The "Undervolting" Guide

i would be quite interested in that as well... my ATI is costing me up to 2 hours of battery life.

 

Do you realy get a BSOD at 800MHz and 0,875 Volt?

This would very interesting, as most people think, that there should be additional physical headroom under 0,900 Volt for the 45nm CPUs.

 

I assume that different motherboards will allow you different lowest voltage amounts? Have a P8400 and the lowest I can go is .9250V.

 

Even two P8400 can have different voltages.

 

I'm wanting to undervolt my cpu but I'm having difficulties with doing so because I'm running vista x64. None of the programs seem to work. Not that I've found anyway.

What are other x64 users doing? Using the complicated rmclock workaround rather than paying? I don't want to pay, but I do want to undervolt!

Thanks.

 

is it smart to set super lfm to the highest multiplier so that the frequency is higher and has more calculating capacity and allow the comp to stay in super lfm longer?

does the multiplier change in super lfm from lowest to highest multiplier going to change anything other than min speed?

 

Did you try CPUgenie? That tool does have x64 version and signed Vista x64 driver? However, you need to download the 64-bit version which is only available from their website (most of the download sites offer 32-bit version only)

I guess, the only free way is the RMClock with the x64 workaround - There is also CrystalCPUID that should have a x64 build but I find that tool not so capable and buggy (in a BSOD way)

 

Hmm, do I need to lower the voltages on ALL my multipliers? I ask this because all of my multipliers are running at the same voltage. So although I have begun to undervolt the last (and normally most power-hungry) multiplier, the others remain at the same voltage. I haven't seen this on any screenshot before, so I need a bit of advice here:

 

set the highest multiplier and work down the list until you reach the lowest possible voltage. then set all the multipliers below it to the minimum voltage.

in other words a lower multiplier will work at the same voltage or lower as a higher one

 

Ahh, thank you

 

Same problem with XP. At least the trial version works like that.

During boot up my machine is very slow. Once it gets booted up though it goes very well.

Has no problem waking up from sleep mode though.

 

@ unclesomebody: I have a similar config to yours (see sig) - just used RMClock first time per this guide to successfully undervolt by -15% for each multiplier (i.e. 10x @ 1.00v vs 1.175 stock). CPU Temps under Orthos stress-test dropped by 23C! from ~81C to ~58C.

I used the x64 driver linked in the guide, it was really no hassle at all - I would definitely recommend attempting it for a free and effective cooling solution.

 

I just want to say, excellent guide...it's been tremendously helpful

I finally took the plunge with my tablet notebook with a T5450 (i know i know, not much of a challenge considering it's only 1.66 ghz and capable of running the lowest voltages with pretty much every multiplier) and i saw my idle temps drop about 17 C, from 62 C to 45 C!

Another observation I wanna just pass along is that, after literally going through more than half of this entire thread, I see people keep asking about how to get RMClock to autostart in Vista...and the solution was actually posted on page 50, but under the Vista x64 instructions, which is why people might have missed it. My variation on that is:

To get RMClock to autostart in Vista:

Run Task Scheduler from the search bar, select "Create task," under the General tab give it a name/desc., check when user is logged on/run with highest privileges. For the Trigger tab, begin the task "At log on." For the Actions tab > Start a program > browse to your RMClock install directory and choose RMClock.exe. Uncheck everything in Conditions and for Settings just uncheck the "If it runs longer than 3 days." Finish and RMClock should autostart with your settings from now on...this method can also be used for SpeedFan/other programs that people have problems running on startup.

Thanks to flipfire and everyone else in this thread who I learned from along the way, lol...

EDIT: One other thing, should I be concerned with putting in a value for "FID/VID transition stabilization time"? I currently have it at 0 cause I wasn't sure what to put there...I probably overlooked the values people used when going through this monstrous thread, so if anybody could help me with a good value to put for that (if I need to) then I would greatly appreciate it...thanks!

 

Can you undervolt the GPU?

 

Thanks to this great thread I got RMclock working and undervolted my cpu down to 1.03v. I'm sure it can go lower too, but my problem is that I've lost half a multiplier. The T9600 should be at 2.8GHz with a multiplier of 10.5. I guess RMclock doesn't support the half multiplier which is really annoying, as I'm now running at 2.66GHz.

