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    Is undervolting an option with Intel Dual Cores?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by andyd2k, Jan 20, 2008.

  1. andyd2k

    andyd2k Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just got my VGN NR series notebook and I'm wondering if it's possible to undervolt the cpu so temps improve a little.
     
    andyd2k, Jan 20, 2008
    #1
  2. _radditz_

    _radditz_ Fallen to the Sith...

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    Yes it is possible and many forum users do it.

    I use a program called CPU-Z and used the guide here
     
    _radditz_, Jan 20, 2008
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  3. PWR

    PWR Notebook Guru

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    Undervolting is a NECESSITY for me. My notebooks are much quieter this way and I can run lots of CPU intensive tasks like x264 video encoding in the background without disturbing me at work. Should save same energy, too.
    Personally I use RMClock for years (startup via task scheduler to avoid UAC prompt) and Stress Prime 2004 Orthos Edition for stability checking.

    RightMark CPU Clock http://cpu.rightmark.org/
    ORTHOS http://sp2004.fre3.com/
     
    PWR, Jan 20, 2008
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  4. andyd2k

    andyd2k Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok thanks guys! I look into both apps and currently printing the guide!

    I'll look into Orthos as well

    One question though - can I damage the cpu by doing this?
     
    andyd2k, Jan 20, 2008
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  5. |SONY|

    |SONY| Notebook Evangelist

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    not a good idea with dual core core2duo's
     
    |SONY|, Jan 20, 2008
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  6. andyd2k

    andyd2k Notebook Enthusiast

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    Why would you say that?
     
    andyd2k, Jan 20, 2008
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  7. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Undervolting C2D works fine for me. My T7300 has run happily at 1.05V @ 2GHz instead of 1.25V. The latest RMClock beta also picks up the Intel IDA and SLFM modes but I have disabled IDA since it still wants to use the preset (1.275) voltage and I think it causes stability problems.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Jan 20, 2008
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  8. |SONY|

    |SONY| Notebook Evangelist

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    c2d use EIST and different voltages for every single multiplier. with the DC ULVs the range between the lowest 6x and highest 9x is less than 0.1V. It causes instability and the gain will be so negligent. The TDP is 11W vs 37W+ on the T7300. You see where are I am going. If you don't then undervolt :)
     
    |SONY|, Jan 21, 2008
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  9. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    My U1500 is set to stay on its lowest voltage at all multipliers and there's been no hint of problem, but then it is a Core Solo and not a Core 2 Duo. Ignore Intel's TDP. It's the real power consumption which matters and cutting back the maximum voltage on a dual core CPU can reduce power and head by up to about 10W.

    The downside of undervolting is that the reduced fan activity can cause the rest of the notebook to become a little warmer because of decreased cooling by the air being sucked towards the fan.

    I've undervolted the CPU in every notebook I've had for the past 3 years. The only problem has been with IDA on the latest C2Ds, and that gives insignificant performance benefit and can be turned off.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Jan 21, 2008
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  10. |SONY|

    |SONY| Notebook Evangelist

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    Core Solos I agree
    ULV Core 2 Duos, I don't.
     
    |SONY|, Jan 21, 2008
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  11. DanyBui81

    DanyBui81 Notebook Evangelist

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    i undervolted my tz150 and it seems to stutter music when im playing winamp so i guess sony is right.
     
    DanyBui81, Jan 21, 2008
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  12. dznutz

    dznutz Notebook Consultant

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    i undervolted my sz

    my torture test was 24 straight hours of psp video conversions and passed with flying colors
     
    dznutz, Jan 21, 2008
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  13. |SONY|

    |SONY| Notebook Evangelist

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    unrealistic ...
     
    |SONY|, Jan 21, 2008
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  14. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Why?

    Although I've never run a 24 hour torture test - 2 x Prime95 run overnight is usually enough for me. I've given undervolted CPUs including the T7200, T5600 and T7300 heavy sustained work without problems, and the reduction in heat is very welcome.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Jan 22, 2008
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  15. |SONY|

    |SONY| Notebook Evangelist

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    I agreed with you John that it is somewhat beneficial, not much but somewhat for the T series C2D, but not for the U7500/U7600/U7700.

    The margin is less than 0.05V between 6x and 9x and you will waste MORE memory to run the stupid undervolting tools than you will have affect on the battery.

    Not to mention that the First Batch of U7600 were rated VID of 0.94V @ 800Mhz up to 0.998V @ 1.2Ghz, while the new batches are VID 0.85V @ 800Mhz to 0.0875V @ 1.2Ghz. In any case you cant go lower than 0.85V which is 0.025V 'gain'.

    Totally unrealistic!

    p.s. I am comparing my first batch U7600 TZ90 with my second batch U7600 TZ91
     
    |SONY|, Jan 22, 2008
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  16. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    OK. We almost agree: Undervolting the standard CPUs can give significant power and heat reductions (particularly when under load) but the voltage range of the ULV CPUs means that the benefit of undervolting will be small and it may not be worthwhile.

    Since the thread title is not specific about which dual core CPUs, I would also note that the latest beta of RMClock is unlocking Intel's super low frequency mode and voltages for wider use. I've now got a T7300 cruising along at 600MHz @ 0.90V.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Jan 22, 2008
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  17. |SONY|

    |SONY| Notebook Evangelist

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    Undervolting a T is ok
    Undervolting a L or a U is pure waste of time.

    Consensus reached :)
     
    |SONY|, Jan 22, 2008
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  18. andyd2k

    andyd2k Notebook Enthusiast

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    How would I be able to tell what dual cpu I have?
     
    andyd2k, Feb 3, 2008
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  19. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Start with CPU-Z.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Feb 3, 2008
    #19