I want to get my CPU to run at 3.8Ghz or 5.00Ghz for my Intel core 5 120u

[Leeam5524]

So basically I want the CPU to run at 3.8Ghz or more because I do a lot of multitasking, I do sometimes do gaming but those games are not heavy. I am fine with the GPU. Other things about this is that When its idling or the CPU usage is at like 20-50, the speed actually goes to 3.9Ghz-4.8Ghz, but when I put a full load on it, it goes down to 2.5Ghz, is this like a power problem with my motherboard?

HP Envy X360 2 in 1 14-es1013dx Intel core 5 120u, Intel UHD graphics.

[NonSequitur777]

@Leeam5524,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

The behavior you’re describing -where the Intel Core i5-120U boosts to higher clock speeds at low usage but drops to 2.50 GHz under full load -is due to power and thermal management rather than a motherboard issue. Here’s what’s happening:

Why Is This Happening?

1. Intel Turbo Boost Behavior:

   • At low CPU usage (light tasks), Intel Turbo Boost allows individual cores to spike to high frequencies (3.90 GHz–4.80 GHz).
   • Under heavy load, all cores are engaged, and the system prioritizes power efficiency and heat management, which lowers the sustained clock speed.

2. Power Limits & Throttling:

   • The i5-120U is a low-power chip (U-series) designed for efficiency, not sustained high performance.
   • It has power (PL1/PL2) and thermal limits that cap performance under extended loads.
   • If the CPU package power is reaching PL1 (sustained power limit), the clock speed will drop to stay within power constraints.

3. Thermal Throttling:

   • If temperatures are hitting high thresholds (~90–100°C), the system will reduce clock speed to prevent overheating.

 

Possible Solutions:

1. Adjust Power Settings in Windows:

• Go to Control Panel > Power Options and select High Performance or Best Performance in Windows 11.
• Under Advanced Power Settings, increase the Processor Performance Minimum State to 100%.
• Some HP laptops limit power settings -check HP Command Center if available.

 

2. Use Intel XTU or ThrottleStop:

• Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) or ThrottleStop can allow adjusting PL1 and PL2 power limits.
• Raising PL1 (long-term power limit) may help maintain higher speeds under load.
• Caution: Increasing power limits can lead to overheating and system instability if cooling is inadequate.

 

3. Improve Cooling:

• Monitor CPU temperatures using HWMonitor or Core Temp.
• If temps exceed 85–90°C, consider:
  • Using a cooling pad or better ventilation.
  • Cleaning dust from air vents and fans.
  • Lowering undervolting using ThrottleStop to reduce heat buildup.

 

4. Check BIOS Settings:

• Some HP laptops have BIOS options for performance modes or power limits.
• Ensure the latest BIOS update is installed.

 

Final Thoughts:

• What you’re experiencing is normal behavior for a U-series laptop CPU—it’s designed for efficiency, not sustained high power.
• If you want better performance, increasing power limits may help, but it will depend on cooling capability.
• If the laptop is overheating, it will throttle no matter what.

Here is guidance on using ThrottleStop or XTU to tweak power limits [DISCLAIMER: for experienced Users only]

Using ThrottleStop or Intel XTU to tweak power limits can help sustain higher clock speeds under load, but it’s essential to monitor temperatures and stability. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

---

Method 1: Using ThrottleStop:

ThrottleStop is a lightweight tool that allows more control over CPU power and thermal limits.

Step 1: Download & Install ThrottleStop:

• Download ThrottleStop from TechPowerUp.
• Extract and run ThrottleStop.exe as Administrator.

 

Step 2: Configure ThrottleStop for Performance:

1. Enable High Performance Mode:

   • Check "Speed Shift - EPP" and set the value to 0 (forces max performance).

2. Disable CPU Throttling Protections:

   • Uncheck BD PROCHOT (this prevents unnecessary throttling from external sensors).

3. Adjust Power Limits (PL1 & PL2) in FIVR Menu:

   • Click FIVR (Core Voltage) → Unlock Adjustable Voltage.
   • Under Turbo Boost Long Power Max (PL1), increase the value to 35-45W.
   • Under Turbo Boost Short Power Max (PL2), increase the value to 45-55W.
   • Click OK, then Apply settings.

4. Undervolt the CPU (Optional for Lower Temps):

   • In FIVR, set Core Voltage Offset to -50mV to -80mV.
   • Click Apply, then test stability with Intel Burn Test or Cinebench R23.
   • If stable, try reducing further to -100mV, but revert if crashes occur.

 

Step 3: Save & Monitor Performance:

• Click Turn On in ThrottleStop to apply changes.
• Run a benchmark (e.g., Cinebench R23 or HWMonitor) to check CPU speeds.

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Method 2: Using Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU):

If ThrottleStop isn’t your preference, Intel XTU provides an official way to adjust power limits.

Step 1: Download & Install XTU:

• Download from Intel’s official site.
• Install and launch as Administrator.

 

Step 2: Increase Power Limits:

1. Go to Advanced Tuning > Power & Performance.
2. Locate Turbo Boost Power Max (PL1) and Turbo Boost Short Power Max (PL2).
3. Increase PL1 to 35-45W and PL2 to 45-55W.
4. Click Apply and test stability with a benchmark.

 

Step 3: Optional Undervolting for Cooling:

• Under Core Voltage Offset, reduce voltage by -50mV to -80mV.
• Apply and test stability.
• If stable, reduce further (e.g., -100mV).

---

Final Notes:

✅ What This Will Do:

• Helps the CPU maintain higher clocks under load.
• Reduces performance throttling if power limits were too low.
• Potentially lowers temperatures if undervolted.

❌ Risks & Considerations:

• Some HP laptops lock power settings, limiting impact.
• Overheating can still occur if cooling isn’t sufficient.
• Undervolting too much can cause system crashes -test stability after changes.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Leeam5524]

it turns out that my cpu thermal throttles, it jumps from 50c to 94c immediately, i feel like this is dried up thermalpaste

[NonSequitur777]

@Leeam5524,

That would certainly be consistent with what you are experiencing!

It certainly wouldn't hurt in the least to change out the thermal paste.  Make sure to use a quality thermal paste such as Arctic MX-4.

Do you need instructions how to change out the thermal paste?

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Leeam5524]

ive fixed laptops before, ill get some arctic mx-4 and then try it out

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@Leeam5524,

Excellent!

If you don't mind, once you get around refreshing the thermal paste, let us know what difference it made!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777