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Article Number: 000198980

Alienware x15 R2 and x17 R2 Thermal Controls in Operating Modes in Alienware Command Center

Summary: The following article provides information how to measure the thermal temperature on the Alienware x15 R2 and x17 R2. Using the Alienware Command Center application.

This article may have been automatically translated. If you have any feedback regarding its quality, please let us know using the form at the bottom of this page.

Article Content

Instructions

Table of Contents:

  1. Selectable operating thermal modes in the Alienware Command Center (AWCC)
  2. High CPU temperature troubleshooting steps
  3. CPU TCC Offset Slider
  4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Selectable operating thermal modes in the Alienware Command Center (AWCC)

 

Five operating thermal modes are provided in Alienware Command Center. These modes are: Full Speed Mode, Performance Mode, Balanced Mode, Battery Saver Mode, and Quiet Mode. Fan acoustic level and computer performance are the main difference between each mode.

  1. Full Speed Mode:
    Fan spins at full speed to support Central Processing Unit (CPU) operating at turbo frequency for a much longer time. The fan noise is noticeable and can be easily heard.

  2. Performance Mode:
    Fan spins aggressively to support CPU operating at turbo frequency for a longer time. The fan noise is noticeable and can be easily heard.

  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.

  4. Battery Saver Mode:
    The fan spins in a moderate manner. Fan sound is less noticeable, but the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and GPU performance is limited for better skin comfort and battery life.

  5. Quiet Mode:
    The fan runs in a quieter level than Balanced Mode. Fan sound is less noticeable, but the period for the CPU to operate at turbo frequency is lower and shorter.

 
Note: Regardless of operating modes, the CPU temperature can exceed 99 degree Celsius. Which triggers Thermal Event (TCC) under heavy loading, when TCC is activated. The CPU Power Limit 1 (PL1) frequency decreases a couple hundred MHz. This decreases the rising temperature and allows the computers thermal control mechanism to achieve the best thermal performance balance.
Such high CPU temperature conditions may worry you, but it is the general design for all gaming laptops. However, if you are worried you can follow the instructions that are suggested in the next section: High CPU temperature troubleshooting steps.
 


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High CPU temperature troubleshooting steps

 

  1. First verify using the ePSA diagnostics that the computer has an overheating issue.

  2. Change the operating thermal mode to Performance Speed in the Alienware Command Center.

    1. Launch the Alienware Command Center.

    2. Click HOME.

    3. Select the proper operating mode from the Thermal menu.

  3. Set the test environment and plug in the AC adapter.

  4. Use Dell SupportAssist to stress test the CPU.

    1. Launch My Alienware.

    2. Click SUPPORT.

    3. Click Troubleshooting tab.

    4. Click I want to troubleshoot my PC.

    5. Click I want to check a specific piece of hardware.

    6. Click CPU.

    7. Select CPU Stress Test.

    8. Click Run Test button.

  5. Select the FUSION tab on the home page to monitor the CPU Frequency and CPU temperature.

 
AWCC Operating Modes
AWCC
Operating Mode		 Processor CPU Clock
(During the first 5 minutes Alienware SupportAssist CPU Stress Test)		 CPU Temperature
Performance Mode i7-12700H 3600 GHz ~ 4100 GHz May be up to 100oC.
i9-12900H 3600 GHz ~ 4100 GHz
i9-12900HK 3600 GHz ~ 5200 GHz
 

Table.1 AWCC Operating Modes

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CPU TCC Offset Slider

 

The CPU TCC Offset Slider feature allows you to customize your own CPU thermal event (TCC) triggering point settings. The offset range is 0~15oC (default is 0). The CPU Tj (max) can be 85~100oC.

According to the statement from Intel, Regardless of AWCC operating modes, the CPU temperature can exceed 99oC. Which triggers a thermal event (TCC) under heavy loading, when a TCC event occurs. The CPU Power Limit 1 (PL1) frequency decreases a couple hundred MHz. This reduces the rising temperature and allows the computers thermal control mechanism to achieve the best thermal performance balance.

Although it is a general design of all gaming laptops, you may still feel concerned about high CPU temperature conditions. Third-party tools such as HW monitor info show warning messages and CPU temperatures in a red font when the CPU T > 90oC.

CPU TCC Offset Slider provides you more authority to adjust the CPU thermal event algorithm.

How to adjust TCC Offset Slider?

  1. Press F2 during POST to enter the BIOS.

  2. Go to the Advanced tab.

  3. Click the entry Performance Operations.

  4. Find TCC offset Options.

  5. Input the value of TCC Activation Offset (0-15).

  6. Press F10 to save your setting and reboot.


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Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

|

If the 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.

No. The CPU operates well under Intel CPU specification: Tjmax=100 degree C.

Statement from Intel: The 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)

No. The CPU operates well under Intel CPU specification: Tjmax=100 degree C.

For new generation processors, when the 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 the CPU operates at boost frequency. The boost frequency is higher than the CPU base frequency as defined by processor manufacturers such as Intel.

Some gaming or graphic stress applications combining with heavy CPU loading causing high CPU temperature.

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:

  • Performance Mode
  • Balanced Mode
  • Quiet Mode
  • Battery Saver Mode
 
 


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Article Properties

Affected Product

Alienware x15 R2, Alienware x17 R2

Last Published Date

23 Apr 2024

Version

2

Article Type

How To

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