Intel® Performance Maximizer Technical Information
| Note | Intel® Performance Maximizer will be discontinued as of April 24, 2023. For an alternative overclocking experience explore Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility. |
Intel® Performance Maximizer (Intel® PM) is an innovative, automated processor core overclocking tool. The tool makes it easy to dynamically and reliably custom-tune a processor based on its individual performance.
Use this tool with Intel® Boxed Desktop Processors. Note that the standard warranty does not apply if the processor is operated beyond its specifications.
| Note | The Intel® Performance Maximizer does not support the 12th Generation of Intel® Core™ Processors. There are no plans to support future generation product automatic overclock tuning using the Intel® Performance Maximizer application. |
Technical Information
Variables to consider when overclocking
There are several variables that can affect the ability of a processor to overclock, including thermal, electrical, system limitations, and BIOS not being in default configuration. Improving these areas can result in a better opportunity to overclock the processor.
Factors influencing the maximum overclocking potential of the processor
Intel doesn’t guarantee that all processor SKUs overclock the same amount. There are several system factors that influence the maximum overclocking potential of the processor including thermal/cooling solution and system configuration.
Expectations when an error flagged such as a thermal issue during characterization
During the characterization process, if thermal or power throttling is encountered during the test run, that will be considered a failure or instability for whatever ratio or voltage combination is being tested. Intel® Performance Maximizer will move on to the next stage of the testing process.
The processor will run at overclocked frequency after completing the test
Yes, the processor automatically runs at the overclocked frequency displayed in the Intel Performance Maximizer application.
Differences in frequency results between EFI Shell Application and Intel PM application (GUI)
To ensure better stability Intel Performance Maximizer software may apply a guard band (for example 100MHz) to the successfully tested processor core frequency. For this reason, users may see a difference between the tested and final displayed maximum overclocking frequency.
Usage expectation of Intel® PM and Intel® XMP together
There is no guarantee of system overclock compatibility when using other overclocking tools, including Intel® XMP. It is recommended that users do not use Intel Performance Maximizer in conjunction with other overclocking software.
Software and workloads used in performance tests may have been optimized for performance only on Intel microprocessors. Performance tests, such as SYSmark* and MobileMark*, are measured using specific computer systems, components, software, operations and functions. Any change to any of those factors may cause the results to vary. You should consult other information and performance tests to assist you in fully evaluating your contemplated purchases, including the performance of that product when combined with other products. For more complete information visit www.intel.com/benchmarks.
Intel technologies' features and benefits depend on system configuration and may require enabled hardware, software or service activation. Performance varies depending on system configuration. No product or component can be absolutely secure. Check with your system manufacturer or retailer or learn more at intel.com.
Altering clock frequency or voltage may damage or reduce the useful life of the processor and other system components, and may reduce system stability and performance. Product warranties may not apply if the processor is operated beyond its specifications. Check with the manufacturers of system and components for additional details.