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Alienware m15 Ryzen Edition R5: Guide to Thermal Controls in Operating Modes in Alienware Command Center

Summary: The following article provides information how to measure the thermal temperature on the Alienware m15 Ryzen Edition R5 with Alienware Command Center.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Instructions

Affected Platforms:

  • Alienware m15 Ryzen Edition R5

Table of Contents:

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

Selectable operating mode in Alienware Command Center (AWCC)

Two operating thermal modes are provided in Alienware Command Center, these modes are, Full Speed Mode and Balanced Mode. Fan acoustic level and computer performance are the main difference between each mode.

  • Full Speed Mode:
    The fan spins at full speed to support a CPU operating at turbo frequency for a longer time. The fan noise is noticeable.
  • Balanced Mode:
    The fan spins in a moderate manner. Fan sound is less noticeable, but the period for the CPU to operate at turbo frequency is shorter.

Regardless of operating modes, CPU temperature can exceed 99 degree C than trigger Thermal Event (TCC) under heavy loading. When TCC is activated, the CPU Sustain Power Limit (SPL) frequency decreases a couple hundred MHz. This decreases the rising temperature and allows the computer thermal control mechanism to achieve the best thermal performance balance.

You may be concerned about such a high CPU temperature condition, but it is a general design of all gaming laptop. However, you may follow instructions suggest in 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. Set the test environment and plug the AC adapter to the test unit.
  3. Change operating thermal mode to Full Speed/Balance Mode in Alienware Command Center.
    1. Launch Alienware Command Center.
    2. Click the HOME tab.
    3. Click the Thermal icon, select the proper operating mode.
  4. Use Dell SupportAssist to stress the CPU.
    1. Launch My Alienware.
    2. Click SUPPORT.
    3. Click the 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 the Run Test button.
  5. Select the FUSION page to monitor the CPU Frequency and CPU Temperature.
AWCC: Operating Mode Processor CPU Clock (During the first 5 minutes Alienware SupportAssist CPU Stress Test) CPU Temperature
Full Speed Mode AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3300 GHz ~ 4600 GHz <100oC
AMD Ryzen 7-5800H 3200 GHz ~ 4400 GHz
AMD Ryzen 5-5600H 3300 GHz ~ 4200 GHz
Balance Mode AMD Ryzen 9-5900HX 3300 GHz ~ 4600 GHz <100oC
AMD Ryzen 7-5800H 3200 GHz ~ 4400 GHz
AMD Ryzen 5-5600H 3300 GHz ~ 4200 GHz

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CPU TCC Offset Slider

CPU TCC Offset Slider feature allows users to customize their own CPU thermal event (TCC) triggering point setting. The offset range is 0~15 degrees C (default is 0). The CPU Tj(max) can be 85~100 degree C. Dell engineering implemented the solution in BIOS 1.0.9. According to the statement from AMD, regardless of AWCC operating modes, CPU temperature can exceed 99-degree C, then trigger thermal event (TCC) under heavy loading. When a TCC event occurs, the CPU Sustain Power Limit (SPL) frequency decreases a couple hundred MHz. This reduces the rising temperature and allows computer thermal control mechanisms to achieve the best thermal performance balance. Although it is a general design of all gaming laptops, customers may still be concerned about high CPU temperature conditions. Third-party tools such as HW monitor info, show warning messages and CPU temperatures in red font when CPU T > 90 degree C. To adjust TCC Offset Slider

  1. Press F2 during computer POST
  2. Click Advanced.
  3. Click CPU TCC offset Options.
  4. Input the value of TCC Activation Offset (0-15).
  5. Press Yes to save your number.
  6. Press F10 to save and reboot.

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FAQ

If a computer is idle, the computer is not truly idle. There are still some background tasks operating in high CPU frequency. These induce a high CPU temperature peak value (within 1 sec) then down to a lower average temperature.

No. The CPU operates well under the AMD CPU specification, Tjmax=100 degree C.

No. The CPU operates well under the AMD 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 a boost frequency which is higher than the CPU base frequency defined by processor manufacturers such as AMD.

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

No. Under Balanced Mode, the CPU can still boost to its 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, Full Speed Mode, and Balanced Mode.

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Affected Products

Alienware m15 Ryzen Edition R5
Article Properties
Article Number: 000189907
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 12 Aug 2024
Version:  8
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