Lenovo y50-70 undervolting + increase system performance for gaming

[YMatrix]

Hello,
I have a good old Lenovo y50-70 with intel Core i7-4720HQ and Nvidia 960M and want to crank it up since I get massive lag spikes in games like fortnite (yes - I know this is an old notebook).
I have read a couple of threads in this forum and learned my way with Throttlestop - still understanding all the configurations.
I have attached to this post my TS config so any advice would be helpful.
With the above settings my cpu still throttles down to 26 multiplier (there is a SS of a running benchmark).
I have tried to set multiplier to constant 36, but that lead to a sudden shutoff during gaming (guessing it got to hot).
I tried undervolting to more than -60 mV but that lead eventually to a BSOD (this is a gen 4 cpu and know it is advised not to go beyond 60 mV so that's why I left it at -49.8 mV).
I enabled powercut with VCCIN of 1.75 V.
I only posted CPU core settings but I applied the same settings for CPU cache.

When gaming on without TS the CPU throttles down to 26 multiplier and stays constant.
Since newer games hog CPU power that creates lag (when trying 36 multiplier the game worked great till the sudden power off).
I already cleaned my chassis from over due dust.

Hoping you can advise me what else I can set to get a little bit more from this great Notebook.

Thank you!

 

[unclewebb]

Try setting the Non Turbo Ratio in the FIVR window to 1. That can help with some Lenovo throttling schemes. My Lenovo Y510P disables Intel Turbo Boost when the Nvidia GPU is active. Changing the Non Turbo Ratio to 1 fixes that issue.

If that does not increase your multiplier to full speed then you need to check the Set Multiplier box on the main screen. You can lower the Turbo Ratios to reduce power consumption and heat if you think that is necessary.

Set VCCIN to 1.7998 V before locking it. You first need to reboot to unlock VCCIN before you can change it. I have set VCCIN as high as 2.29 V when testing without cooking my CPU. I think 1.80V is the Intel default value.

a sudden shutoff during gaming (guessing it got to hot)

It is probably just your voltage settings that are not 100% stable. I settled on -40 mV for my similar 4700MQ. Avoid guessing what the problem might be. It might be the Nvidia GPU that is causing the shutdown. Have you changed the speed or voltage of the Nvidia GPU? Turn on the ThrottleStop Log File option so you have a record of CPU performance. Check the Nvidia GPU box in the Options window so this info is included in the log file.

 

[sgt.8nemi]

Hello,
I have a good old Lenovo y50-70 with intel Core i7-4720HQ and Nvidia 960M and want to crank it up since I get massive lag spikes in games like fortnite (yes - I know this is an old notebook).
I have read a couple of threads in this forum and learned my way with Throttlestop - still understanding all the configurations.
I have attached to this post my TS config so any advice would be helpful.
With the above settings my cpu still throttles down to 26 multiplier (there is a SS of a running benchmark).
I have tried to set multiplier to constant 36, but that lead to a sudden shutoff during gaming (guessing it got to hot).
I tried undervolting to more than -60 mV but that lead eventually to a BSOD (this is a gen 4 cpu and know it is advised not to go beyond 60 mV so that's why I left it at -49.8 mV).
I enabled powercut with VCCIN of 1.75 V.
I only posted CPU core settings but I applied the same settings for CPU cache.

When gaming on without TS the CPU throttles down to 26 multiplier and stays constant.
Since newer games hog CPU power that creates lag (when trying 36 multiplier the game worked great till the sudden power off).
I already cleaned my chassis from over due dust.

Hoping you can advise me what else I can set to get a little bit more from this great Notebook.

Thank you!

i have the same laptop i ' am writing this reply using it i bought it recently ...... any recommendations ?

 

[YMatrix]

Try setting the Non Turbo Ratio in the FIVR window to 1. That can help with some Lenovo throttling schemes. My Lenovo Y510P disables Intel Turbo Boost when the Nvidia GPU is active. Changing the Non Turbo Ratio to 1 fixes that issue.

If that does not increase your multiplier to full speed then you need to check the Set Multiplier box on the main screen. You can lower the Turbo Ratios to reduce power consumption and heat if you think that is necessary.