Under most circumstances it wouldn't be a problem, but every MHz counts when I'm editing video on the move as rendering it out for web delivery makes use of every last MHz!

Is there a workaround to get the 10.5 multiplier back? Out of interest, does anyone know why it doesn't support it? Could it?

 

I haven't undervolted for that reason. It doesn't support half multipliers, and probably wont, because the program isnt being developed anymore. CPUgenie supports half multipliers, but i think you need to pay for it.

 

Alright, i've noticed RMCLock just quitting/exiting by itself whenever I unplug my laptop from AC power and switch to battery...is this normal? I 've unchecked the boxes that say "Restore to CPU defaults on application/management exit" and the temps show that the RMClock setting appears to remain...does that mean I do not have to autostart RMClock anymore, that it will keep the CPU management settings even without running/autostarting RMClock?

Also, anyone have a suggestion for a good "fid/vid transition stabilization time"? Thanks!

 

I just gotta laugh (or wonder) when I see someone drop more than a grand
on a high-end laptop and whine about a $15 piece of software to make it run right.
It's like buying a Porche and driving all over town trying save a penny/gal. on gas.

Does not compute in my little pea brain............

 

I just tried CPUgenie on Windows 7 64-bit, but I really dislike the voltage configuration page, as there's very little vertical space. I have to scroll a lot just to see/configure the various voltages, whereas RMClock shows them all on one page.

The only possible disadvantage RMClock has for me, is the lack of half-multiplier support. Apart from that it works like a treat

 

@all: Is there a possibility to patch RmClock for half-multiplier support?

 

hi peeps,

I successfully managed to undervolt my CPU. Ill post results later.
Some questions though:

1.) I was running RMClock and I was on AC, it is displaying my underclocked voltages and then I tried to exit the RMClock, all of a sudden I encountered
a BSOD. Is it normal? Im thinking this might be a result of sudden shift in voltages. Any advice?

2.) If I set my highest multiplier to 1.0500 V and it is stable, can I set the lower multipliers equal or lower than 1.0500V but not lower than its default voltage? Can anyone confirm this..

Thanks in advance!

 

Nope, not currently.

1) That isn't normal - check/test your voltages again. If you're getting sudden 'shifts' in voltages and you're running Vista, check your Vista power options > advanced settings for the current power profile you're using and set the minimum and maximum processor state to the same percentage (I use 100%, it doesn't really matter as long as they're the same cause it's RMClock that will ultimately throttle your CPU multipliers).

2) Yes, it's safe to use a stable voltage for the highest multiplier on lower multipliers, and yes you can set lower multipliers lower/equal to your lowest stable voltage for the highest multiplier. And yes, you can go below default voltages for the lower multipliers, just test for stability.

 

@oscar:

thanks for the heads up. just one question though, when i set the min and max processor state, do i set it for both batt and AC?

Another question: if you exit RMClock Power Management, what power plan will Vista default to?

here are my results:

i only manage to test the highest multiplier (11x) and UV it to 1.0500V.

BEFORE:



AFTER:



From 77C to 69C. Nice!

 

any idea why i dont have the advanced CPU Settings ?





thanks

 

seems like an extensive process but I may try it out

 

1) Yes, set it for both battery and AC.

2) You mean if you exit RMClock Power Management as in CLOSE the program completely, or exit RPM as in Vista settings? I assume you mean close RMClock altogether cause you HAVE to choose a power management profile for Vista whether its RMClock, Balanced, High Performance, etc...and if that's the case, I believe under the "Management" setting of RMClock, you can untick the boxes that say "Go back to CPU defaults on application/management exit (or something to that extent)" hit Apply and when you exit RMClock I believe your voltage settings are kept...at least that's what it seems like cause my temps seem to remain at a low level. I do however still have RMClock autostarting via Task Scheduler every time just in case I need to change settings or whatnot (it uses a negligible amount of resources anyways).

Also, nice temp drop there

Hmm, it seems to me like RMClock isn't recognizing your CPU...try re-installing/running it as an Admin, make sure you have the proper account privileges also....other than that, I wouldn't know how to advise you otherwise as I have not experienced this myself, but good luck!

 

zubair, what cpu and what operating system are you running?
You may have problems undervolting if you have an engineering sample processor, rather than a retail one. If you are running windows 7 the drivers for rightmark are not out yet.

