How to Limit CPU Clock Speed on PHN16-72 (i9 Model)?

Hi everyone,

I'm using the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72) with the i9 version. It seems that Acer has locked both undervolting and CPU clock adjustments — I can only reduce the power limit.

When I switch power modes, I get the following behavior:

Battery Saver: Max clock ~3.8 GHz
Boot mod off (CSM disabled): Around 2.2 GHz
Performance Mode: Up to 5.5 GHz ( Core Temperature high : 85-95)
Turbo Mode: Up to 5.8 GHz ( Core Temperature high : 95)

What I want is to lock the CPU to stay within a range of minimum 2.5 GHz and maximum 4.2 GHz — for better temps and efficiency. I've tried both Intel XTU and ThrottleStop, but neither lets me adjust voltage or clock speed. Everything is greyed out.

Has anyone found a workaround for this? Is there any way to limit max boost or set a manual clock range?

Thanks in advance!

Accepted answers

GAMING6698

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/726600/how-to-limit-cpu-clock-speed-on-phn16-72-i9-model

Use balance power plan from Nitrosense.

This may help:

Ultimate Laptop Cooling Optimization guide:

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/724763/ultimate-laptop-cooling-optimization--guide.

Axxo

To limit the CPU clock speed on an Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72), you can adjust the "Maximum processor state" in Windows power settings or use software like ThrottleStop or MSI Afterburner. You can also explore disabling Turbo Boost or undervolting (if supported) through BIOS or software like Intel XTU.

Steps to Limit CPU Clock Speed:
1. Adjusting Maximum Processor State in Power Settings:
Open the Edit power plan settings in Windows.
Click on "Change advanced power settings".
Expand "Processor power management" and then "Maximum processor state".
Set both "On battery" and "Plugged in" to a lower percentage (e.g., 90%).
2. Using ThrottleStop or MSI Afterburner:
Download and install either ThrottleStop or MSI Afterburner.
In ThrottleStop, you can disable Turbo Boost and undervolt the CPU (if supported).
In MSI Afterburner, you can adjust the core clock speed slider to lower the clock speed.
3. Exploring BIOS Settings:
Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing Del, F2, or F10 during startup).
Look for CPU or Overclocking settings.
Disable any auto-overclocking features.
You can also try to undervolt the CPU or adjust the TDP limit, but be cautious as some BIOS versions may have limitations.
4. Other Considerations:
Ensure your laptop has adequate cooling, such as a cooling pad, especially if you are experiencing high CPU temperatures.
Monitor your CPU temperatures using PredatorSense or other monitoring tools.
Avoid blocking vents and ensure proper airflow.

-----------------------------------------
If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful.

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/726600/how-to-limit-cpu-clock-speed-on-phn16-72-i9-model

Manual Method to Unhide ‘Processor performance boost mode’ in Power Plan If ThrottleStop and BIOS settings are locked out, Windows still allows partial control via registry. To manually reveal the hidden Boost Mode toggle in Advanced Power Options:

OpenRegedit.exe
Navigate to:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\54533251-82be-4824-96c1-47b60b740d00\be337238-0d82-4146-a960-4f3749d470c7
Double-clickAttributes and set value to 2
Reopen Advanced Power Settings → ExpandProcessor power management → Toggle should now appear

This gives you access to:

Disabled: CPU won’t boost beyond base frequency
Aggressive / Efficient Aggressive / Efficient Enabled: varying boost curves depending on workload

Ideal for PHN16-72 users aiming to cap boost below 4.2 GHz without BIOS-level tools.

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1346780#Comment_1346780

You are welcome, if this concludes your question please mark my comment as "Yes Answered" 😉

All comments

GAMING6698

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/726600/how-to-limit-cpu-clock-speed-on-phn16-72-i9-model

Use balance power plan from Nitrosense.

This may help:

Ultimate Laptop Cooling Optimization guide:

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/724763/ultimate-laptop-cooling-optimization--guide.

Axxo

To limit the CPU clock speed on an Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72), you can adjust the "Maximum processor state" in Windows power settings or use software like ThrottleStop or MSI Afterburner. You can also explore disabling Turbo Boost or undervolting (if supported) through BIOS or software like Intel XTU.

Steps to Limit CPU Clock Speed:
1. Adjusting Maximum Processor State in Power Settings:
Open the Edit power plan settings in Windows.
Click on "Change advanced power settings".
Expand "Processor power management" and then "Maximum processor state".
Set both "On battery" and "Plugged in" to a lower percentage (e.g., 90%).
2. Using ThrottleStop or MSI Afterburner:
Download and install either ThrottleStop or MSI Afterburner.
In ThrottleStop, you can disable Turbo Boost and undervolt the CPU (if supported).
In MSI Afterburner, you can adjust the core clock speed slider to lower the clock speed.
3. Exploring BIOS Settings:
Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing Del, F2, or F10 during startup).
Look for CPU or Overclocking settings.
Disable any auto-overclocking features.
You can also try to undervolt the CPU or adjust the TDP limit, but be cautious as some BIOS versions may have limitations.
4. Other Considerations:
Ensure your laptop has adequate cooling, such as a cooling pad, especially if you are experiencing high CPU temperatures.
Monitor your CPU temperatures using PredatorSense or other monitoring tools.
Avoid blocking vents and ensure proper airflow.

-----------------------------------------
If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful.

duypkc94VN

Is it okay if the CPU runs at 5.2GHz under load with high temperatures ranging from 86 to 95°C?

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/726600/how-to-limit-cpu-clock-speed-on-phn16-72-i9-model

Manual Method to Unhide ‘Processor performance boost mode’ in Power Plan If ThrottleStop and BIOS settings are locked out, Windows still allows partial control via registry. To manually reveal the hidden Boost Mode toggle in Advanced Power Options:

OpenRegedit.exe
Navigate to:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\54533251-82be-4824-96c1-47b60b740d00\be337238-0d82-4146-a960-4f3749d470c7
Double-clickAttributes and set value to 2
Reopen Advanced Power Settings → ExpandProcessor power management → Toggle should now appear

This gives you access to:

Disabled: CPU won’t boost beyond base frequency
Aggressive / Efficient Aggressive / Efficient Enabled: varying boost curves depending on workload