Thermal Throttling vs Power Limit Throttling: Understanding the Differences

Have you ever been in the middle of a high-intensity gaming session or dealing with a hefty workload, only to have your computer slow down or even freeze up?

It can be more than frustrating; it can hinder your productivity or give your opponents an edge in a critical gaming moment. In many instances, these issues are likely due to either thermal throttling or power limit throttling.

These two terms might sound a bit daunting but don’t worry; we’re here to decode them for you.

Imagine if you could understand why your computer is slowing down and how to prevent it from happening in the future.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the differences between thermal throttling and power limit throttling, and how they impact your computer’s performance.

We’ll help you understand the ins and outs of these occurrences, allowing you to ensure your PC’s longevity and reliability.

Thermal Throttling vs Power Limit Throttling (Short Answer)

Thermal Throttling and Power Limit Throttling are two safety measures implemented in a CPU to prevent damage. Thermal Throttling occurs when the CPU’s core temperature exceeds a set limit, causing a reduction in power and, consequently, a decrease in temperature to prevent overheating. On the other hand, Power Limit Throttling maintains CPU speed within its rated Thermal Design Power (TDP) to prevent the system from using excessive power. While thermal throttling is temperature-based, power limit throttling is power-consumption based. Both serve to optimise CPU performance and longevity.

Related: Understanding the Mechanisms of Thermal Throttling

What is Thermal Throttling?

Thermal throttling is essentially the CPU’s safety feature to prevent permanent damage due to overheating.

It happens when a core exceeds the set throttle temperature, leading the CPU to reduce power and, in turn, cool down the temperature.

Now, isn’t that impressive?

A self-preservation technique right there in your machine!

Causes of Thermal Throttling

CPU throttling kicks into action due to excessive heat, usually around 90 degrees Celsius or 194 degrees Fahrenheit.

This could be a result of various factors like intense workloads, inadequate cooling systems, or even incorrect assembly.

Consequences and Solutions to Thermal Throttling

On the downside, thermal throttling reduces the CPU speed, which impacts performance. It’s like driving a sports car in a school zone; you simply can’t exploit its full potential.

But worry not; there’s a potential solution – undervolting. By generating less heat, undervolting can often prevent thermal throttling.

It’s akin to fuel-efficient driving – the less you rev your engine, the less heat it produces!

What is Power Limit Throttling?

Now, moving on to the next suspect – power limit throttling. This mechanism keeps the CPU speed in check to its rated TDP (Thermal Design Power).

It’s like a leash on your CPU, ensuring it doesn’t go too wild with power and keeps itself within safety limits.

Causes of Power Limit Throttling

Power limit throttling occurs when the power limit of the processor is set too low, the processor core IccMax is set too low in the Intel XTU, or the VR (voltage regulator) current limit is set too low in BIOS. Sometimes, an inadequate cooling system can also trigger it.

Related: Is Power Limit Throttling Bad?

Consequences and Solutions to Power Limit Throttling

While power limit throttling is a preventive measure to safeguard your PC from any further harm, it can limit your CPU’s performance.

It’s like having a powerful beast of a car but being restricted to a strict speed limit.

However, it’s crucial to remember that TDP is a measure of heat generated by the CPU and should not be used as a value for power throttling.

If you set the power limit too low, you’re essentially cutting off any turbo power the CPU can use.

Comparison between Thermal and Power Limit Throttling

Thermal throttling and power limit throttling both act as protective mechanisms for your CPU.

While thermal throttling reduces CPU speed due to excessive heat, power limit throttling limits the CPU speed to its rated TDP, it’s not as simple as one type of throttling being more extreme than the other, as each depends on different conditions and settings.

Identifying and Managing Throttling Events

How to Identify Thermal Throttling?

Detecting thermal throttling requires observing the behaviour of your PC and using some diagnostic tools. Unexpected slowdowns, especially during heavy workloads, might be a telltale sign.

More definitively, you can use hardware monitoring tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp.

These show your CPU’s temperature in real-time, allowing you to see if it’s reaching the thermal throttling point.

How to Identify Power Limit Throttling?

Identifying power limit throttling can be a bit trickier as it involves monitoring power consumption, which might not always be directly observable.

Certain tools like Intel’s Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) or ThrottleStop can be used to monitor power consumption and help identify if power limit throttling is happening.

Managing Throttling Events

If you’re frequently facing throttling issues, it might be time to take action. For thermal throttling, ensure your PC’s cooling system is working efficiently.

This might involve cleaning dust from fans, replacing the thermal paste, or even investing in a more powerful cooling solution.

For power limit throttling, consider whether your power supply unit (PSU) is adequate for your system. If the PSU can’t provide enough power, the system might throttle performance to match the power available.

Alternatively, adjusting power settings in the BIOS or using software like XTU to increase power limits can also help, though this should be done with caution.

Understanding and managing throttling can be a complex task, but it’s certainly achievable with the right knowledge and tools.

By staying informed and vigilant, you can ensure your PC runs at its best.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, thermal throttling and power limit throttling are key mechanisms that ensure your CPU remains within safe operational limits.

While both throttle the CPU’s performance, they do so under different conditions and for different reasons.

Thermal throttling kicks in when the CPU’s core temperature goes beyond the set threshold, reducing power to bring the temperature back down.

On the other hand, power limit throttling happens when the CPU’s power consumption threatens to surpass its rated TDP, maintaining power usage within safe boundaries.

Understanding the balance between these two mechanisms can greatly help in maintaining your PC’s health and performance.

And remember, if you need any help with managing these or any other tech-related issues, our expert team at 76 Services is just a call or email away.

We hope you found this article useful and look forward to helping you in the future.

FAQs

What are the impacts of prolonged Thermal and Power Limit Throttling on CPU life?

Prolonged Thermal and Power Limit Throttling can indicate that your CPU is frequently under stress. Over time, this could potentially shorten the lifespan of your CPU and affect overall system performance.

Can software updates affect CPU throttling?

Yes, software updates, particularly BIOS updates, can affect CPU throttling. Some updates might include changes to how the system manages power and temperature, which could influence both Thermal and Power Limit Throttling.

Is there a difference in CPU performance after Thermal or Power Limit Throttling has occurred?

Yes, throttling does temporarily reduce CPU performance to bring temperature or power consumption within safe limits. Once conditions normalise, the CPU should return to its normal performance level, unless the system is still under heavy load.

Are certain CPUs more prone to Thermal or Power Limit Throttling?

Throttling can occur with any CPU, but the likelihood can increase depending on the CPU’s design and usage scenario. High-performance CPUs that generate more heat might experience Thermal Throttling more often, particularly in systems with inadequate cooling. Similarly, CPUs in systems with low power availability might experience Power Limit Throttling more frequently.

Additional Reading

Thermal Throttling in Mobile Devices: Causes and Solutions

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