K-TRON

 

@Oscar: yup, exiting RMClock Power Management. And when I did what you advised, unticking the "Go back to CPU defaults on application/management exit" option solved my problem. Thanks for the help man.

How can I give + rep?

 

Fantastic thread. Running my t5550 at 0.9500 V for all multipliers; im sure it'd go lower if RMclock would release even lower volts in future updates.

A query: Does this mean I could raise the volts a bit (still well below 1.2500 V default) and overclock? It'd be nice to run a stable OC'ed t5550 at lower than stock temperatures.

 

T9800 CPU running in a Dell E6500.
Voltages with CPU Genie are now:
800 MHz 0,950V=stable 0,950V=productive none=Failure
2266 MHz 0,950V=stable 0,950V=productive none=Failure
2400 MHz 0,950V=stable 0,962V=productive none=Failure
2533 MHz 0,975V=stable 0,987V=productive 0,962V=Failure
2666 MHz 0,987V=stable 1,000V=productive 0,975V=Failure
2800 MHz 1,050V=stable 1,062V=productive 1,037V=Failure
2933 MHz 1,062V=stable 1,075V=productive 1,050V=Failure
Superpi 2M: 39,343sec @50 degs Celsius with CLP thermal paste
idle@38 degs, full load@72 degs

 

I believe rep can be given by clicking on the silver scale below my username, and you're welcome

 

@potato: yes, i think you can overclock and undervolt at the same time. just make sure that when you start stressing, your CPU must be OCd, so you can determine the appropriate voltages for your overclocked speed.

 

Thanks, any guide/ software recommendations? I only ask since orthos is stable at 43 degrees. This makes my chest hair grow and Oc'ing adventures beckon

 

Im running windows vista ultimate 32 bit and my CPU is AMD Turion (tm) X2 Dual Core Mobile RM-72.

the fan is so annoying as its always on , i checked the temperature with the HM program and was getting temps of 94 degrees

 

You may want to use the AMD Fusion/Overdrive utility to read cpu temperatures, it is very accurate and from their you should be able to change cpu voltage.
You can also try Notebook Hardware Control to undervolt. It is very similar to CPU Rightmark

K-TRON

 

ah brilliant , il check that out now. thanks very much.
are there any guides available (like the one in this thread) for this program?


thanks again

 

Hey all, I read a ton of posts in this crazy long thread, but I have an unanswered question.

I have a gateway p6860 with a t5550 1.83ghz cpu and was able to reduce the 11x (max) multiplier from 1.250 (default) to 1.075. After running the stress test at lots of settings in between, its stable at all. My question is, now I'm at the same voltage as the default 6x multiplier for the max...

I can't go any lower either!! Is there a way to make it go lower, down to <1.000 or something? Its stable at this voltage and i've dropped from 85 degrees max to <72. (My vents must be dirty a bit, i'll clean them out later tomorrow.)

Ok, thanks for any help. Would like to continue to go lower but it seems like i'm capped out here. Thanks for this guide, its great!

 

If you can't go any lower that means that your CPU is locked by Intel at that voltage...so nope, no way to go any lower (I feel your pain, I have a T5450 running @ .9500 Volts at the highest multiplier and my tablet idles @ 44-45' C but could easily go about 6-7 degrees cooler...).

 

Everything went fine except this:

''Note: After your done, make sure you re-tick the multiplier boxes in the "Main Profile" page then "Performance on Demand" sub-profile page, If you dont your CPU will be majorly handicapped''

I couldn't untick all the boxes in the main profile, as the last multiplier boxe won't untick. Is there a problem?

 

Sooner or later you'll see that you can't outfox Intel but you already beat the mfr. of your notebook who saved $5 on a cheap fan for noise and battery reasons. Hey, take your gains and go to your next project...... Gotta think like an ER trauma doctor, NEXT !

 

Hi this thread is awesome,

I have a gateway M-153Xl with a t8300 penryn

The latest version of Rm Clock does not identify my cpu, it says unknown for CPU core and Revision Name, what is wrong?
Cpu type is checked as mobile.
Thx

EDIT - Latest HMonitor gives incorrect temps, something like 5C idle for both core..
Same thing and temps for Core Temp version 0.99.5

I found another person having the same prob!


