Optimizing performance of the Lenovo i7-14700 desktop

[stereodream]

Hello! I have a new Lenovo i7-14700 desktop with stock CPU cooling system that I'm trying to improve the performance of without upgrading the cooler first and I think ThrottleStop might be the right tool for it. I noticed that out of the box (with the old and updated to the latest version BIOS), some CPU cores start to thermal throttle at low temperatures while doing mundane tasks like browsing. Surprisingly, there's not a lot of throttling while doing benchmarks like Geekbench and Cinebench r23 but the overall score remains very low (for this type of CPU). Also, while Cinebench was running, I noticed in ThrottleStop that MMIO PL1 setting automatically dropped to "55" from the default "65", for example. That's with everything set to the Intel defaults in the BIOS with Lenovo's Balanced mode Intelligent cooling and Lenovo's default Windows Power plan. Granted, this might be due to insufficient CPU cooling, but I'd still love to try to improve it with software if possible. Should I start by changing the Power plan and getting rid of whatever Lenovo's software running in the background first (there's at least one)? I'm planning to install a clean version of Windows once I solve this to make sure Lenovo is not in the way. What are some basic or advanced tweaks I can try in ThrottleStop to see if I can improve the performance/thermals in every day and demanding tasks (no gaming)? Sorry, I'm new to the ThrottleStop and would love to learn more!

Thank you!

 

[unclewebb]

Check the MMIO Lock box. That disables the MMIO power limit that is holding you back.

In the Options window check the PROCHOT Offset box and check the Lock PROCHOT Offset box. That prevents thermal throttling at low temperatures which is a common Lenovo problem. Set the Offset to 3 or 5 before locking it.

 

[stereodream]

Tried your suggestions and it seems they are doing their job. Benchmark scores are now around what they are supposed to be with the negative of much higher CPU temps, as expected. Does it make sense to play around with Power plans (getting rid of "Lenovo" plan and switching to High Performance or Balanced) and getting rid of Lenovo's software (it restarts itself even after ending the task)? Also, to play around with Power Limit Controls and Miscellaneous in TS to get a more balanced performance/temperature ratio? Like setting PL1 to 93 and PL2 to 135 with a different Turbo Time Limit, etc.? Trying to understand what's possible with TS and my system.

 

[unclewebb]

getting rid of "Lenovo" plan

I have zero experience with Lenovo's recent power plans or their control software. I cannot help you decide whether you should keep or get rid of their stuff. I know you should keep ThrottleStop. That is obvious.

Trying to understand what's possible

Anything is possible. You can adjust the turbo power limits so your CPU does not get so hot or you can adjust the turbo power limits for maximum performance or anywhere in between. It is totally up to you.

Your screenshot shows a peak of 152.7W. If you want to limit your CPU to 135W, clear the Disable Controls box in the Power Limit Controls section of the TPL window. Check both Clamp boxes. This can help enforce the 135W power limit that PL1 and PL2 are presently set to. It looks like only one of the Clamp boxes is checked in your screenshot. The Short Power PL2 Clamp box should also be checked.

Your Cinebench score has gone from 16,269 to 23,370 which is a 43.6% increase.

Not bad when all you had to do was click a couple of boxes in ThrottleStop. I wish more people knew about the huge performance increases that are possible by increasing the power limits on the 65W non K CPUs. Everyone seems to think these CPUs are locked down but obviously they are not.

 

[SOS_Earth]

i7-14700 desktop with stock CPU cooling system that I'm trying to improve the performance of without upgrading the cooler first and I think

Not even God can help you. The stock cooler helps up to 65W, but with an infernal noise.

 

[stereodream]

Not even God can help you. The stock cooler helps up to 65W, but with an infernal noise.

Partially true While it's not the best cooling system in the world, surprisingly, the infernal noise only starts once you get over 120+W and 90C temps. It doesn't kick in at all during Geekbench test, for example and mostly present during Cinebench one but not in any real life scenarios.

 

[stereodream]

Your Cinebench score has gone from 16,269 to 23,370 which is a 43.6% increase.

Yes, pretty remarkable improvement without breaking much sweat. No more thermal throttling during regular tasks either and very low idling temps to boot (maybe it's just a placebo but it seems like the whole system performs much better and run at better temps without Lenovo background software present).

Tried to adjust Power Limit Controls (not sure if they needed to be Locked though) with good results. However, noticed that during CB test it still peaks at ~155W (while being clamped at 135). Am I missing a setting somewhere? Btw, is there a doc or a video to learn about the Miscellaneous controls in the same window? Would it be beneficial to learn them in my case?

 

[SOS_Earth]

Partially true While it's not the best cooling system in the world, surprisingly, the infernal noise only starts once you get over 120+W and 90C temps. It doesn't kick in at all during Geekbench test, for example and mostly present during Cinebench one but not in any real life scenarios.

Geekbench does not force the system even in the multi-threading tests.
Cinebench test is too short. In the 10-minute test, the score will be much lower.
In real life, you will run into compilation of shaders in newly installed games. Just an example.
I recommend the latest BIOS update because I see 1.45V at CoreVIDs. If you have it, try a -0.050 mV offset to the CPU voltage, disable Undervolt Protection and set the PL2 limit also in the BIOS.

 

[stereodream]

Cinebench test is too short. In the 10-minute test, the score will be much lower.

Those are the results of the regular, 10-minute Cinebench test. I'm not planning to game on this machine so that's one less thing to worry about.

I have the latest BIOS installed that's available on Lenovo's site (from early September). Was there a newer Intel revision since then that brings the voltage down another 0.050mV? Any Undervolt/PL settings are locked down by Lenovo for this machine unless I can access Advanced BIOS somehow and the codes for that for the individual Lenovo models are very hard to come by so ThrottleStop is my only option for now. I'm not sure if the voltage can be adjusted in ThrottleStop if there's no access to Undervolt Protection?

Perhaps, I can look into a 3rd party CPU cooler but I can't imagine I have a lot options since the case is rather small (I have to do some measurements) and taking apart the stock cooling (it's a fan with a custom duct) and installing a new one might be a bit of hassle.