There are times when technology backfires and does the opposite of its purposes. Does your PC suddenly seem slower than it should? CPU throttling can be responsible for this issue. But if you turn it off, your CPU can overheat.
That’s why understanding CPU throttling is critical for all PC users.
In this article, we will explore all about CPU throttling, how it works, and why it’s essential for your computer’s performance and lifespan.
So without further ado, let’s jump in.
What Does CPU Throttling Mean?
CPU throttling is a technique that adjusts the clock speed of the CPU. This technique is also known as dynamic frequency scaling. This mechanism reduces your PC’s clock speed when possible to save your PC’s battery. Manufacturers usually implement this technology on laptops.
Typically, the CPU throttling technology saves energy consumption, reduces heat production, and guards against hardware damage.
Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a casual user, or a professional in the IT industry, you need to know the basics of CPU Throttling. Otherwise, you can’t use your PC’s full potential.
In this part, I’ll show you the outcomes of CPU throttling. It will help you to understand your PC’s mechanism better.
Here are some outcomes of CPU throttling:
- CPU throttling reduces your overall performance by limiting the processing speed of the CPU.
- Applications and tasks will take a long time to complete, and your system becomes less responsive.
- The technology will flow less power to the CPU, which will extend the battery life and reduce energy costs.
- This mechanism reduces the CPU heat by limiting its full potential.
- Your CPU fan will run slowly with no sound.
Simply put, CPU throttling is similar to how you control a motorcycle’s speed.
Is CPU Throttling the Same as CPU Thermal Throttling?
Along with CPU Throttling, you will hear another term, Thermal Throttling. But these two are entirely different concepts. Thermal throttling happens when the temperature in the system reaches above TJ Max, but CPU throttling happens when it’s possible to use less energy.
Usually, thermal throttling happens when your processor temperature exceeds the safety threshold. It works as a safety measure for your CPU.
Though sometimes the outcomes of both throttling are the same, the core purposes and concept is different. This portion will show you the core difference between CPU and Thermal throttling. It will help you to understand the concepts better.
Follow this table to know the differences between CPU throttling and thermal throttling:
| Participles | CPU Throttling | Thermal Throttling |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To conserve your PC’s battery life or | To prevent overheating, and damage to the hardware. |
| Trigger point | Automatically turned on by the system for high power usage. You can also turn it on manually. | Automatically turned on in your CPU for high-temperature. |
| CPU performance | Slows down the CPU. | Slows down the CPU. |
| Hardware lifespan | Increases your Processor shelf life. | Increases your CPUs shelf life. |
| Power consumption | Reduce Power uses. | Reduce Power uses. |
| Implemented Hardware | Laptops. | Both Laptops and Desktops. |
As you can see, the outcome of both is quite similar, but the trigger points and purposes are quite different. CPU throttling mechanism increases your battery life. On the other hand, thermal throttling protects your CPU from heat damage.
Additionally, there’s another CPU throttling called power limit throttling. Check out the embedded article to know all about it.
Is CPU Throttling Bad for Your PC?
Well, the answer is no. Like every other safety feature, CPU throttling limits your hardware’s capabilities to run them at a safe limit. It’s like the speed limit on a highway. Your bike can go beyond that limit, but it’s safer to run within the speed limit.
I know it can be frustrating since CPU Throttling reduces the speed of your device, but manufacturers implemented this feature for your PC’s betterment.
However, if your CPU throttles too much from time to time, something may be wrong with your device. It can happen if the CPU fan doesn’t work properly or when some virus increases CPU usage.
In that situation, you should check your device thoroughly.
How to Check CPU Throttling in Your Device
You can easily check if your CPU is throttling or not using the Resource Monitor of your PC. Just open the application, and follow the step-by-step guide below.
Apply the steps to check CPU throttling in your device:
- Right-click on the taskbar and open Task Manager.
- Navigate to Performance and select Open Resource Monitor.
- Use your system normally for some time.
The Maximum Frequency value (blue writing) shows the current CPU power consumption. If that value doesn’t go above a certain point, you are facing CPU Throttling.
If the CPU throttling bothers you much, you should disable it. Check out our detailed guide on how to use maximum CPU power to get rid of throttling issues.
Also, follow the steps below to disable CPU throttling.
Here are the steps to disable CPU throttling:
- Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Select Change Plan Settings.
- Navigate to Change Advanced Power Settings > Processor Power Management.
- Set Minimum and Maximum Processor State to 100%.
- Tap the Ok option.
After completing the steps, your CPU will run at its full potential. And CPU throttling won’t bother you again. Furthermore, make sure you’ve enabled all CPU cores on your Windows PC.
FAQs
Can throttling damage the CPU?
No, on the contrary, it prevents your CPU from damage. CPU throttling prevents your System from overheating, which expands your PC’s shelf life.
Should I turn off CPU throttling?
No, you shouldn’t turn off CPU throttling because disabling CPU throttling could cause CPU overheating issues, which can damage your hardware at some point.
What happens when CPU throttling?
When CPU throttling is activated, it reduces the clock speed, lowers power consumption, and decreases heat emission. This technology helps you to protect your CPU from damage.
Conclusion
In PC hardware, nothing is more frustrating than wasted efficiency, especially when you can solve it quickly. CPU throttling is a kind of technology that can easily make your life hard instead of easy if you don’t know how it works. Most users don’t even notice when their CPU is throttling.
After reading the article, I’m sure you know the ins and outs of CPU throttling. Comment if you need any additional information. Peace!
