Underclocking Intel i7-2600

[AndersT2]

I had a i7-2600 (non-K) in spare, and build a home server with it. But I don't really need all the power.

Underclocking is just the same as overclocking?, just turn down the multiplier?

It downclocks itself down to 1,6 GHz. How far down should I clock it? is 1,6 GHz enough to use it as a home server?

Most likely I'll transfer files I use to other machines before use, and don't stream from the server.

Or should I use the powersaving features of Win8? (I can set max CPU in there).

The goal it to use as little power as possible. Now it uses around 70w on startup. That's only with mobo, cpu, 1 ssd and 4 hdd. Going to expand with more soon.

I use the GPU in the i7.

[unidentical]

same idea ya, though since you're dropping the multiplier, it should also require less power, so you can also lower the voltage (undervolting) which will also reduce heat and power consumption.

[AndersT2]

So its better to do it in Bios than the OS?

[unidentical]

Changes to clocks and voltages all happen at the bios level, if you have an interface in your OS it's still writing those changes to the BIOS so there's really no difference.

I prefer to make these changes within the BIOS as if you do set 'bad' values and cause system instability, you don't crash out of windows.

[Maverik5124]

Underclocking works the same as overclocking. Just lower the multiplier and then lower the voltage as far as it will go down to remain stable. Lowering the voltage will get you the lower power consumption that you want. To find a good frequency just do what you would normally use your server for and see if the cpu reaches 100% load. If yes then go up a bit with the multiplier

[AndersT2]

Just tried a little. Put the CPU down to minimum at 1.6 GHz, turned off boost, hyper threading, and turned off 2 cores. This did nothing to the power consumption.

So it has to be the voltage, but my mobo doesn't seem to be able to undervolt, only have the option of auto, and 4 + options. I'll look a little closer again this weekend.

The motherboard is the MSI B45 something

[Maverik5124]

Just tried a little. Put the CPU down to minimum at 1.6 GHz' date=' turned off boost, hyper threading, and turned off 2 cores. This did nothing to the power consumption. So it has to be the voltage, but my mobo doesn't seem to be able to undervolt, only have the option of auto, and 4 + options. I'll look a little closer again this weekend. The motherboard is the MSI B45 something [/quote']

Yes. Frequency alone will barely change the power usage. The only thing that will change the power consumption is voltage. You could also try to undervolt and underclock the ram. It will not save a lot of power but it might eventually save you a few bucks

[AndersT2]

Thanks for the help.

Seems will save more power if I get a cheap 35w CPU instead of the 2600.

I think I try to find a way to do a remote power-on in stead, or just let it run.

[Maverik5124]

Thanks for the help. Seems will save more power if I get a cheap 35w CPU instead of the 2600. I think I try to find a way to do a remote power-on in stead' date=' or just let it run.[/quote']

You could google "wake on lan". Basically every motherboard supports it. It may be exactly what you need. And when you need to shut it down you can use team viewer. You can configure team viewer so that it works over the lan instead of the internet.

This may what you want

[mr-nipples]

I would sell it and get a weaker processor :) Make some money aswell!

[Maverik5124]

I would sell it and get a weaker processor :) Make some money aswell!

He doesn't know how much power he needs yet.. I would try it out first and then see if less power would work as well