Seeking Optimisation Advice for Core Ultra 7 165U (Intel Graphics)

[Sypa]

I'm currently using a Dell Latitude 5450 recently purchased back end of September 2024 with a Core Ultra 7 165U and integrated Intel Graphics, running Windows 11. While it handles light tasks decently, I'm trying to understand how to optimise performance, as it's been somewhat unpredictable especially under load, where even everyday tasks occasionally show lag.

One area that consistently struggles is Microsoft Teams particularly during screen sharing at 1080p or 2K. Frame rates drop noticeably and sometimes even freeze. Has anyone found tweaks or workarounds that help in this scenario?

Another curious behaviour is CPU-related: when launching applications, all cores briefly spike to 100% for about 10 seconds. Under sustained load, clock speeds drop to around 1.79 GHz. I did see some improvement after switching the BIOS thermal setting from Optimized to Ultra Performance.

Interestingly, while the system reports 14 cores (in windows task manager), only 12 appear active during use though Docker recognises all 14 as available. Is this a scheduling quirk or something else?

On the graphics side, performance has been underwhelming. The NPU seems to be inactive or underutilised in most daily workloads even when using Microsoft Copilot, LM Studio or GPT4All. The integrated GPU performance struggles, particularly during video decoding.

I've also run into an odd issue where MP4 playback in Chromium-based browsers occasionally turns pixelated or green—especially when the GPU load is high. Switching the colour format to YCbCr 4:4:4 via Intel Graphics Control Panel helped restore normal playback, so that’s a potential workaround.

Lastly, recording animated content with OBS results in very pixelated output when saved as MP4.

I've attached some reproducible examples for context.

Would appreciate any insights or tuning tips others may have explored. Thanks in advance!

[RandyT_Intel]

Hi @Sypa,

Thank you for posting here in our community. Please take a moment to read my detailed response to your concern. I appreciate your patience.

Unpredictable performance and occasional lag during everyday tasks can stem from various factors, particularly when a system is under load. One key consideration is whether the hardware is capable of efficiently handling resource-intensive tasks.

Regarding CPU behavior, processors do not constantly operate at their maximum frequency. Instead, they automatically adjust to the optimal frequency based on workload demand. If the demand is high and there are no physical constraints, the processor may run at or near its turbo frequency. Factors influencing processor frequency include system overheating, choice of fan heatsink, adequate power supply, and workload.

To address potential issues, try loading the default BIOS settings or updating the BIOS on your system. (Note: It's advisable to record your current BIOS settings before making any changes.)

Performance issues with Microsoft Teams, especially during high-resolution screen sharing, can be affected by integrated graphics, which may struggle with such tasks. Additionally, ensure a stable and high-speed internet connection, as high-resolution screen sharing requires significant bandwidth. A wired connection can offer more stability. For specific recommendations, consider consulting the Microsoft support team.

Regarding NPUs, these are designed to accelerate machine learning tasks. If your daily activities don't involve AI or ML tasks, the NPU may remain unused. Some applications require explicit configuration to utilize the NPU; without this, it remains idle.

Lastly, concerning OBS, Intel is currently investigating related issues.

For tweaks and configurations, consider updating drivers to their latest versions and reinstalling any software experiencing issues, then test performance again. A BIOS update may also be beneficial. Consulting your OEM, Dell, can provide insights, as performance may vary with the technology and design customization offered by Dell. I will attach related articles for further information.

Why the Processor Frequency is Operating Below the Base Frequency for...

My Intel® Core™ Processor Does Not Reach the Maximum Turbo Boost...

How to Check If My Intel® Processor Has an Integrated Neural...

Let me know if you need more details.

Regards,

Randy T.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[RandyT_Intel]

Hi @Sypa,

Just checking in on my previous message regarding your inquiry. Have you had a chance to review it? If you need more information or have any questions, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help!

Regards,

Randy T.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Sypa · Accepted solution]

Hi Randy,

Thank you for your detailed response and guidance.

Following your suggestions, I updated the BIOS to the latest version 1.14 and checked that all drivers on the laptop are up to date. I also confirmed that the internet connection remains stable, with a consistent 20 MB/s upload and 80 MB/s download speed.

Microsoft Teams was automatically updated last week. After the update, I retested screen sharing and observed a slight improvement: the image quality is clearer, and the frames no longer freeze during sharing. There's still a noticeable frame rate drop when scrolling through a window or browser during sharing, although the frame rate does recover shortly after.

As for OBS, I found an interesting workaround to MP4 recording and playback that significantly improved performance. By switching the recording format from MP4 to MKV while retaining Hardware (QSV, H264) as the video encoder, the recordings are no longer pixelated, playback is smooth, and CPU usage is noticeably lower. 

Thanks again for your support, and please let me know if and when there are any further updates or configurations you would recommend.

[RandyT_Intel]

Hi @Sypa,

Thank you for your updates, and I'm glad to hear that your system has been stabilized. I appreciate you sharing your workaround regarding OBS, as it may help other users experiencing similar issues.

Regarding updates and configurations, since this is an OEM system, please check for any available updates on the Dell website or use their Dell Support Assist to receive notifications for future updates. As this case has been resolved, I will proceed with closing it, and it will no longer be monitored. If you have any specific concerns that need to be addressed by us, feel free to submit a new ticket, and we will gladly assist you.

Regards,

Randy T.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[DLevine-X86]

Intel Support,

We are experiencing the same pixelation issue on two Lenovo systems with this same processor, please see attached screenshots. Firefox seems to have less issues than Chrome, and at Lenovo's direction we already attempted to update the driver using Intel's latest available, instead of the Lenovo provided Intel driver, but the issues persist. Is this a software / driver issue or a hardware issue for which we should RMA the CPU/Board? Is this related to the microcode issue where the CPU's eventually worsen?

Thank you