Power Limits – Do You Need To Change Them?

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Uzair Qureshi

At Tech4Gamers, I proudly wear the title of Comparisons Specialist. Focused on CPUs and GPUs, I bring forth a wealth of hands-on experience and a keen eye for detail to provide our audience with the latest insights and analyses.

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Power limits are crucial but often misunderstood concepts. They are essential, especially regarding CPUs and GPUs and how to optimize them. Let’s dig deeper and learn more about power limit concepts like PL1 and PL2.

Key Takeaways

• Power limits are the cap on the maximum power a computer hardware is allowed to draw from the power supply.
• PL1 and PL2 are two power limits in a component. PL1 is consistent, and PL2 is a short-term limit.
• You can increase or decrease the power limits in CPUs and GPUs according to your requirements and needs.

What Is A Power Limit In A CPU or GPU?

Power limits are the maximum amount of power PC components like CPU and GPU are allowed to draw from a power supply.^[1]

Manufacturers set these limits so that the power will not exceed the capabilities of a PSU. Higher power limits can allow higher clock speeds, while lower power limits reduce power consumption.

What Is PL1 and PL2?

Modern Intel processors have two power limits: PL1 and PL2.^[2] Both limits work together which is as follows:

• PL1(Power Limit 1): This is the maximum power the component can continuously draw over an extended period.
• PL2(Power Limit 2): This is the short-term power draw burst by the component that can briefly exceed PL under heavy loads.

Do I Need To Change Power Limits?

The company’s default power limits are sufficient for casual users. However, if you have the following scenarios, you need to change the power limits. ^[3] 

• Increased PL: If you’re considering overclocking, you might need to increase the power limit to achieve a higher clock speed. Also, increasing the power limit is a good idea if you’re facing thermal throttling.
• Decreased PL: If you’re planning to undervolt the system to reduce power consumption and heat generation, you might need to lower the power limits, especially in laptops or small form-factor PCs.

Remember, changing power limits can void the warranty and cause severe issues if done improperly. 

How To Optimize Performance Using Power Limits?

Adjusting the power limits is just one aspect of optimizing performance. You must also monitor the temperature and power draw closely and ensure the limits are safe. ^[4]

You can change the power limits by accessing the BIOS and adjusting the PL1 and PL2 accordingly. However, if you’re pushing the boundaries, you must have adequate cooling. Minor changes, as well as testing the stability of the system while tuning the power limits, are also important.

Helpful Resources by Tech4Gamers:

• CPU Temperature
• Liquid Cooling
• PSU Voltage Ripple

References:

Uzair Qureshi

[Comparisons Specialist]

I’m a passionate computer hardware expert specializing in CPUs and GPUs. With a lifelong curiosity for hardware and extensive hands-on experience, I provide valuable insights, practical advice, and in-depth analysis on these components. Engaging with the hardware community, I exchange knowledge and stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

Get In Touch: uzair@tech4gamers.com