Set VCCIN to 1.7998 V before locking it. You first need to reboot to unlock VCCIN before you can change it. I have set VCCIN as high as 2.29 V when testing without cooking my CPU. I think 1.80V is the Intel default value.


It is probably just your voltage settings that are not 100% stable. I settled on -40 mV for my similar 4700MQ. Avoid guessing what the problem might be. It might be the Nvidia GPU that is causing the shutdown. Have you changed the speed or voltage of the Nvidia GPU? Turn on the ThrottleStop Log File option so you have a record of CPU performance. Check the Nvidia GPU box in the Options window so this info is included in the log file.

Thank you for your answer.
After some more more tinkering, I found that because I disabled "BD PROCHOT" that's that caused the shutdowns.
Every time the CPU got to 100°, the Thermal shutdown would kick in and cutoff the power.

I set the Non Turbo Ratio to 1 - Do I need to check the "LOCK" Box ?
Now my FID runs around 36 even on idle - is that supposed to be like that ?
My VCCIN is set to 1.75 to lower power usage - why did you advise to set to 1.7998 ?
As for the NVIDIA GPU - I didn't change it's speed or voltage - can that be done via TS?

In order to avoid the power shutoff I enabled the "BD POCHOT", but when benchmarking the CPU it throttles down to multiplier X8.
I attached a log file - Started without benchmark, enabled benchmark and then stopped it. You couldn't see the drop when BDPROCHOT engaged so I also attached a SS.
I also edited my TPL settings (attaching SS).
Hope you can advise me what to do

 

[YMatrix]

i have the same laptop i ' am writing this reply using it i bought it recently ...... any recommendations ?

Still trying to get the right settings as you can see.
Follow this thread and see on its updates.

 

[unclewebb]

I enabled the "BD POCHOT", but when benchmarking the CPU it throttles down to multiplier X8

That is why I told you to clear the BD PROCHOT box. When a CPU needs to throttle it should never be locked to the 8 multiplier. This type of throttling is excessive and is not necessary.

If you need to control the maximum temperature, lower the turbo ratios in the FIVR window.

why did you advise to set to 1.7998 ?

To increase stability.

Every time the CPU got to 100°, the Thermal shutdown would kick in and cutoff the power.

Intel CPUs are designed to do a thermal shutdown but not until they reach 125°C. Some laptop manufacturers decided that this was too hot so they created their own thermal throttling method that shuts down the CPU at 100°C. If your laptop has this problem then all you can do is slow the processor down so it does not reach 100°C.

Now my FID runs around 36 even on idle - is that supposed to be like that ?

Your goal was increased performance. Setting the Non Turbo Ratio to 1 accomplishes that goal. You only ever need to use the lock option if an item is being changed by your computer. You do not need to lock the Non Turbo Ratio.

I get massive lag spikes in games like fortnite

The massive lag spikes are likely because your CPU is dropping down to the 8 multiplier because you have BD PROCHOT enabled. Clear BD PROCHOT and reduce all of the turbo ratios to 30 or 32. This will sacrifice maximum speed. Running a CPU at a constant 3200 MHz is a lot better than a CPU randomly dropping down to 800 MHz.

 

[YMatrix]

That is why I told you to clear the BD PROCHOT box. When a CPU needs to throttle it should never be locked to the 8 multiplier. This type of throttling is excessive and is not necessary.

If you need to control the maximum temperature, lower the turbo ratios in the FIVR window.


To increase stability.


Intel CPUs are designed to do a thermal shutdown but not until they reach 125°C. Some laptop manufacturers decided that this was too hot so they created their own thermal throttling method that shuts down the CPU at 100°C. If your laptop has this problem then all you can do is slow the processor down so it does not reach 100°C.


Your goal was increased performance. Setting the Non Turbo Ratio to 1 accomplishes that goal. You only ever need to use the lock option if an item is being changed by your computer. You do not need to lock the Non Turbo Ratio.


The massive lag spikes are likely because your CPU is dropping down to the 8 multiplier because you have BD PROCHOT enabled. Clear BD PROCHOT and reduce all of the turbo ratios to 30 or 32. This will sacrifice maximum speed. Running a CPU at a constant 3200 MHz is a lot better than a CPU randomly dropping down to 800 MHz.

