How to disable Intel undervolt protection

[TDV101]

It's frustrating because I've got a 13700HX which is meant to be unlocked.

Instead, you are forced to use the Gaming hub undervolt feature, which only undervolt the P-cores, not E-cores.

That should be communicated by HP, doing tasks like watching content won't benefit from the undervolt.

The bios is stripped down to the basics, any way to disable Intel Undervolt protection so that I can undervolt like it can be?

I've disabled Core isolation and virtualization in bios so this is the next step.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @TDV101,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be happy to help you! 

Disabling Intel undervolt protection on an OMEN by HP Gaming Laptop, especially models with recent Intel CPUs like the i7-13700HX, can be challenging due to restrictions implemented in both BIOS and the operating system for security reasons. However, you can try the following steps to explore the possibilities:

1. Update BIOS and OMEN Gaming Hub

Ensure your BIOS and OMEN Gaming Hub software are updated to the latest versions. Sometimes, updates may provide additional functionality or address issues.

2. Use ThrottleStop

ThrottleStop is a popular utility that can potentially override some BIOS limitations. Note that ThrottleStop may not work on all laptops due to firmware restrictions.

Download ThrottleStop:

• Visit the ThrottleStop download page and download the latest version.

Install and Configure ThrottleStop:

• Extract the downloaded files and run ThrottleStop.exe.
• Under the "FIVR" menu, check the options related to undervolting.
• Adjust the voltage offset for both P-cores and E-cores as needed.

3. Check for Advanced BIOS Settings

Some laptops have hidden advanced BIOS settings. Accessing these can sometimes allow undervolting options.

Enter BIOS:

• Restart your laptop and repeatedly press F10 to enter the BIOS setup.

Unlock Advanced Settings:

• If your BIOS supports hidden advanced settings, pressing certain key combinations can reveal them. Common combinations include Fn + Tab or Ctrl + F10. This varies by manufacturer, so you may need to look up specific instructions for your model.

Modify Settings:

• If you find advanced settings, look for options related to "Undervolt Protection" or "Voltage Control."

4. Use Intel XTU (Extreme Tuning Utility)

Intel XTU is Intel's official overclocking utility. While it's primarily for desktop CPUs, it sometimes works on laptops as well.

Download Intel XTU:

• Visit the Intel XTU download page and download the software.

Install and Run Intel XTU:

• Install the software and open it.
• Navigate to the "Advanced Tuning" tab and look for options to adjust core voltage.

Please find the remaining steps in the next post.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @TDV101,

Please find the next steps below.

5. Disable Intel Undervolt Protection via Registry (if applicable)

Some users have reported success in modifying registry settings, though this is risky and may not be effective on all systems.

Open Registry Editor:

• Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Navigate to the Key:

• Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\State\Settings.

Find and Modify Settings:

• Look for keys related to undervolting protection. The specific key names can vary.

• Warranty: Modifying BIOS settings or using third-party software to undervolt can void your warranty.
• Stability: Undervolting can cause system instability if not done correctly. Always test thoroughly after making changes.
• Security: Intel introduced undervolt protection to mitigate certain vulnerabilities like Plundervolt. Disabling it can expose your system to these risks.

Undervolting an OMEN by HP Gaming Laptop with a 13700HX CPU involves a combination of software tools, BIOS exploration, and community knowledge. While ThrottleStop and Intel XTU are common tools, access to advanced BIOS settings can vary significantly between models. Always proceed with caution and backup your system before making any changes.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[TDV101]

 I already installed XTU and throttlestop before posting but couldn't because of undervolt protection

It did show that the CPU core was undervolted from gaming hub, but that is a pure gimmick and misleading to customers. You need to also undervolt the cache to have an effective undervolt.

I won't post the link here, but even the Throttlestop creator himself has said on forums that your undervolting feature is fundamentally flawed, for the reasons I mentioned above.

Many other manufactures have the chip fully unlocked after core isolation is disabled.

None of your steps worked, and you didn't specify key in the registry. Bios is up to date.

I'm disappointed because what's the point of putting an HX CPU if you can't use it like it's advertised from Intel to do.

Undervolting is relatively safe and I've done it on a lot of systems over the years on both Intel and AMD, the worst you'll get is a BSOD (Windows crash) and then you just lower it until it's stable.

[TDV101]

Also to add there is no advanced bios, just goes into the regular one which is heavily locked down again.

I'll await your answer if you have any other solutions, but it seems unlikely. Thanks anyway, this decision has been made higher up.