Edit #2- I found a fix, I had to change the vista power options to 100% clock all the time and now i can see correct temp.

Edit #3 - For the unknown bug, I just realize that Flipfire explained that on page 1

 

Wow Amazing Guide Thanks so much for your efforts. I have a gateway m-6864 and 2.0 centrino duo and my max temps before this were as high as 87 I kept getting a warning sign from HW, and knew it wasn't because my vents were clogged, I had just recently done a thorough cleaning of my laptop. Now I am enjoying UV of .9750 on all multipliers and my load temps never run higher than 68C and I'm pretty happy, I managed to run it on .950 without the bsod but got an error from orthos that there was a mistake so went back to a healthy .975 and am quite happy. thanks again

 

That is amazing! I can't believe something as a simple program could make so much difference in cooling your computer. Thank you for this very useful info.

 

Somehow I was able to get RMClock (2.35) to overlook the half-multiplier "thing" and give me the full 2.1 GHz on both cores of my T8100 w/IDA. Usually, I ended up losing a hundred MHz or so. If I can figure out what the hell I did, I'll post it. "Calls for closer inspection", heh heh.

 

Hi all again.

firstly, thanks to you flipfire for the comprehensive guide, although it has been ages since this thread was put up.

I know I put in a question about undervolting somewhere in the forums but I can't seem to find it anymore.. Well, I have a question regarding undervolting:

I have a Core 2 Duo T5200 Merom-2M (accdg to RMClock) which runs at 1.60Ghz. I'm currently trying to undervolt it and here are my current settings (just finished lowering the 10x multiplier):

6x @ 0.9500v
7x @ 0.9500v
8x @ 0.9500v
9x @ 0.9500v
10x @ 0.9500v
11x @ 1.3750v (in process)
12x @ 1.1750v (in process)

I can see a bit of heat improvement using HWMonitor, and I would be happy aside from the fact that I haven't had any BSOD's ever since I started undervolting! I know that should be good, but I'm quite fearing that my undervolting isn't actually working or something. And worse, I see about 1-2C improvements only between volts, although from the default to the bottom values it is about 5C (or so) cooler. Am I doing it right? Thanks and I really hope the thread is still open

 

Interesting, please do post if you're able to retrace or duplicate those results.. Also curious what core & throttle are you showing in RMClock?

 

Wow! This is amazing. I've got a Gateway 6864FX with a T5750. I play EQ2 and it is so processor intensive that under my left palm normally gets so hot that my palm will actually sweat. Thought I'd try this out. So far I've yet to find the unstable point. I've dropped from stock voltage down to 1.0125 so far. Currently running it to check. So far, dropped loaded temp from 84C to 61C. The fan is no longer being made to run at it's highest speed.

Hoping to have this kind of luck with the girlfriend's laptop, though it's got XP. Her fan is getting weak and we ended up having to cut her processor speed quite a bit to keep it running. The fan's built into the heat sink, so we can't just replace the fan and the whole things around 80 bucks. I will get one for it eventually, but if this works as a better fix for now and allows her to get the processor speed back up, then she'll be happy no longer running the game at around 18 FPS.

 

I only posted thumbnails for the first core to save space. Second core same as first on both RMC and Crystal. So far, I can remember wiping RMC and its RTCore32 driver in Device Manager (show hidden), then installing the RMC reg tweaks, then disabling the WMI service to make RMC dig for its info, and then lastly, goto into BIOS and set initial CPU speed to highest. Then, reboot and do a fresh RMC install. Since CPU temp. and battery drain are determined by load, not frequency, I only use 1 speed. Fast. By the way, RMC reads CPU temp. 5C lower than it really is. Since I was drunk when I did this, I cannot offer any "Certificates of Authenticity", heh, heh......When I sober up, I'll post more.......

 

Also getting IDA bursts up to 2150 MHz. Free overclocking. Never used to do that. Wheee.......

 

Well, I finished the process. Did find where it went unstable. On 13x multiplier it finally went unstable at 1.000v. So, to give it a little head room, I set it to 1.0250v and then worked on the rest. Sitting just over 20 degree Celsius cooler. I think stock voltages may have been stifling to the processor or something. I know undervolting shouldn't increase performance, but in Everquest 2 (CPU heavy) last night, I was seeing around 10 FPS increase. No idea why, but it's great.