


While this may seem like an easy way to boost performance, it makes it hard to standardize the TDP and compare the efficiency/power draw across different systems. In most cases, your CPU will run at the maximum Turbo Boost clock (PL2 power state) for infinity or as long as the thermals allow it (while ignoring the Tau time limit).
WHAT IS TURBO BOOST FOR PROCESSOR SERIES
Therefore, if you’re running a high-end K series processor on a Z490 motherboard, chances are that it won’t adhere to the Intel recommended values of PL2 and Tau. For example, the Core i9-9900K has a PL2 value of 119W, but most OEMs set it as high as 160 or 180W while making Tau infinite. As such, most high-end Z series motherboards have a PL2, and Tau values much higher than the ones prescribed by Intel.
WHAT IS TURBO BOOST FOR PROCESSOR FREE
However, for better or for worse, Intel doesn’t enforce the PL2 and Tau values, and motherboard vendors are free to set them as they choose in the firmware. After that, it’d return to PL2 power limits and repeat the above-explained behavior. This would continue till the intensive workload is completed and the CPU returns to idle. Under standard conditions, the processor would adhere to the PL2 power state and the accompanying boost frequency for a duration “Tau”, usually 56 seconds, and then return to PL1 (stock), thereby reducing the clock speed to the base frequency. Intel Core i7-10700 Draws More Power than the 10700K Under Load Despite Lower TDP Rating.In such a scenario, the power draw will quickly soar up to the PL2 limit and the processor will reduce the all-core frequency to keep the power draw in check. However, when you’re running a more intensive multi-threaded application, say Cinebench or 7-zip, all your CPU cores will kick into action. In most single to quad-threaded applications, the CPU power draw will stay under PL2 despite reaching the maximum Turbo Boost frequency. Depending upon the load, your processor will engage one or more cores and boost to the rated Turbo Frequency. When you first boot your PC, the CPU power limits will be set to PL2, much higher than the spec PL1 limits. Then there’s Tau which determines how long will your chip stay at the boosted “PL2” state. This power state or profile is called PL2 (Power Level 2) while the stock (marketed) power state is called PL1. When the CPUs boost to higher “Turbo Frequencies”, the power draw increases considerably. The spec TDP of Intel CPUs pertains to the power draw at stock frequencies. Intel 11th Gen Rocket Lake-S PL1, PL2 Power Draw Explained: Turbo Boost, Thermal Velocity Boost, and Adaptive Boostįor starters, you should know that this isn’t an anomaly or malfunction.So why do Intel’s high-end processors draw so much power and what exactly is the power management profile of these chips like? The 10th Gen processors take it to another level, with the Core i9-10900K drawing as much as 260W under load while the Core i7-10700K can go as high as 229W. While the marketed TDP is usually around 95-125W, under load, most high-end chips consume as much as 225W. That’s doubly true for Intel’s 10th Gen CPUs.

One of the hardest things to determine about a processor is its load power consumption.
