CEP causing a huge performance drop

[renankaic]

Hello!

I have a Gigabyte B760M Gaming AC DDR5 paired with a i5 14600KF.

I'm trying to follow all base lines settings as advised here: https://community.intel.com/t5/Mobile-and-Desktop-Processors/June-2024-Guidance-regarding-Intel-Core-13th-and-14th-Gen-K-KF/m-p/1607807

I could enable and set all the options as specified, except for the "TVB" (I didn't find any option in my BIOS) and the "CEP".

When enabling the IA CEP, I got a huge performance drop when running Cinebench R23. The score goes down from 22,900 to 12,196. Also, the temperature drops to 62-66 when running the benchmark.

I can also feel performance drop while playing games - with it enabled, I can't barely keep 100 fps while the normal is more than 170 for competitive multiplayer games.

Could you please advise if it's safe to keep it disabled? Without it (but with Intel Default Settings enabled) my temperatures runs around 69-75º C while playing and 75-79ºC when running benchmarks.

Thank you in advance!

[RandyT_Intel · Accepted solution]

Hi @renankaic,

Based on the information provided and general insights into Intel's processor settings, here's a transparent analysis. Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB) is a feature that allows the processor to increase its clock speed beyond the base and turbo frequencies when the temperature is below a certain threshold. If you can't find this option in your BIOS, it might be due to the motherboard's firmware not supporting it or it being automatically managed without explicit user control. I suggest consult your motherboard manufacturer regarding this feature.

On the other hand, Current Excursion Protection (CEP) is designed to optimize power consumption and thermal performance, potentially at the cost of raw performance. The significant drop in Cinebench scores and gaming FPS suggests that enabling CEP is throttling your CPU to maintain lower temperatures and power usage. Your reported temperatures, which are 69-75ºC during gaming and 75-79ºC during benchmarks, are within a safe range for modern CPUs, especially under load. Intel CPUs are designed to handle temperatures up to around 100ºC, though staying below 80ºC is generally recommended for longevity.

Disabling CEP to regain performance is generally safe as long as your cooling solution is adequate and temperatures remain within acceptable limits. Since your temperatures are well within safe operating ranges without CEP, it should be fine to keep it disabled for better performance. Ensure your cooling system is efficient and your case has good airflow. Regularly monitor temperatures and performance to ensure stability. If you experience any instability or overheating, reconsider enabling CEP or other power-saving features.

In summary, keeping CEP disabled is safe given your current temperature readings and performance needs. However, always monitor your system's behavior to ensure it remains stable and within safe operating conditions.

Regards,  

Randy T.  

Intel Customer Support Technician  

[renankaic]

Dear Randy T.

Thank you very much for all the information you've provided.

I'll keep CEP disabled since my temperatures aren't high.

Have a great week!

[RandyT_Intel]

Hi @renankaic,

You're very welcome!

Thanks, and you have a great week too!

Regards,  

Randy T.  

Intel Customer Support Technician