Owners of non-K 14th Gen Intel processors now have an exciting opportunity to enhance their system’s performance. ASRock, a renowned motherboard manufacturer, has recently launched new BIOS updates for its Z790 motherboards. These updates unlock a hidden feature called Current Excursion Power (CEP), allowing locked 14th Gen processors to bypass current limits and achieve higher core clocks. According to ASRock, this improvement can result in up to a 10% increase in performance.
ASRock has promised to release the BIOS updates for its other LGA 1700 motherboards with 600 and 700-series chipsets in the near future. Therefore, a wider range of users will be able to benefit from this performance boost. While ASRock claims a 10% uplift in performance using the i7 14700 as an example, it is reasonable to assume that even greater gains could be achieved with processors such as the i9 14900, which are more power-constrained compared to the i9 14900K.
The newly released BIOS updates also incorporate the latest Intel microcode update. ASRock proudly proclaims itself as the ‘first’ to roll out this update, setting a precedent for other motherboard manufacturers to follow suit. With the Chinese New Year holidays approaching, it is likely that other manufacturers will release their own updates soon, offering a similar performance enhancement to their users.
This is not the first time we have witnessed power tweaks for boosting the performance of locked CPUs. ASRock previously introduced a similar feature called ‘Base Frequency Boost’ on LGA 1200 motherboards. This feature enabled users of non-K CPUs to achieve higher long-term base clock frequencies by increasing the PL1 power limits. ASRock’s new CEP feature for 14th Gen processors appears to be a continuation of this innovation, aiming to provide users with an improved computing experience.
Although the performance improvements are enticing, it is important to ensure that your system’s cooling solution is sufficient to handle the higher thermal loads resulting from the increased TDP. Additionally, be prepared for a potential increase in system power consumption. However, when weighed against the price difference between non-K processors and their K series counterparts, this performance boost offers a cost-effective way to enjoy near-equivalent performance.
ASRock’s release of new BIOS updates for its Z790 motherboards represents a significant breakthrough for non-K 14th Gen Intel processor owners. The inclusion of the CEP setting allows users to bypass current limits and achieve higher core clocks, resulting in up to a 10% improvement in performance. With the incorporation of the latest Intel microcode update, ASRock sets the stage for other manufacturers to follow suit. While it is crucial to consider cooling and power consumption implications, the opportunity to access K series-like performance at a more affordable price makes this update an enticing prospect for enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for further updates and information on this exciting development in the world of CPU performance optimization.
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