Overview

The video explains the concept and process of undervolting laptop CPUs to reduce heat, increase performance consistency, and prolong battery life, using practical examples and detailed guidance for beginners.

Challenges with Powerful Laptops

High-performance, thin laptops often struggle with cooling, leading to thermal throttling and reduced performance under load.
Throttling mainly affects demanding tasks like video exporting, rendering, or gaming, causing noticeable slowdowns.

Introduction to Undervolting

Undervolting reduces the voltage supplied to the CPU, decreasing heat output and allowing sustained higher performance.
The process is considered low risk compared to overclocking; the most common issue is a crash, which is easily reversible.
Potential benefits include lower temperatures, quieter fans, longer battery life, and up to 15% performance improvement.

How to Undervolt Using Intel XTU

Install Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) if your processor is compatible.
Run a 30-minute stress test to establish a baseline for CPU temperatures and average clock speeds.
Set the core voltage offset to a small negative value (e.g., -0.05V), apply, and repeat the stress test.
Gradually increase the negative offset in 10mV increments, testing stability each time, until instability occurs; revert to the last stable value.
A typical safe undervolt is around -0.1V to -0.14V.
Run extended stress tests to confirm stability at the final settings.

How to Undervolt Using ThrottleStop

Use ThrottleStop for CPUs incompatible with XTU.
Start with a baseline stress test using Prime95.
Adjust the FIVR ("voltage regulator") settings, applying -50mV offsets to both core and cache voltages.
Save changes, stress test again, and continue lowering voltage in small steps if stable.
For simplicity, set a -100mV offset for an immediate, modest improvement without fine-tuning.

Real-World Results and Benchmarks

Gigabyte Aero 15: -0.145V undervolt reduced stress test temps by 6°C, improved Cinebench and Geekbench scores significantly.
Dell XPS 15 i9: Similar undervolt settings brought noticeable temperature and performance gains.
Razer Blade 15 Advanced: Achieved 12% higher clock speeds, 3°C lower temps, and 14% higher Cinebench scores.
Huawei MateBook X Pro (2019): -0.135V undervolt improved performance consistency and dropped temps by 5°C.

Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Undervolting is safe, free, and potentially very rewarding for users experiencing thermal throttling or performance drops in their laptops.
Everyone with a powerful laptop should consider undervolting for more stable performance and cooler operation.
Users are encouraged to share their results and undervolt levels in the comments.

Action Items

TBD – Viewers: Try undervolting your laptop CPU following the described steps and share your experiences in the video comments.

Certainly! Here's a detailed step-by-step guide on how to undervolt your Asus ROG laptop CPU using ThrottleStop, based on the process described:

How to Undervolt Your Asus ROG Laptop CPU Using ThrottleStop

Important Note:

Undervolting is generally safe but involves tweaking CPU voltage settings. Always proceed carefully.
Make sure to save your work before testing as crashes can happen.
This guide assumes your Asus ROG laptop has an Intel CPU compatible with ThrottleStop.

Step 1: Download and Install ThrottleStop

Download ThrottleStop from a trusted source (e.g., TechPowerUp).
Extract and run the ThrottleStop executable (no installation needed).
Run ThrottleStop as Administrator for full access.

Step 2: Establish Baseline Performance

Before undervolting, you want to know your CPU's current temperature and clock speeds under load.
Use a stress test tool like Prime95 or IntelBurnTest.
Run the stress test for about 30 minutes while monitoring temperatures and clock speeds.
You can monitor CPU temps and clocks using ThrottleStop itself or a tool like HWMonitor.

Step 3: Open ThrottleStop and Access Voltage Settings

In ThrottleStop, click the FIVR button (this opens the voltage regulator settings).
Check the box to Unlock Adjustable Voltage if it’s locked.

Step 4: Apply Initial Undervolt

Set the CPU Core Voltage Offset to -50 millivolts (-50 mV).
Also set the CPU Cache Voltage Offset to -50 millivolts (-50 mV).
Click Save Voltage Immediately and then OK to apply.

Step 5: Test Stability

Run your stress test again for about 30 minutes.
Monitor for any crashes, freezes, or blue screens.
If stable, proceed to the next step.
If unstable, revert to the previous stable voltage offset or reduce the undervolt magnitude.

Step 6: Gradually Increase Undervolt

If stable at -50 mV, try lowering the voltage further in increments of -10 mV (e.g., -60 mV, -70 mV, etc.).
After each change, save and run the stress test again.
Continue until you experience instability.
When instability occurs, revert to the last stable undervolt setting.

Step 7: Final Stability Test

Once you find the maximum stable undervolt, run a longer stress test (1-2 hours) to confirm stability.
Monitor temperatures and clock speeds to ensure consistent performance.

Step 8: Save and Apply on Startup (Optional)

In ThrottleStop, you can configure it to start with Windows and apply your undervolt automatically.
Check the Save box and use the Options menu to enable Start Minimized and Start with Windows if desired.

Additional Tips:

If you want a quick and safe undervolt without fine-tuning, setting both core and cache offsets to -100 mV is often stable and provides good benefits.
Undervolting reduces CPU temperature, which can reduce throttling and improve sustained performance.
Keep an eye on your laptop’s temperatures and performance after undervolting to ensure everything runs smoothly.

If you want, I can also help you with a summary or troubleshooting tips for ThrottleStop undervolting! Just let me know.

Laptop CPU Undervolting Guide