Intel i7 8700 not at max frequency

[M_Gunasena]

I know this is quite an old CPU but I have been using this CPU since 2019 and the frequency has been maxing out at 4.3Ghz which I thought was the maximum frequency for some time but recently I checked the Intel website about my CPU and it said the max frequency is 4.60GHz. I tried to see if there was some setting that I have turned off but I found nothing. I couldn't find a reason on the internet either. Can anyone tell me how to fix this?

                                                         What the website says

                                                   What Task Manager says

[ACarmona_Intel · Accepted solution]

Hello M_Gunasena,

We understand that you are having issues or concern with your Intel i7-800 processor as you are not getting the maximum frequency, which is 4.60 GHz.

Based on our research, we wanted to inform you that:

Processors do not run at their maximum frequency all the time. The processor automatically selects the best frequency depending on workload demand. If workload demand is high and there are no physical constraints, then the processor may operate at or close to the turbo frequency.

There are many factors that influence the processor's operating frequency, such as system overheating, choice of appropriate fan heatsink, adequate power supply, and workload.

In regards to that, kindly follow the below troubleshooting steps:

1. Make sure that your system does not have physical constraints that will prevent the processor from reaching its maximum turbo frequency. Examples of physical constraints on the processor could be power delivery and thermal solutions.
   1. Make sure your processor's thermal cooling solution is appropriate for your system.
   2. Make sure that processor power limits (PL1, PL2) are allowing the processor to reach its maximum turbo boost frequency. Contact your system vendor for questions or instructions.
2. Make sure your BIOS is up-to-date and/or reset the BIOS to its default.
3. Make sure the Turbo option (if available in the BIOS) is not disabled. In general, it should be enabled by default. Consult your motherboard or BIOS manufacturer on how to enable Turbo in the BIOS.

Furthermore, you may also check these additional links; they are also troubleshooting steps that we can take for a possible solution to our issue or concern.

• https://www.wintips.org/fix-cpu-not-running-at-full-speed-in-windows-10/
• https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/use-maximum-cpu-power-windows-10
• https://www.thewindowsclub.com/cpu-is-not-running-at-full-speed-in-windows

Please also check out this page for further information on Intel® Turbo Boost Technology:

What is Intel® Turbo Boost Technology?

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/gaming/resources/turbo-boost.html

Please let us know the result of the troubleshooting steps that you have performed so we can take the next step.

Thank you and have a great day ahead

Best regards,  

Carmona A.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[ACarmona_Intel]

Hello M_Gunasena,

We are checking in with you on the max frequency issue we are having in case you have any additional queries or require further explanation. Please know that we would be happy to assist you if you have any.

Thank you, and have a great day!

Best regards,

Carmona A.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[ACarmona_Intel]

Hello M_Gunasena, 

We are checking in with you on the max frequency issue that we have, as we have not heard any response from you. 

Thank you, and have a great day! 

Best regards,

Carmona A.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[ACarmona_Intel]

Hello M_Gunasena,

We have not heard back from you, so we will close this enquiry now. If you need further assistance, please submit a new question, as this thread will no longer be monitored.

Thank you, and have a great day ahead.

Best regards,

Carmona A.

Intel Customer Support Technician