SpeedStep Option Function In BIOS- Optiplex 745

Question

I'm only vaguely familiar with what SpeedStep is, and was wondering, due to seeing conflicting data on various forums and guides.about its purpose,  how exactly does it effect a system by being toggled on or off in BIOS, specifically on a Optiplex 745? I've been told it will increase performance at the cost of higher temps, which is fine, but have also been told that it will decrease temps at the cost of performance. Is it one or the other, or perhaps even both, adjusting itself automatically?

fireberd · Answer

This is from Wikipedia

Enhanced SpeedStep is a series of dynamic frequency scaling technologies built into some Intel microprocessors that allow the clock speed of the processor to be dynamically changed by software. This allows the processor to meet the instantaneous performance needs of the operation being performed, while minimizing power draw and heat generation. EIST was introduced in several Prescott 6 series in the first quarter of 2005, namely the Pentium 4 660. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep …

Thus this is not an "overclocking" operation. The OptiPlex line is sold as Business systems. The only Dell's that Overclocking is designated "Gaming PC" models.

speedstep · Answer

SpeedStep lowers the system clock. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST) is a power and thermal management technology .

If you disable it this usually means running the cpu at full speed all the time without regard to saving power.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000007073/processors.html

BiggWigg92 · Answer

Thanks to both Firebird and speedstep for answering my question.

Optiplex Desktops

SpeedStep Option Function In BIOS- Optiplex 745

Was this post helpful?