Intel Turbo Boost VS Overclocking?

redblade8 · 09 Jun 2010

- I am wondering, is Intel Turbo Boost just overclocking your CPU ( while keeping it in normal conditions) when it needs a boost?

Lets say there was a program that you could install that overclocked your cpu when it needs a boost for processors that did not come with Turbo Boost in the first place ( lets say the new core i3 ) and then your cpu overclocks when it needs to...( and keep in normal conditions...)

- would that be the same as actually having a core i3 that came with turbo boost?

just wondering...

whs · 09 Jun 2010

In one simple word it is a dynamic overclocking rather than a static overclocking. But here is more that explains it: Increasing Performance with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology

Fumz · 09 Jun 2010

I think you're misunderstanding what Turbo Boost is?
Processors — Intel® Turbo Boost Technology frequently asked questions

Basically, if, for example, you have an i5, which defaults to 2.67GHz, and you run an application that does not use all 4 cores, but instead just one core, Turbo Boost will kick in and the one core the application uses will run at 3.2GHz. If you have an application that uses two cores, each core will run at 2.8GHz - 3.2GHz, dependent on demand. If you have an application that uses all four cores, then they will all run at the default 2.6GHz.

This is separate from overclocking, and if you overclock you need to pay special attention, because Turbo Boost, if not disabled, will still apply in 133MHz increments.

Generally speaking, if you're going to overclock your Lynnfield, then you would want to disable Turbo Boost. 3 Step Guide To Overclock Your Core i3, i5, or i7 – Updated! | Overclockers

However, I prefer to keep it, and the other power saving features of this chip, and instead, I go as high as I can while still maintaining stability and low volts.

Platform And Results Without A Voltage Increase : Overclocked On Air: Intel's Core i5-750

Efficiency Explored: What's The Perfect Clock Rate For Your Core i5? : Hunting Down The Perfect Clock Speed For Core i5

redblade8 · 09 Jun 2010

Hmm...I was hoping someone could answer my question since I am hopeless and have already been there =P
( and am not sure what dynamic vs static overclocking is..? Dynamic is flexible and can change and static would be overclocking all the time...is that right..? )
lol thanks anyways
But does intel turbo boost just overclock the CPU when it needs to? Is that all it is? ( which really you could just create a program for doing that...so I am unsure why the core i3 doesn't come with turbo boost...)
edit: I was replying when only whs's post was there =P
'this is separate from overclocking' OK so a program that overclocks your CPU when it needs to VS Intel's turbo boost, what is the difference there..?

blackroseMD1 · 09 Jun 2010

I was using Turbo Boost for a while, but I much prefer static OCing through the BIOS to using a program. I ended up just disabling it and OCing in the BIOS instead.

As was mentioned above...if you are going to OC in the BIOS, then disable Turbo Boost, as it will still overclock your processor, even after you have already OC'd it.

redblade8 · 09 Jun 2010

KK, so in your opinion, a processor missing the intel turbo boost doesn't really matter because OC'ing is better? ( but it could also destroy your system if you use it wrong...right..?)

blackroseMD1 · 09 Jun 2010

redblade8 said:

KK, so in your opinion, a processor missing the intel turbo boost doesn't really matter because OC'ing is better? ( but it could also destroy your system if you use it wrong...right..?)

Yeah, in my opinion, it's better to OC rather than use Turbo Boost. However, you are correct, you can damage your hardware if you overdo it. If you are going to OC, I would recommend getting a decent aftermarket CPU cooler before you go at it.

Fumz · 09 Jun 2010

redblade8 said:

Hmm...I was hoping someone could answer my question since I am hopeless and have already been there =P
( and am not sure what dynamic vs static overclocking is..? Dynamic is flexible and can change and static would be overclocking all the time...is that right..? )
lol thanks anyways
But does intel turbo boost just overclock the CPU when it needs to? Is that all it is? ( which really you could just create a program for doing that...so I am unsure why the core i3 doesn't come with turbo boost...)
edit: I was replying when only whs's post was there =P
'this is separate from overclocking' OK so a program that overclocks your CPU when it needs to VS Intel's turbo boost, what is the difference there..?

There's no need to "create a program" to overclock a Lynnfield cpu because Turbo Boost does that for you already. You would end up damaging your cpu if you don't first disable Turbo Boost.

Turbo Boost is dynamic; read my post above.

It's always ill-advised to use software to overclock. If you're going to do it, do it right; do it in the bios. If you're at all unsure of what to do, I linked a few overclocking guides that will answer all of your questions.

Good luck! :)

As blackrose pointed out, he prefers a static oc; myself, I prefer to keep the power saving features. There are pluses and minuses to each, and in the end, only you can determine what's best for you. Try them both out, see which method you prefer.

redblade8 · 09 Jun 2010

I am considering on buying this laptop Gateway 15.6" Intel Core i3-330M 2.13GHz Laptop (NV5909H) - Black - Future Shop
( for gaming ) it is resonably priced, and comes with a core i3 , is it possible to OC it to a low end core i5 at all?
Or even close to a low end i7 jk...lol
how good would you say it is for gaming..? ( sorry this is off-topic...it was why I was wondering about overclocking and turbo boost and such to see if I was missing any performance at not having a core i5...and having a core i3 processor)

blackroseMD1 · 09 Jun 2010

redblade8 said:

I am considering on buying this laptop Gateway 15.6" Intel Core i3-330M 2.13GHz Laptop (NV5909H) - Black - Future Shop
( for gaming ) it is resonably priced, and comes with a core i3 , is it possible to OC it to a low end core i5 at all?
Or even close to a low end i7 jk...lol
how good would you say it is for gaming..? ( sorry this is off-topic...it was why I was wondering about overclocking and turbo boost and such to see if I was missing any performance at not having a core i5...and having a core i3 processor)

Hmm...honestly, I doubt you are going to be able to OC that chip very well. I'm betting that the clock and multiplier are locked in the BIOS.