ThrottleStop is a powerful and popular software utility designed for Windows laptops and desktop computers. Created by Kevin Glynn, this free program allows users to monitor and control their CPU's performance, temperature, and power consumption.
The main purpose of ThrottleStop is to prevent CPU throttling, which occurs when processors reduce their performance to manage heat and power consumption. The program offers various features, including:
ThrottleStop is particularly useful for laptop users who want to:
While the program is powerful, it should be used with caution as incorrect settings can potentially damage hardware. It's especially popular among gaming laptop users and tech enthusiasts who want to optimize their system's performance.
The software supports many Intel processors and provides detailed real-time information about CPU status, making it an invaluable tool for system monitoring and optimization.
| ThrottleStop Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| General Information | |
| Developer | Kevin Glynn (unclewebb) |
| Initial Release | 2009 |
| Latest Version | 9.5 (as of 2023) |
| Operating System | Windows |
| License | Freeware |
| File Size | ~1.5 MB |
| Main Features | |
| CPU Throttling Control | Monitors and controls CPU throttling states |
| Voltage Control | Allows undervolting CPU and iGPU (on supported processors) |
| Temperature Monitoring | Real-time monitoring of CPU and GPU temperatures |
| Clock Speed Control | Ability to adjust CPU clock speeds and multipliers |
| Power Limit Control | Manages CPU power limits (PL1, PL2, etc.) |
| Profile Management | Up to 4 customizable profiles for different usage scenarios |
| Key Functions | |
| PROCHOT | Controls processor hot temperature throttling |
| BD PROCHOT | Manages bidirectional temperature throttling |
| SpeedStep | Controls Intel SpeedStep technology |
| C-States | Manages CPU power-saving states |
| Turbo Boost | Controls Intel Turbo Boost functionality |
| Monitoring Features | |
| Temperature Display | Shows real-time CPU package and core temperatures |
| Power Consumption | Monitors CPU package power consumption |
| Clock Speed | Displays current and maximum CPU frequencies |
| FID/VID | Shows frequency and voltage identifiers |
| C-State Residency | Monitors time spent in different C-States |
| Interface Elements | |
| Main Window | Shows primary controls and monitoring information |
| FIVR Window | Controls voltage settings for CPU/Cache/iGPU |
| TPL Window | Manages turbo power limits and time windows |
| C-States Window | Controls power-saving states configuration |
| DTS Window | Shows detailed temperature statistics |
| Common Use Cases | |
| Gaming Performance | Optimize CPU performance for gaming |
| Battery Life Extension | Reduce power consumption for longer battery life |
| Temperature Management | Control CPU temperatures in thin laptops |
| Performance Tuning | Fine-tune system for specific workloads |
| Throttling Prevention | Prevent thermal and power throttling |
| Safety Features | |
| Voltage Limits | Built-in safety limits for voltage adjustment |
| Profile Backup | Ability to save and restore settings |
| Error Detection | Monitors and reports system errors |
| Safe Mode | Ability to disable settings at Windows startup |
| System Requirements | |
| Processor | Intel CPU (most features) |
| Operating System | Windows 7/8/10/11 |
| Administrative Rights | Required for full functionality |
| Memory | Minimal RAM usage (~10MB) |
| Additional Tools | |
| Bench Testing | Built-in benchmark capability |
| Logging | Records temperature and performance data |
| Task Scheduler | Can automate profile switching |
| System Tray | Quick access to profiles and monitoring |
| Compatibility | |
| Desktop CPUs | Full support for Intel processors |
| Laptop CPUs | Extensive support for mobile processors |
| AMD CPUs | Limited functionality |
| Server CPUs | Limited functionality |
