How can my CPU be running faster than the maximum speed?

Raymond Chen

A customer observed that according to Task Manager, their CPU was running faster than the maximum speed. How is that even possible?

Utilization	Speed
66%	2.90GHz

Maximum speed:	2.50GHz
Sockets:	1
Cores:	2

The processor’s maximum speed is 2.50GHz, but it’s running at 2.90GHz? I know that athletes give 110% effort, but this processor is giving 116%!

This is a feature of Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, which runs a processor above its rated frequency if they are “operating below power, current, and temperature specification limits.”

To me, this sounds like the CPU can dynamically overclock itself.

Author

Raymond Chen

Raymond has been involved in the evolution of Windows for more than 30 years. In 2003, he began a Web site known as The Old New Thing which has grown in popularity far beyond his wildest imagination, a development which still gives him the heebie-jeebies. The Web site spawned a book, coincidentally also titled The Old New Thing (Addison Wesley 2007). He occasionally appears on the Windows Dev Docs Twitter account to tell stories which convey no useful information.

0 comments

Discussion are closed.

How can my CPU be running faster than the maximum speed?

Author

0 comments

Read next

How do I create a directory where people can create subdirectories but cannot mess with those created by other users?

The chain reaction started when a customer’s line of business application doesn’t work with UNCs