Intel i5-2540M FF8062700839209 User Manual

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Datasheet

Intel Turbo Boost Technology is a feature that allows the processor to opportunistically 

and automatically run faster than its rated operating frequency if it is operating below 

power, temperature, and current limits. The result is increased performance in multi-

threaded and single threaded workloads. It should be enabled in the BIOS for the 

processor to operate with maximum performance.

The processor’s rated frequency assumes that all execution cores are running an 

application at the thermal design power (TDP). However, under typical operation, not 

all cores are active. Therefore most applications are consuming less than the TDP at the 

rated frequency. To take advantage of the available TDP headroom, the active cores can 

increase their operating frequency.

To determine the highest performance frequency amongst active cores, the processor 

takes the following into consideration:

• The number of cores operating in the C0 state.
• The estimated current consumption.
• The estimated power consumption. 
• The temperature.

Any of these factors can affect the maximum frequency for a given workload. If the 

power, current, or thermal limit is reached, the processor will automatically reduce the 

frequency to stay with its TDP limit.

Intel Turbo Boost Technology processor frequencies are only active if the operating 

system is requesting the P0 state. For more information on P-states and C-states refer 

.

Graphics render frequency are selected by the Intel graphics driver dynamically based 

on graphics workload demand as permitted by Intel Turbo Boost Technology Driver. 

Intel Turbo Boost Technology Driver can optimize both processor and integrated 

graphics performance through Intelligent Power Sharing. The processor core die and 

the integrated graphics and memory controller core die have an individual TDP limit. If 

one component is not consuming enough thermal power to reach its TDP, the other 

component can increase its TDP limit and take advantage of the unused thermal power 

headroom. For the integrated graphics, this could mean an increase in the render core 

frequency (above its rated frequency) and increased graphics performance. In addition, 

the processor core can increase its frequency higher than it would without power 

sharing.

Utilization of Graphics Dynamic frequencies require the following:

• Graphics driver
• Intel Turbo Boost Technology Driver