Understanding CPU Throttling in Gaming

When playing games on your Lenovo Legion Y520, you might notice that your CPU frequency gets stuck at 2.40GHz, which is significantly lower than the normal operating frequency. This issue can arise due to various factors, including software and hardware limitations, system settings, and even the monitoring tools you use.

Current State of Your CPU and Gaming Performance

Based on your description, it seems that your CPU does not reach its maximum frequencies while gaming, even though it performs normally on your desktop when plugged in. This discrepancy might be due to several reasons. For instance, the power settings on your laptop might be set to a lower performance level, which could throttle the CPU's performance to save battery.

Additionally, the software you are using to monitor CPU frequency might not provide accurate real-time data. In your case, the Windows Task Manager shows an average peak frequency of 2.7GHz, while a more detailed tool like HWMonitor displays a peak of 3.6GHz when you play games. This difference could be due to the way the Task Manager averages the frequency over time, whereas HWMonitor might show a more instantaneous value.

Factors Affecting CPU Performance in Laptops

Laptops, especially gaming laptops, often have more complex thermal and power management systems compared to desktops. These systems are designed to balance performance and battery life, but they can sometimes cause unexpected behavior, such as CPU throttling. Here are some key factors to consider:

Power Settings: Ensure that your laptop is set to the High Performance power plan. This setting allows the CPU to operate at its maximum capacity without being throttled to save power. Thermal Management: Overheating can cause the CPU to throttle to prevent damage. Check your laptop's temperature readings to ensure it is within safe operating limits. If it is overheating, consider using a cooling pad or ensuring good airflow around the laptop. Gaming Software: Some games might not utilize the CPU to its full potential, especially if they are optimized for lower frequencies. Check the settings of the games you are playing to see if there are any performance-related options that might need adjustment.

Monitoring CPU Frequency and Performance

To get accurate data on your CPU frequency and performance during gaming, consider using dedicated monitoring tools. Tools like HWMonitor, Core Temp, and Intel Extreme Tuning Utility can provide detailed information about individual cores and their operating frequencies. These tools can also help you identify if the CPU is being throttled due to thermal or other issues.

When monitoring your CPU, make sure to do it during actual gaming sessions, as thermal throttling can occur. Use a program with an overlay feature that shows FPS, temperatures, and CPU usage simultaneously for the most accurate data.

Conclusion and Final Tips

In summary, if your Lenovo Legion Y520's CPU is running at 2.40GHz during gaming, there could be several reasons behind this issue. Ensure that your power settings are optimized for performance, monitor your laptop's temperature, and consider using specialized monitoring tools to get accurate data. By addressing these factors, you can maximize your gaming experience and ensure that your CPU operates at its full potential.