Should You Set The Maximum Processor State To 99 Or 100?

The Maximum Processor State is ready to 100% by default. Lowering it to 99% disables increase mode in your CPU (i.e. at peak load, the CPU will run on the base clock as an alternative of the increase clock).

On laptops, setting it to 99% can considerably decrease the CPU temperature.

On desktops, there are nearly at all times higher methods to handle excessive temps. Throttling the CPU frequency with this setting isn’t one of the best method.

Even on laptops, is that this protected although? Will reducing the max processor state hurt your CPU in the long term? This article will reply all such queries.

What is Maximum Processor State

Windows makes use of varied energy efficiency states (ACPI P-states) to find out the CPU frequency and voltage. The Maximum Processor State setting enables you to set the lively P-state.

Lowering it lets you change to a unique P-state with a decrease cap on the max CPU frequency. Lower clock velocity means much less voltage required, which suggests decrease temperatures, and so forth.

Look at these two examples to grasp this higher:

At 100%, these CPUs are free to make use of as a lot voltage as wanted to achieve the max increase clock. 

But at 99%, a unique P-state is activated, which limits the CPUs to the bottom clock solely. This ends in a 1 GHz and 0.8 GHz drop in peak clock velocity within the above examples.

If you wish to go even decrease, issues get somewhat more sophisticated.

Windows helps as much as 100 totally different P-states, however the actual quantity varies in keeping with the CPU mannequin.

Let’s say you wish to set a good decrease cap on the CPU clock velocity. Your first thought would in all probability be to lower the max processor state from 99% to 98%, 95%, or one thing related.

As CPUs have various numbers of P-states, going from 99% to 95% isn’t assured to activate a unique P-state. Sometimes it might work, different occasions you might have to go a lot decrease.

You’ll have to observe the CPU clock velocity whereas altering this setting to establish the precise ranges in your system.

Is It Safe to Set the Maximum Processor State to 99%

Yes, it’s protected to do that. Lowering the utmost processor state will not hurt your CPU in any manner.

When overclocking, excessive voltages and temps are what lower CPU lifespan in the long run. We’re doing the alternative right here. 

At 99%, the max clock velocity is massively diminished (thus much less voltage required and decrease temps). You might even count on the CPU to last more than common when you do that.

Keep in thoughts that whereas that is protected, it does come at the price of efficiency. So, let’s speak about whether or not doing that is price it.

Reasons to Lower the Max Processor State

The foremost benefit of a decrease max processor state is decrease temperatures.

As laptops have restricted cooling, their CPUs are designed to face up to greater temperatures (100°C+). So, you needn’t fear that your laptop computer is working at excessive temps.

But lifespan isn’t the one concern. Fan noise and warmth by itself is also an issue for some individuals. 

In that case, it is smart to attempt to cut back the temps. Lowering the max processor state is one in every of some ways to do this.

Keep in thoughts I’m solely speaking about laptops right here. Lowering it isn’t one of the best resolution for desktops, and I’ll clarify why.

Why You Shouldn’t Change the Max Processor State

As defined within the instance earlier, reducing the max processor state massively throttles the max frequency.

Depending on the duty you’re performing, this may trigger a small or massive lower in efficiency. 

For instance, you may even see a big FPS drop in CPU-intensive video games as a result of the CPU’s processing functionality is way decrease now.

Desktops have so many simple and efficient methods to decrease the CPU temperature with out setting a clock velocity cap:

Verdict – Set the Max Processor State to 99% or 100%

Max Processor State at 99% or decrease trades off max clock velocity for temperature enhancements. So, the principle query to ask your self is – are you happy with the diminished efficiency?

If the reply is sure, be happy to set it to 99% on laptops.

On desktops, I might encourage you to attempt the alternate options talked about above first. Simply attempt those relevant and sensible for you. After that’s performed, you may cut back the max processor state if that’s nonetheless wanted.