An error setting up Processor Cache Ratio at XTU

[NekoMimi]

XTU is a very good app to use, and I regret not using it sooner. But I found a serious problem for me today.

Before using XTU to modify the CPU parameters, my processor cache ratio was dynamic, 800MHz~4800MHz. When the processor cache ratio is set using XTU, the processor cache ratio is fixed and at the maximum, 5000MHz. However, the XTU setting is the maximum processor cache frequency, which should vary dynamically from 800MHz to 5000MHz.

The first half of the figure below shows that the processor cache ratio is dynamically changing before setting. In the second half, after setting, the processor cache ratio is fixed. and the corresponding processor power.

It is also written in the XTU software that this is to set the maximum processor cache ratio.

I'd like to know why the XTU software settings cause the processor cache ratio to become fixed and how to fix it.

Thanks for any help you can offer!!!

[Earl_Intel]

Hi MekoMini,

Thank you for posting in the communities!

To better understand the issue and determine the most appropriate resolution, could you please provide the needed details listed below:

• May I know the exact make and model of your processor?
• What is the make and model of your motherboard?
• What is the make and model of your RAM?
• Are you encountering overheating issues while performing this?

Once we have this information, we will be able to proceed with the next course of action and work towards resolving the issue you are facing.

Best regards,

Earl E.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[NekoMimi]

Hi Earl E.

Thank you for your reply!

This is the hardware information for my computer:

· CPU: i9-13900k

· Motherboard:  ROG STRIX Z790-A GAMING WIFI

· RAM: PREDATOR Vesta II 32G*2

And when the processor cache ratio is fixed and at the maximum, 5000MHz, everything is fine on my computer. no encountering overheating.

I'm not sure if anyone else has had this issue, but at the moment I think it's a bug in the software itself, so I hope we can try to reproduce this phenomenon.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,

NekoMimi.

[DhannielM_Intel]

Hi MekoMini,

Thank you for providing this information. I just want to clarify a few things. Could you tell me if your BIOS version is 2801? Also, did you enable the Intel Default Setting in your BIOS? Besides the changes made in XTU, have you made any other changes in the BIOS? Lastly, you mentioned that everything is fine. If the processor cache ratio is fixed at 5000MHz, do you experience any sudden crashes in games or applications?

Best regards,

Dhanniel M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[NekoMimi]

Hi Dhanniel M.

· I didn't make an update to the bios, my BIOS version is 0813.

· In the BIOS I set the temperature wall, the power wall, and limited the maximum frequency and voltage of the core.

· When the processor cache ratio is fixed at 5000MHz, everything is fine on my computer. it's just that the core voltage will be a little higher.

The current situation I'm experiencing is: Modify the processor cache ratio in XTU and the processor cache ratio will become fixed. 

For example, when I set the ratio to 3000MHz, the processor cache ratio will be fixed at 3000MHz, instead of directly changing with the load at 800~3000MHz. However, after modifying the ratio of the p-core and e-core, the ratio of the p-core and e-core can change with the load, which is normal.

Best regards,

NekoMimi.

[Earl_Intel]

Hi NekoMini,

Thank you for sharing this useful information with us.

For us to further troubleshoot the issue, kindly provide the needed information below:

• May I know the reason why you're modifying your XTU?
• Can you provide us a step by step on how you perform the settings on your XTU, if possible, kindly provide us a short video clip about it.
• You can also try updating your BIOS version to the latest one then try to monitor if it will fix the issue.

Once we receive the step-by-step video, we will try to replicate it.

Best regards,

Earl E.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[NekoMimi]

Hi Earl E.

Using XTU it is possible to modify the CPU frequency parameters online so that my CPU can use different maximum frequencies as the load changes (set a lower maximum frequency for low loads and a higher maximum frequency for high loads). This avoids the high voltage generated at low loads and high turbo frequencies, and frees up the performance of the CPU. 

In addition, XTU can save presets, and set shortcuts to quickly switch between different settings, which is very convenient. So I'm hoping to use XTU as described above to protect my CPU from high voltage.

I'm not bullish on stepping down and adjusting the load profile in the BIOS, which are very complex and potentially unstable. I think dynamically limiting the maximum frequency is the ideal solution, so I'd like to use XTU as described above to protect my CPU from high voltage.

The process of reproducing the problem is simple.

1. Open XTU's Advanced View, Find the Processor Cache Ratio option. (As shown in the figure, the processor cache ratio is 50x by default, and the first line chart on the left side of the figure is the processor cache ratio, which is dynamically changing and has a maximum value of 5000MHz)

2. Set the Processor Cache Ratio arbitrarily within a reasonable range, and then confirm. (In the figure, I set 46x, and after setting the Processor Cache Ratio of the first line chart on the left side of the figure, the Processor Cache Ratio is fixed at 4600MHZ, instead of changing dynamically as before. On the right side of the line chart is the new data)

This is the situation I encountered, after modifying the Processor Cache Ratio and determining it, the actual Processor Cache Ratio of the cpu will be fixed and will be restored after restarting the computer.

In addition, I don't plan to update the BIOS, my CPU voltage is not high, I set the maximum voltage of 5400MHz frequency is lower than 1.300V, in addition, I also set up a power consumption wall, a temperature wall, a current wall, etc., to ensure CPU security while the performance loss is small. But if the above issues are solved, then I will do better.

Best regards,

NekoMimi.