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Alienware m15 R6: 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 R6 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.
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Instructions

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 thermal modes in Alienware Command Center (AWCC)

Five operating thermal modes are provided in Alienware Command Center. These modes are: Full Speed Mode, Performance Mode, Balanced Mode, Cool Mode, and Quiet Mode. Fan acoustic level and computer performance are the main difference between each mode.

  1. 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.

  2. Performance Mode:
    The fan spins aggressively to support a CPU operating at turbo frequency for a longer time. The fan noise is noticeable.

  3. 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.

  4. Cool Mode:
    The fan spins in a moderate manner. Fan sound is less noticeable, but the GPU and GPU performance is limited for better skin comfort and battery life.

  5. Quiet Mode:
    The fan runs in a quieter level than Balanced Mode. Fan sound is less noticeable, but the period for the CPU to operate at turbo frequency would be lower and shorter.

 

Regardless of operating modes, CPU temperature can exceed 99-degree celsius triggering Thermal Event (TCC) under heavy loading. When TCC is activated, the CPU Power Limit 1 (PL1) 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.
Such high CPU temperature conditions may get you worried, but it is a general design of all gaming laptop. However, you may follow instructions suggest in High CPU temperature troubleshooting steps.

For information about a guide to thermal controls for some other computers, see the Dell Knowledge Base articles:

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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 Performance Speed/Cool Mode in Alienware Command Center.
    1. Launch Alienware Command Center.
    2. Click HOME tab.
    3. Click Thermal icon, select the proper operating mode.
  4. Use Dell SupportAssist to stress the CPU.
    1. Launch My Alienware.
    2. Click SUPPORT.
    3. Click 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 Run Test button.
  5. Select the FUSION Page to monitor the CPU Frequency and CPU temperature.

 

AWCC Operating Modes
AWCC
Operating Mode		 Processor CPU Clock
(During the first 5 minutes Alienware SupportAssist CPU Stress Test)		 CPU Temperature
Performance Mode i9-11900H 3200 GHz ~ 4400 GHz May be up to 100oC
i7-11800H 3200 GHz ~ 4200 GHz
i5-11260H 3200 GHz ~ 4100 GHz
Cool Mode i9-11900H 3200 GHz ~ 4400 GHz <100oC
i7-11800H 3200 GHz ~ 4200 GHz
i5-11260H 3200 GHz ~ 4100 GHz

Table 1: AWCC Operating Mode

For more troubleshooting information about resolving a high CPU temperature, see Dell Knowledge Base article Resolving High CPU Temperature Issues on Alienware Laptops

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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 0~15oC (default is 0). The CPU Tj(max) can be 85~100oC.

According to the statement from Intel, Regardless of AWCC operating modes, CPU temperature can exceed 99oC, and then trigger thermal event (TCC) under heavy loading. When a TCC event occurs, the CPU Power Limit 1 (PL1) frequency decreases a couple hundred MHz. This reduces the rising temperature and allows computer thermal control mechanism to achieve the best thermal performance balance.

Although it is a general design of all gaming laptops, you may still feel 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 > 90oC.

CPU TCC Offset Slider provides you with more authority to adjust the CPU thermal event algorithm.

How to adjust TCC Offset Slider?

  1. Press F2 during computer POST.
  2. Click Performance page.
  3. Find TCC offset Options.
  4. Choose the value of TCC Activation Offset (0-15).
  5. Click APPLY CHANGES to save your setting.
  6. Click EXIT to reboot the system.

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FAQ

|

In 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 Intel CPU specification: Tjmax=100 degree C.
Statement from Intel: The processor supplies a method (the Digital Thermal Sensor or DTS) to report real time die temperature below, equal to, or above Tj(max). While the die should not run above Tj (max), a temperature value above Tj(max) may occur occasionally under normal operation. (Tj(max)=100)

No. The CPU operates well under the Intel 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 Intel.

Some gaming or graphic stress applications combining with heavy CPU loading causes a 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
  • Performance Mode
  • Balanced Mode
  • Quiet Mode
  • Cool Mode

 

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Affected Products

Alienware m15 R6
Article Properties
Article Number: 000189990
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 04 Feb 2025
Version:  9
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