Some of you might know that some RTX30 models have lower/higher TGP GPU, some models have/don't have MUX switch etc, but do you know these as well? (Spoiler: You'll be confused)
1. Dynamic Boost 2.0 in some models depends on total CPU+GPU power
Usually how DB 2.0 works in most RTX30 laptops is, when the CPU power drops below a certain set limit (will be different in every laptop), GPU power will increase - up to 15W for Max-P and 20W for Max-Q (wait, Max-Q still exists? Will talk about that later). However, in some models, DB 2.0 depends on total CPU+GPU power.
What does this means? Take Clevo NH58 (Intel 10th gen+3060 config) as example (or Gigabyte G5, if you're more familiar), it's designed to handle 45W+90W (CPU+GPU, total 135W). However, when set in Performance mode in Control Center, total CPU+GPU power will become 55W+80W. GPU power is dropped in order to keep within the total 135W power. What will happen when CPU is pulled over 55W due to heavy load? GPU power will drop to it's designed base power level, which is 75W. In some CPU heavy games, this might hurt the overall performance/FPS.
To clear things up, I'll give a normal example on how DB 2.0 works in most laptops. Take Legion 5 Pro (5800H+3070) for example, when CPU+GPU are 100% loaded, initially CPU power will be around 70-75W, but at the same time GPU will still maintain 125W (DB 2.0 not active) - 75W+125W. Notice how CPU power doesn't drop GPU power. After STAPM limit kicked in, total system power become 45W+125W.
In some models, when DB 2.0 is active, CPU power will drop to a level where clock speed isn't ideal anymore in gaming. One of the example, Asus Zephyrus G15 (GA503), the total CPU+GPU configured power is 35W+80W. When DB 2.0 is active (+20W to GPU), CPU power is dropped to only 15W. This might cause stuttering in many games due to low CPU clock speed, making gameplay not smooth. My suggestion would be turning off DB 2.0, but GPU won't boost to higher power level anymore.
2. Some RTX30 laptops are without DB 2.0
Some of the examples are Predator Helios 300 2021, Omen 15 2021 (15-ek, 15-en) etc. These laptops have the same issue as the Clevo laptop above where when CPU power is high, GPU power will drop in order to keep inside the configured total CPU+GPU power limit. Eg in Helios 300 2021, where total CPU+GPU power is set to 45W+100W, when CPU power exceeds 45W, GPU power will drop: 65W+80W for example.
3. Not all laptops have 15W or 20W boost even with DB 2.0
One of the example would be Asus TUF FA506. In 3070MQ model, the boost is only 5W (from 90W to 95W). Another example: Alienware m15 R5 / m17 R5, the GPU only has 10W boost (from 115W to 125W).
4. Max-Q still exist
Yes they are. Nvidia hide them by putting 'Laptop GPU' name in every RTX30 laptops. How to identify it's a Max-Q, you might ask?
3060: 60-75W (base TGP, before DB 2.0), anything below 80W base TGP
3070: 80-110W (base TGP, before DB 2.0), anything below 115W base TGP
3080: 80-110W (base TGP, before DB 2.0), anything below 115W base TGP
The main difference in Max-Q GPUs is they have lower memory bandwidth, 12Gbps vs 14Gbps. In GPU-Z you'll see memory speed is 1500MHz instead of 1750MHz. There's no Max-Q in 3050 and 3050Ti from what I know so far.
5. RAM
It would be long to explain the technical details so I'll just make it simple. When you're buying a gaming laptop with 16GB RAM (x2 8GB), usually there are 2 types of RAM: 1Rx8 (4BG=4 bank group) or 1Rx16 (2BG). 1Rx8 sticks will have slightly higher memory performance compared to 1Rx16. Based on various reviews and benchmarks, the performance increase from 1Rx16 to 1Rx8 can be up to 20% in esports titles, up to 10% in other games.
Unfortunately, 1Rx8 8GB sticks are getting rarer due to supply and cost. Most laptop manufacturers will install x2 1Rx16 8GB sticks in 16GB RAM equipped gaming laptop.
A 16GB stick would be 100% 4BG. So if you're shopping for a new RTX30 gaming laptop, try to get those with 32GB RAM (x2 16GB) if your budget allows. Or a cheaper route, you can swap the stock 1Rx16 sticks to 1Rx8 sticks. Take note that this is less of an issue in QHD/UHD gaming, since it's more GPU bound. In this case, the RAM differences can be ignored.
Based on early information, this improvement applies to TGL-H as well, not just Ryzen 5000 H. However, it affects Ryzen 5000 H more.
This is my own guide on how to undervolt Intel CPU / Nvidia GPU in your laptops. Hope you found it useful! Notes: This is my own method on how to do it. There are a lot of ways to undervolt CPU+GPU, but this is how I usually undervolt with all the laptops I had reviewed and with my own laptop I will try my best to make the explanation clear and will be using the undervolt profiles in my laptop as example As mentioned in the title, this guide is for those with Intel CPU (4th gen or later) or Nvidia GPU (10 series or later) or both only. Some laptops have BIOS version with Plundervolt patch that locks CPU voltage control, so take note You might brick your 10th/11th gen Intel laptop if you undervolted too much even with software like Throttlestop, I will not be responsible if something catastrophic happens To TGL-45 laptop owners: Only i7 and i9 has unlocked CPU voltage control, even so the laptop model itself might not allow you to undervolt the CPU. Check your laptop model first
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