Alienware M15 R4 / Alienware M17 R4 thermal measurement guidance
Summary: The following article provides information how to measure the thermal temperature on Alienware M15 R4 / M17 R4 with Alienware Command Center.
This article applies to
This article does not apply to
This article is not tied to any specific product.
Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Symptoms
The following article provides information how to measure the thermal temperature on Alienware M15 R4/M17 R4 with Alienware Command Center.
Table of Contents:
1. Selectable operating thermal mode in Alienware Command Center
2. High CPU temperature troubleshooting steps
3. CPU Tcc Offset Slider
4. FAQ
![]()
1. Selectable operating mode in Alienware Command Center
Five operating thermal modes are provided in Alienware Command Center. These modes are: Full Speed Mode, Performance Mode, Balanced Mode, Cool Mode, and Quiet Mode. Fan acoustic level and computer performance are the main difference between each mode.
1.1 Full Speed Mode
Fan spins at full speed to support CPU operating at turbo frequency for a longer time. The fan noise is noticeable.
1.2 Performance Mode
Fan spins aggressively to support CPU operating at turbo frequency for a longer time. The fan noise is noticeable.
1.3 Balanced Mode
Fan spins in a moderate manner. Fan sound is less noticeable, but the period for CPU to operate at turbo frequency is shorter.
1.4 Cool Mode
The fan spins in a moderate manner. Fan sound is less noticeable, but the GPU and GPU performance will be limit for better skin comfort and battery life.
1.5 Quiet mode
The fan runs in a quieter level than Balanced Mode. Fan sound is less noticeable, but the period for CPU to operate at turbo frequency would be lower and shorter.
*Note: Regardless of operating modes, CPU temperature can exceed 99 degree C then trigger Thermal Event (TCC) under heavy loading. When TCC is activated, CPU Power Limit 1 (PL1) frequency will decrease a couple hundred MHz. This decreases the rising temperature and allows the computer thermal control mechanism to achieve the best thermal performance balance.
Customers may be concerned about such high CPU temperature condition, but it is a general design of all gaming laptop.
2. High CPU temperature troubleshooting steps.
2.1 First verify using the ePSA diagnostics that the computer has an overheating issue.
2.2 Set the test environment and plug the AC adapter to the test unit.
2.3 Change operating thermal mode to "Performance/Cool Mode" in Alienware Command Center.
a. Launch Alienware Command Center.
b. Click HOME tab.
c. Click Thermal icon, select the proper operating mode.
2.4 Use Dell SupportAssist to stress the CPU.
a. Launch My Alienware.
b. Click SUPPORT.
c. Click Troubleshooting tab.
d. Click I want to troubleshoot my PC.
e. Click I want to check a specific piece of hardware.
f. Click CPU.
g. Select CPU Stress Test.
h. Click Run Test button.
2.5 Select the FUSION Page to monitor the CPU Frequency and CPU temperature.
3. CPU Tcc Offset Slider.
CPU Tcc Offset Slider. This is a brand-new feature for Alienware laptops, Tcc allows users to customize their own CPU thermal event (Tcc) triggering point setting. The offset range is 0~15 degrees C (default is 0). The CPU Tj(max) can be 85~100 degree C.
According to the statement from Intel, regardless of AWCC operating modes, CPU temperature can exceed 99 degree C, then trigger thermal event (Tcc) under heavy loading. When Tcc event occurs, CPU Power Limit 1 (PL1) frequency will decrease a couple hundred MHz. This reduces the rising temperature and allows computer thermal control mechanism to achieve the best thermal performance balance.
Although it is a general design of all gaming laptops, customers may still be concerned about high CPU temperature conditions. Third-party tools such as HW monitor info, show warning messages and CPU temperatures in red font when CPU T > 90 degree C.
CPU Tcc Offset Slider provides customers more authority to adjust the CPU thermal event algorithm.
How to adjust Tcc Offset Slider.
3.1 Press F2 during computer POST.
3.2 Click Advanced.
3.3 Click Performance Options.
3.4 Input the value of Tcc Activation Offset (0-15).
3.5 Press F10 to save and reboot.
4. FAQ
4.1 Why does computer Diagnostic Tool post “High CPU temperature” in computer idle mode?
In computer “is idle, “the computer is not truly idle. There are still some background tasks operating in high CPU frequency. These induce high CPU temperature peak value (within 1 sec) then down to lower average temperature.
