Setting CPU <100% still multi-threading?

So I thought that if I set the max CPU limit to 98/99% or below, the hyper-threading will be disabled which will reduce the heat.
This is the image when the max CPU was set at 95%. At this percent, shouldn't the CPU be using only 4 cores instead of 8 (See CPU Usage History)?

Processor - i7 2630QM



Sometimes it seems that when I open the task manager, the CPU use is 8 cores initially but as I continue to view the task manager, in like 5-10secs, the usage drops to 4 cores, without me closing any apps or changing in settings.

 

I’m not sure of the specific frequency/hyper-threading steps for that processor ( the frequencies when the system changes from 4 cores/8 threads to 4 cores/ 4 threads, to 2 cores, and finally 1 core... dependent on processor). That said, my thoughts would be (1) to ask if you’ve installed the Intel Hyper-Threading driver and (2) to check your BIOS for a provision to turn off Turbo-Boost… if that is your goal. If the BIOS provision is available you would no longer need to use windows power setting to reduce load/heat.

Just FYI… but I’ve used the BIOS setting with a couple of Haswell based SFF units to do exactly what you are hoping to do (reduce heat), but not on a Sandy Bridge. The BIOS Turbo-Boost on/off selection may also be manufacturer dependent.

Best, Dave

 

Setting the CPU to 99% is supposed to disable Turbo Boost. You can somewhat confirm this with HWinfo64/hwinfo32.

 

It should but the pic above is taken when CPU was set to 95%,

 

Throttlestop should have a setting to turn off turbo boost if the BIOS doesn't give the option.

 

As far as I know that setting won't reduce the number of cores, just the speed that they run at.

 

Is this a DV6? Then you only have to set the CoolSense to Coolest. No Turbo Boost then and massive drop in temps.