12700 and PL1 on z-boards

[Pantberd]

I'm thinking of a system based on the i7 12700. The performance in benchmarks of this chip satisfies me -even in base TDP 65W- but I have been told that motherboards based on z690 are set to PL 1 = 125W by default and no change in lower -actually the stock- wattage is possible. So is it true or will I have to switch to a motherboard with another chipset (B660-H610-H670) in order to try the cpu in multiple situations ? Thanks in advance.

 

[Why_Me]

@Tigger @phanbuey @GerKNG

 

[Deleted member 24505]

You want me to check in my board if it can be set to lower power?

I could have a look, not sure where to find it though :s

 

[Wirko]

TPU did it with a Z690 board, the lowest setting for PL1 and PL2 was as low as 50 W.

Intel Core i9-12900K Alder Lake Tested at Power Limits between 50 W and 241 W

We test Intel's Core i9-12900K at various TDP levels all the way down to 50 W to determine how much efficiency is really in the new Alder Lake core, and how these power limits affect performance. Competing with the efficiency of AMD's Zen 3 Ryzen lineup is just two settings changes away.

www.techpowerup.com

A word of caution - I think I read somewhere (TPU forums?) that certain issues arise when PL1 = PL2, and both are set relatively low. It's about unnecessary throttling or something like that, but can't find the source right now. You're probably planning to set PL2 to a higher limit than PL1, right?

 

[Pantberd]

Thanks for the reply! Yes I'm planning to set Pl2 around 140w (and keeping Pl1=65w stock) but i don't know if this is possible with z690 mobos..

 

[Why_Me]

Thanks for the reply! Yes I'm planning to set Pl2 around 140w (and keeping Pl1=65w stock) but i don't know if this is possible with z690 mobos..

Do you already own a Z690 because if not this board in the link is solid and it's going for $229 USD atm.

TUF GAMING H670-PRO WIFI D4｜Motherboards｜ASUS Global

TUF Gaming series distills essential elements of the latest AMD and Intel® platforms, and combines them with game-ready features and proven durability. Engineered with military-grade components, an upgraded power solution and a comprehensive set of cooling options, this motherboard delivers...

www.asus.com

https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-TUF-H670-PRO-D4-Motherboard/dp/B09NWFPC34/
ASUS TUF Gaming H670-PRO WiFi D4 $229.00

 

[docnorth]

By default PL1 for 'locked' CPUs is 65w, but be aware that some motherboards come with the same configuration as for unlocked CPUs, i.e. PL1=PL2. This is obviously too much for the stock cooler.

Thanks for the reply! Yes I'm planning to set Pl2 around 140w (and keeping Pl1=65w stock) but i don't know if this is possible with z690 mobos..

Z690 boards offer the best customization options, you shouldn't have any problems. Btw such power values can be handled even with stock cooler, you could check the 12700 review e.g. at techspot, it might also help you choose the best PL values for your needs.

 

[Pantberd]

Do you already own a Z690 because if not this board in the link is solid and it's going for $229 USD atm.

TUF GAMING H670-PRO WIFI D4｜Motherboards｜ASUS Global

TUF Gaming series distills essential elements of the latest AMD and Intel® platforms, and combines them with game-ready features and proven durability. Engineered with military-grade components, an upgraded power solution and a comprehensive set of cooling options, this motherboard delivers...

www.asus.com

https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-TUF-H670-PRO-D4-Motherboard/dp/B09NWFPC34/
ASUS TUF Gaming H670-PRO WiFi D4 $229.00

Τhanks for the recommendation! Τhis particular motherboard is one of my two considerations at the moment with the other being Asus Rog Strix E-Gaming Wifi.

By default PL1 for 'locked' CPUs is 65w, but be aware that some motherboards come with the same configuration as for unlocked CPUs, i.e. PL1=PL2. This is obviously too much for the stock cooler.


Z690 boards offer the best customization options, you shouldn't have any problems. Btw such power values can be handled even with stock cooler, you could check the 12700 review e.g. at techspot, it might also help you choose the best PL values for your needs.

Thanks for the comment! Some motherboards based on z690 are set to PL1 = PL2 = 125W by default ignoring the stock wattage of 12700 which is just 65 locked. Non z motherboards don't seem to have this issue but on the other hand are often poorer in features, build quality or duration of turbo boost operation.

 

[unclewebb]

@Pantberd
Using software like ThrottleStop, you can set the PL1 and PL2 turbo power limits to any value you like between 0 W and 4095 W. No special board required. The turbo time limit is also infinitely adjustable.

Here is an example of a 10 core CPU running 10 threads of Prime95 Small FFTs. When both power limits are set to 35W, power limit throttling is severe. This throttling keeps the CPU from exceeding the 35W requested power limit values. This is an easy and low cost way to create a low power CPU.

ThrottleStop 9.4.3 supports the 12th Gen CPUs.

 

[Pantberd]

Thank you very much! It seems to be a great tool and exactly what I want! I'll definitely use it as soon as I get the motherboard (I finally chose TUF Gaming H670-PRO WiFi D4) and finish building the desktop.