4.2 Does CPU get damaged when CPU temperature reaches 100 degree C?
No. CPU operates well under Intel CPU specification: Tjmax=100 degree C
Statement from Intel
Processor supplies a method (the Digital Thermal Sensor or DTS) to report real time die temperature below, equal to, or above Tj(max). While the die should not run above Tj (max), a temperature value above Tj(max) may occur occasionally under normal operation. (Tj(max)=100)
4.3 Does CPU overheat when some tools report “CPU overheat / 100 degree C “or “Thermal throttling/Tcc“?
No. CPU operates well under Intel CPU specification: Tjmax=100 degree C.
For new generation processors, when CPU operates with max frequency, the thermal throttling or thermal events are often triggered. These achieve a balance between thermal comfort and performance by dynamically adjusting the CPU power. You can neglect those warning messages if CPU operates at boost frequency which is higher than CPU base frequency defined by processor manufacturers such as Intel.
4.4 Why does computer diagnostic tool post “high CPU temperature” in gaming applications or graphic stress applications?
Some Gaming/Graphic stress applications combining with heavy CPU loading will cause high CPU temperature.
4.5 Is CPU peak temperature under Balanced Mode lower than Performance Mode?
No. Under Balanced Mode, the CPU can still boost to highest frequency within a short period and induce high peak temperature.
CPU high peak temperature is designed to strive for the best performance regardless of cooling mode. These mode options are: “Full Speed Mode,” “Performance Mode,” “Balanced Mode,“ “Quiet Mode,“ or “Cool Mode.”
4.6 Is the feature “CPU Tcc Offset Slider” only at Alienware M15 R4/M17 R4?
Yes, Alienware M15 R4/M17 R4 is the first Alienware gaming computer having “CPU Tcc Offset Slider” feature (in January 2021).
Table of Contents:
1. Selectable operating thermal mode in Alienware Command Center
2. High CPU temperature troubleshooting steps
3. CPU Tcc Offset Slider
4. FAQ
Five operating thermal modes are provided in Alienware Command Center. These modes are: Full Speed Mode, Performance Mode, Balanced Mode, Cool Mode, and Quiet Mode. Fan acoustic level and computer performance are the main difference between each mode.
1.1 Full Speed Mode
Fan spins at full speed to support CPU operating at turbo frequency for a longer time. The fan noise is noticeable.
1.2 Performance Mode
Fan spins aggressively to support CPU operating at turbo frequency for a longer time. The fan noise is noticeable.
1.3 Balanced Mode
Fan spins in a moderate manner. Fan sound is less noticeable, but the period for CPU to operate at turbo frequency is shorter.
1.4 Cool Mode
The fan spins in a moderate manner. Fan sound is less noticeable, but the GPU and GPU performance will be limit for better skin comfort and battery life.
1.5 Quiet mode
The fan runs in a quieter level than Balanced Mode. Fan sound is less noticeable, but the period for CPU to operate at turbo frequency would be lower and shorter.
*Note: Regardless of operating modes, CPU temperature can exceed 99 degree C then trigger Thermal Event (TCC) under heavy loading. When TCC is activated, CPU Power Limit 1 (PL1) frequency will decrease a couple hundred MHz. This decreases the rising temperature and allows the computer thermal control mechanism to achieve the best thermal performance balance.
Customers may be concerned about such high CPU temperature condition, but it is a general design of all gaming laptop.
2. High CPU temperature troubleshooting steps.
2.1 First verify using the ePSA diagnostics that the computer has an overheating issue.
2.2 Set the test environment and plug the AC adapter to the test unit.
2.3 Change operating thermal mode to "Performance/Cool Mode" in Alienware Command Center.
a. Launch Alienware Command Center.
b. Click HOME tab.
c. Click Thermal icon, select the proper operating mode.
2.4 Use Dell SupportAssist to stress the CPU.
a. Launch My Alienware.
b. Click SUPPORT.
c. Click Troubleshooting tab.
d. Click I want to troubleshoot my PC.
e. Click I want to check a specific piece of hardware.
f. Click CPU.
g. Select CPU Stress Test.
h. Click Run Test button.