Thanks for your fast reply.
When you say to change all turbo ratios to 30/32 - you mean to change in the FIVR all 4 core ratios to the same number?
I do agree with your say that I want to get constant 3200 without the CPU getting to 100° - that was my goal since the notebook only ran at 2600.
Since my notebook shuts down wouldn't it be advised to leave BD PROCHOT enabled to avoid it?
Should I change TPL settings or change them back to default?

 

[unclewebb]

Change all of the turbo ratios to the same value. Change them all to 30, play a game and see if your computer shuts down. If that is OK, try setting them to 32 and test again. Do this testing with BD PROCHOT not checked. Run a log file while testing so you can go back and look to see how hot your CPU is getting. Somewhere in the low 90°C range should be OK.

TPL settings

The majority of TPL settings on 4th Gen processors are locked by the BIOS so there is nothing that you can change. What changes did you make? There is no point in changing something if it is locked.

 

[YMatrix]

Change all of the turbo ratios to the same value. Change them all to 30, play a game and see if your computer shuts down. If that is OK, try setting them to 32 and test again. Do this testing with BD PROCHOT not checked. Run a log file while testing so you can go back and look to see how hot your CPU is getting. Somewhere in the low 90°C range should be OK.


The majority of TPL settings on 4th Gen processors are locked by the BIOS so there is nothing that you can change. What changes did you make? There is no point in changing something if it is locked.

In my previous post I attached my TPL settings.
I changed the turbo time limit and selected lock.
Is there a way to make the CPU not throttle so aggressively so that if it were to get to 98° then amp down to lets say x30 for 10 seconds and then let it back to x32?

 

[unclewebb]

I changed the turbo time limit and selected lock.

Look at the top of the TPL window. That shows the MSR power limits are locked. The turbo time limit is locked to 28 seconds. You cannot change the MSR turbo power limits or the turbo time limit if the BIOS has already locked the MSR register. Your request to change the turbo time limit to 64 seconds is being ignored. It is not doing anything.

not throttle so aggressively

The CPU will not throttle aggressively when BD PROCHOT is not checked. Run the CPU at a speed that your cooling can manage to prevent the CPU from ever reaching 100°C.

The 4720HQ is a 10 year old processor. If you need or want better performance, you will have to buy a newer computer.

 

[YMatrix]

Look at the top of the TPL window. That shows the MSR power limits are locked. The turbo time limit is locked to 28 seconds. You cannot change the MSR turbo power limits or the turbo time limit if the BIOS has already locked the MSR register. Your request to change the turbo time limit to 64 seconds is being ignored. It is not doing anything.


The CPU will not throttle aggressively when BD PROCHOT is not checked. Run the CPU at a speed that your cooling can manage to prevent the CPU from ever reaching 100°C.

The 4720HQ is a 10 year old processor. If you need or want better performance, you will have to buy a newer computer.

Thanks.
It's not that I want more performance, but constant performance. Even though it's a 10 year old CPU, it still manages to do good work.
I'll play with it, I tried (greedily) to x34 and reached 100°.
I'll test it around with 30/32.
Should I change the none turbo ratio back to 26 or leave it on 1?
In order to get the best constant speed of the CPU without reaching 100°, would you undervolt more / change VCCIN, both or neither (meaning I have reached the limit) ?
Can the Nvidia 960M also be tweaked with TS or is that done with Nvidia software?

 

[unclewebb]

Can the Nvidia 960M also be tweaked with TS

ThrottleStop is only for tweaking the CPU.

Should I change the none turbo ratio back to 26 or leave it on 1?

Do whatever works best. I prefer setting the Non Turbo Ratio to 1 for max speed.

would you undervolt more

You are probably already at the limit of what is going to be game stable.

I thought setting VCCIN to 1.75V might be the reason that your CPU is not stable. My 4700MQ prefers 1.80V. It will crash sooner or later when set to 1.75V.

I'll play with it

That is all you can do.

 

[YMatrix]

ThrottleStop is only for tweaking the CPU.


Do whatever works best. I prefer setting the Non Turbo Ratio to 1 for max speed.


You are probably already at the limit of what is going to be game stable.

I thought setting VCCIN to 1.75V might be the reason that your CPU is not stable. My 4700MQ prefers 1.80V. It will crash sooner or later when set to 1.75V.


That is all you can do.

Thanks for all your help.
I'll play around and see what's the best option on my build.