Understanding the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility Benchmark Marks: What You Need to Know

When it comes to benchmarking Intel's 8th gen CPUs, there are several factors that can impact the results. One key consideration is package power limits, which can be set by manufacturers to control the maximum amount of power consumed by the CPU. Acer, for example, has chosen not to remove the stock power limits on their 8th gen CPUs, unlike some other brands that may cap the power limit in favor of temperature management.

To understand the impact of package power limits on benchmarking results, it's helpful to use a tool like Rivatuner to display your clock speeds while gaming. This can give you a better idea of what your CPU is doing under different loads and help you confirm whether or not the stock power limit is having an effect on performance.

It's worth noting that package power limits are not necessarily a concern when it comes to actual game play. Games often have multiple tasks running simultaneously, which can cause the CPU to consume more power than necessary. In a benchmarking scenario, however, the CPU is typically given a single task to perform over a period of time, which can lead to reduced power consumption and lower clock speeds.

The Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) takes this into account by reducing the package power limit timer when running a benchmark. This means that the CPU's power limit will be lowered from 56 watts to 45 watts, effectively reducing clock speeds. While this may seem like it would negatively impact performance, it's actually a necessary step to ensure accurate and reliable benchmarking results.

If you're looking to improve your CPU's performance in benchmarks, there are a few other settings you can adjust using tools like Throttlestop. For example, you can set the speed shift energy performance profile (EPP) to 0, which can help improve performance by allowing the CPU to run at higher clock speeds.

Ultimately, understanding how package power limits impact benchmarking results is an important part of getting accurate and reliable measurements. By using tools like Rivatuner and adjusting settings like the speed shift EPP, you can get a better handle on your CPU's performance and make informed decisions about how to optimize it for your specific needs.

Intel extreme tuning utility benchmark marks