2.5 Select the FUSION Page to monitor the CPU Frequency and CPU temperature.
| AWCC | Processor | CPU Clock | CPU Temperature |
| Operating Mode | (During the first 5 minutes Alienware SupportAssist CPU Stress Test) | ||
| Performance Mode | i9-10980HK | 3900 MHz~4800 MHz | may be up to 100oC |
| i7-10870H | 3700 MHz~4500 MHz | ||
| Cool Mode | i9-10980HK | 3000 MHz~4800 MHz | <100oC |
| i7-10870H | 2900NHz~4500 MHz |
3. CPU Tcc Offset Slider.
CPU Tcc Offset Slider. This is a brand-new feature for Alienware laptops, Tcc allows users to customize their own CPU thermal event (Tcc) triggering point setting. The offset range is 0~15 degrees C (default is 0). The CPU Tj(max) can be 85~100 degree C.
According to the statement from Intel, regardless of AWCC operating modes, CPU temperature can exceed 99 degree C, then trigger thermal event (Tcc) under heavy loading. When Tcc event occurs, CPU Power Limit 1 (PL1) frequency will decrease a couple hundred MHz. This reduces the rising temperature and allows computer thermal control mechanism to achieve the best thermal performance balance.
Although it is a general design of all gaming laptops, customers may still be concerned about high CPU temperature conditions. Third-party tools such as HW monitor info, show warning messages and CPU temperatures in red font when CPU T > 90 degree C.
CPU Tcc Offset Slider provides customers more authority to adjust the CPU thermal event algorithm.
How to adjust Tcc Offset Slider.
3.1 Press F2 during computer POST.
3.2 Click Advanced.
3.3 Click Performance Options.
3.4 Input the value of Tcc Activation Offset (0-15).
3.5 Press F10 to save and reboot.
4. FAQ
4.1 Why does computer Diagnostic Tool post “High CPU temperature” in computer idle mode?
In computer “is idle, “the computer is not truly idle. There are still some background tasks operating in high CPU frequency. These induce high CPU temperature peak value (within 1 sec) then down to lower average temperature.
4.2 Does CPU get damaged when CPU temperature reaches 100 degree C?
No. CPU operates well under Intel CPU specification: Tjmax=100 degree C
Statement from Intel
Processor supplies a method (the Digital Thermal Sensor or DTS) to report real time die temperature below, equal to, or above Tj(max). While the die should not run above Tj (max), a temperature value above Tj(max) may occur occasionally under normal operation. (Tj(max)=100)
4.3 Does CPU overheat when some tools report “CPU overheat / 100 degree C “or “Thermal throttling/Tcc“?
No. CPU operates well under Intel CPU specification: Tjmax=100 degree C.
For new generation processors, when CPU operates with max frequency, the thermal throttling or thermal events are often triggered. These achieve a balance between thermal comfort and performance by dynamically adjusting the CPU power. You can neglect those warning messages if CPU operates at boost frequency which is higher than CPU base frequency defined by processor manufacturers such as Intel.
4.4 Why does computer diagnostic tool post “high CPU temperature” in gaming applications or graphic stress applications?
Some Gaming/Graphic stress applications combining with heavy CPU loading will cause high CPU temperature.
4.5 Is CPU peak temperature under Balanced Mode lower than Performance Mode?
No. Under Balanced Mode, the CPU can still boost to highest frequency within a short period and induce high peak temperature.
CPU high peak temperature is designed to strive for the best performance regardless of cooling mode. These mode options are: “Full Speed Mode,” “Performance Mode,” “Balanced Mode,“ “Quiet Mode,“ or “Cool Mode.”
4.6 Is the feature “CPU Tcc Offset Slider” only at Alienware M15 R4/M17 R4?
Yes, Alienware M15 R4/M17 R4 is the first Alienware gaming computer having “CPU Tcc Offset Slider” feature (in January 2021).
Cause
N/A
Resolution
N/A
Products
Alienware m15 R4, Alienware m17 R4Article Properties
Article Number: 000182146
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 25 Mar 2021
Version: 2
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.