to your laptop's BIOS settings and set the 'Turbo Boost' option to 'Enabled.' You can also try adjusting the 'CPU Performance' setting to 'High Performance' to give your CPU more headroom.

5. Check for firmware updates: Ensure that your laptop's firmware is up-to-date, as newer versions may include improved Turbo Boost capabilities.

Additional Tips and Considerations

1. Thermal paste: As mentioned earlier, it's a good idea to replace the thermal paste on your CPU every 3-5 years or when you notice performance degradation due to heat buildup.

2. Cooling system maintenance: Regularly clean dust from your laptop's vents and fans to ensure that air can flow freely and cool your components effectively.

3. Undervolting: ThrottleStop allows you to undervolt your CPU, which can help reduce temperatures and prolong its lifespan. However, be cautious not to set the voltage too low, as this can impact performance.

Enabling turbo boost on your i7 laptop with a 6700HQ processor requires some tinkering with your power management settings and thermal monitoring software. By following these steps and tips, you should be able to unlock your CPU's full potential and enjoy improved performance in demanding applications. Remember to prioritize cooling system maintenance and thermal paste replacement to ensure optimal performance over time.

How to enable turbo boost i7 laptop 6700hq