turboboost

Turbo boost is a processor feature that dynamically increases the operating frequency of one or more cores above the processor’s base clock when extra performance is needed. It is designed to improve performance for short-duration, single-threaded, or lightly multi-threaded workloads while staying within the processor’s power and thermal limits. The feature is common in modern desktop and mobile CPUs from Intel and AMD, and is sometimes marketed under distinct names such as Intel Turbo Boost Technology and AMD Turbo Core or Precision Boost.

How it works: The processor monitors current power draw, temperature, core activity, and the number of active cores. If there is headroom, the CPU raises the clock speed on one or more cores to a higher turbo frequency. When power, temperature, or workload conditions change, frequencies are reduced to safe levels. The result is higher performance without a fixed increase in power consumption across all cores.

Variants: Intel’s implementation typically uses a base frequency, a “max turbo frequency,” and optionally a “single-core turbo” or “all-core turbo” mode. Some models feature Turbo Boost Max or similar technologies designed to push the best-performing core to a higher limit. AMD’s competing designs, such as Turbo Core and later Precision Boost, apply analogous ideas with different control schemes and thermal envelopes.

Limitations and usage: Turbo boost relies on a favorable thermal and electrical budget; sustained turbo may be limited on laptops due to cooling constraints. Real-world gains depend on workload, cooling, power plans, and firmware settings, with the effect most noticeable in short, bursty tasks or single-threaded tests.