Intel Boost - Should I leave it on or off?

[azmothman]

Recently as some of you may know (based on other threads) I upgraded my rig to the GA-Z170X Gaming 7 motherboard along with the Core i7 6700K Skylake processor.

After upgrading I noticed when performing a Intel BurnIn Test to benchmark my system that my temps and power watts were somewhat high as shown in this image:

http://i.imgur.com/4JGXAvm.jpg

In reviewing the BIOS settings (under the advanced CPU settings) I noticed that it had an option for Intel Boost that was set to Auto (default). After changing the Intel Boost option within the BIOS from Auto to Disabled and rebooting/retest then this is my new results:

http://i.imgur.com/NO3atvR.jpg

So in my analysis it would appear that the Intel Boost option in the BIOS is what was causing the surge in power and temps.

However if I leave this set to disabled are there any known draw backs, Basically will I suffer (or notice) any performance related issues in applications, games? Appreciate any input and/or advice if I should leave this set to Auto (as its default) or ?

Thank you!

 

[JackNaylorPE]

You should leave Intel boost right where it is. I would drop the use of synthetic stress tests as they are "problematic" with modern CPUs to the point where the only use I have for them is for "curing" the TIM.

1. I have had AIDA, IBT, P95 stable OCs fail under an application based benchmark such as RoG Real Bench ... so a computer that passes synthetic tests and fails running applications in a multi-tasking environment is of no use to me.

2. Synthetic tests put a heavy, but single task type of load on the CPU... a load that will never be duplicated running desktop / workstation applications. This can either mean that your OC is lower than it needs to be as an unrealistic load was applied, or it can also result in unsafe temps / voltages being applied.

By disabling boost, you are disabling an inherent advantage / feature of your CPU. Why pay extra for a k series processor if you are going to disable the features that you paid extra for ?

Also, your CPOU when using the AUTO voltage control will apply voltages that the MoBo manufacturer has determined will be stable with 99.9%of the CPus out there.... chances are 99 to 1 that your CPU is better than that. So if concerned, and there is no reason to be, you could reduce voltages to a point where your system remains stable.

The rest of the discussion should begin with a mention of the case, case fans and cooler you are using. What are your overclocking goals, if any ?

 

[azmothman]

You should leave Intel boost right where it is. I would drop the use of synthetic stress tests as they are "problematic" with modern CPUs to the point where the only use I have for them is for "curing" the TIM.

1. I have had AIDA, IBT, P95 stable OCs fail under an application based benchmark such as RoG Real Bench ... so a computer that passes synthetic tests and fails running applications in a multi-tasking environment is of no use to me.

2. Synthetic tests put a heavy, but single task type of load on the CPU... a load that will never be duplicated running desktop / workstation applications. This can either mean that your OC is lower than it needs to be as an unrealistic load was applied, or it can also result in unsafe temps / voltages being applied.

By disabling boost, you are disabling an inherent advantage / feature of your CPU. Why pay extra for a k series processor if you are going to disable the features that you paid extra for ?

Also, your CPOU when using the AUTO voltage control will apply voltages that the MoBo manufacturer has determined will be stable with 99.9%of the CPus out there.... chances are 99 to 1 that your CPU is better than that. So if concerned, and there is no reason to be, you could reduce voltages to a point where your system remains stable.

The rest of the discussion should begin with a mention of the case, case fans and cooler you are using. What are your overclocking goals, if any ?

Very detailed response thank you very much!

BTW I am not overclocking but did not want to encounter any problems hence the reason I performed those stress tests.

My case also is a NZXT Phantom 820, default 4 fans that is also using a Noctua NH-D15 air cooler.