Turbo boost can be called a new technology that Intel has put on its processors. This technology was implemented on Intel processors with Nehalem architecture for the first time. Later, Intel also implemented this technology on its widely used processors. The processor can automatically switch to a higher frequency without technical manipulation using Turbo boost technology.
What is turbo boost?
Normally, to run your heavy programs, we need strong processors and a high number of cores with a high working frequency; But using these processors requires high energy. Also, if the processors are constantly in full use mode, their lifespan is reduced, generating a lot of heat.
In these cases, Intel designed Turbo Boost technology in its processor architecture. Using this technology, the processor is in the initial state at a low operating frequency and performs normal system activities. While a heavy program is running, the processor switches to a higher frequency using a unique architecture placed inside it called Turbo boost technology.
Using this model can increase the frequency of a processor up to 75%. With this work, a processor can normally consume less energy and electricity and operate at a lower temperature. Still, if a heavy program or file is executed, the processor automatically goes to Turbo boost mode and operates at a higher working frequency.
What is Turbo boost technology?
Turbo boost technology is included in Core I5 and Core i7 processors, and these processors can operate at a higher working frequency. Using Turbo boost technology, processors can increase their working frequency up to 133 MHz. As a result, the processor works at its maximum power for a short time.
In the advanced samples, Intel has developed a new Turbo boost technology process. Using this process, the value of 133 MHz is added to the processing power of the processor. This work performs four steps in Core i5 700 series processors. Also, five stages of Turbo boost technology are applied to the processor in core i7-800 series processors.
By doing this in Core i5 processors, you can increase the power up to 533 MHz at the end of four stages for each core. You should consider that Core i5 processors have four cores, and these four steps are executed on each core. As a result, you see 4 Turbo boosted cores with an increased frequency in each core, which increases the actual power of the processor up to 2,132 MHz, a very high figure.
In the Core i7 processor, this value is exceeded, and the Turbo boost technology process applies the value of 664 MHz to each core in 5 stages. With this, if your processor has eight real cores and uses this technology, you can get a frequency of 5,336 MHz, a significant amount for a Core i7 series processor.
How is the turbo boost mode activated?
Turbo boost mode is activated automatically and according to the processor’s architecture. When buying a processor, you should ensure that they support this technology and that their architecture has this mode. Then it would be best if you used a suitable motherboard that supports this technology of Intel processors.
Operating systems should also be able to coordinate with the processor driver and send commands to the processor to activate Turbo boost mode when the processor is overused. From Windows 7 onwards, this technology has also been used in operating systems.
Processors that use this technology must have a proper cooling system so that the temperature of the processor does not reach its highest level. To make the most of this feature, it must have a suitable power supply to provide the proper power to the processor.
According to these items, you can easily activate the Turbo boost mode. Of course, you should note that to activate the full amount of Turbo boost mode in powerful Core i7 series processors, use a suitable cooler. Pay attention to the fact that the Turbo boost mode is a type of processor overclocking that is done automatically. In this case, your processor reaches its highest value and frequency and performs the processing. When the desired processing is done, the processor automatically exits this mode.
How to activate the turbo boost mode?
The activation and use of Turbo boost technology may be done in a few seconds. Still, even this short time can increase the temperature of the processor and its surroundings several times. For this reason, a strong and suitable cooler must be used in the processor. Usually, processors with this feature in the Core i7 series do not have conventional cooling fans, and a separate and professional cooling system should be used for them.
Processors with turbo boost technology are normally at a low operating frequency. For example, a Core i7 series processor may operate at a normal frequency of 1.5 GHz per core. Still, Turbo Boost technology can reach a working frequency of 2.8 GHz per core, which is very suitable for an 8-core processor. These processors are usually used in gaming computers and computers for graphics, animation, and rendering, which require high working frequency during image processing and rendering.
FAQ:
Is Turbo boost technology in all Intel processors?
No, Turbo Boost technology is unavailable in all Intel processors, and your processor must have a special Turbo Boost architecture. Usually, Core i5 and core i7 series processors and their specific models have this technology. These models should use the Nehalem architecture and have the latest and modern technologies after the Sandy Bridge series.
Does the Core I3 processor also have a Turbo boost mode?
Some Core i3 processor models also have Turbo boost mode and use this technology. Sandy Bridge processors and later can have this feature. Of course, these capabilities are not included in all processors. For example, most processors placed on laptops do not have this capability because it is difficult to cool them, and they have the resources and power required to use turbo boost technology.
Do the new Core i9 processors also have this feature?
Yes, some of the new generation Intel processors introduced with the code Core i9 have this capability. To make sure that your processors use this feature, you should pay attention to the architecture and chipsets of your processors and make sure that the ability to use Turbo boost technology is placed on them.