ThinkPad thermal performance overview
ThinkPad thermal performance overview
ThinkPad thermal performance overview
Introduction
Notebook computers generate a significant amount of heat when in use as a result of ever-increasing computing power and faster data transfer speeds. Their compact form factor and limited ability to dissipate the heat generated by their high-power components, requires advanced power and thermal management solutions to ensure their safe and reliable operation.
Lenovo’s personal computer products are designed with customer safety in mind and adhere to the International Standard safety requirements for information and communication technology equipment as set out by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and UL Solutions.
Safety Standards
The standards define the maximum temperature limits based on the type of user contact, duration of contact, and the material type/composition of the Notebook surface.
Lenovo's ThinkPad Notebook systems are designed to conform with IEC 62368-1:2018 and UL 62368-1 3rd edition specifications for maximum surface temperatures. These temperatures typically range from 45°C to 95°C under normal operating environments.
Customers who observe surface temperatures in excess of these limits and wish to enquire if their ThinkPad is operating within specification should contact Lenovo Support for further assistance.
Performance Controls
- Intelligent Cooling
Lenovo’s power and thermal management solution is called Intelligent Cooling (ICL).
ICL maintains optimal system performance by adjusting fan speed and CPU/GPU power.
There are 4 power modes:
- Eco – in Eco mode the CPU power is reduced to maintain lower system temperature allowing the fan to run at a lower speed – this mode is best suited to light system usage
- Balanced – in Balanced mode the CPU power is increased to provide better system performance, fan speed is increased to maintain system temperature within optimal parameters - this mode is best suited to standard/office usage
- Performance – in Performance mode the CPU power is increased to maximum for the best system performance, fan speed is increased to maximum to maintain system temperature integrity – this mode is best suited to high power usage
- Ultra Performance - in Ultra Performance mode the CPU power is maintained at maximum for ultra high system performance, the fan runs continuously and surface temperatures are elevated - this mode is best suited to extreme power users
On select ThinkPad models the default ICL configuration is automatic* (Auto mode), where the optimum mode is selected by monitoring the operating system and application performance and utilisation.
*Please refer to the User Guide of your ThinkPad to determine if your model supports Auto mode.
The user can temporarily over-ride the automatic mode by selecting the required Power mode using the Power mode slider.
The user can disable the automatic mode by pressing Fn + T and then manually selecting the desired Power mode using the Power mode slider.
These ICL settings are controlled using the Battery Icon in the Windows system tray and adjustuing the Windows Power slider to either of the 4 settings:
In AC mode:
In Battery mode:
ICL Power mode to Windows Power slider mapping:
| ThinkPad | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Power Mode | N/A | Eco | Balanced | Performance |
| DC Power Mode | Eco | Eco | Balanced | Performance |
| Windows Power Slider | Battery Saver | Better Battery | Better Performance | Best Performance |
| ThinkPad Mobile Workstation | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Power Mode | N/A | Balanced | Performance | Ultra Performance* |
| DC Power Mode | Eco | Balanced | Performance | Ultra Performance* |
| Windows Power Slider | Battery Saver | Better Battery | Better Performance | Best Performance |
| *Select models of ThinkPad Mobile workstations (MWS) only | ||||
ICL setup and controls are explained in Lenovo’s Vantage application as shown in the screenshot below.
Windows 10:
Windows 11:
To find the Power Smart settings in Lenovo Vantage: Select Device from the Main menu options, then Power under Device settings. Scroll down to see the Intelligent cooling settings.
- Intelligent Cooling Boost
The Intelligent Cooling Boost feature dynamically adjusts system performance based on the applications you are running. It is recommended that you enable this function especially when using unified communications apps, e.g.: Microsoft Teams. This feature only works when you enable Auto mode or choose Balanced mode.
To enable or disable the Intelligent Cooling Boost feature:
- Enter UEFI BIOS menu
- Select Config > Power
- In the Intelligent Cooling Boost section, turn on/off the switch
- Press F10 to save changes and exit the BIOS menu
- Cool Quiet on Lap
Lenovo’s ThinkPads are equipped with G-sensors which are used to determine the orientation of the ThinkPad and detect movement and changes in position.
Lenovo’s power and thermal management solution incorporates the Cool Quiet on Lap (CQL) function, which is designed to identify when the ThinkPad is being used in the “on lap” configuration.
When the ThinkPad is being used in this configuration, the surface temperature must remain below the maximum permissible to maintain customer safety. The temperature limits are lower in this configuration than when used in the “on desk” configuration.
The power and thermal management solution will reduce CPU/GPU power and increase fan speed to lower surface temperature when the surface temperature is near or exceeds the threshold limit.
Dynamic frequency scaling (CPU/GPU Throttling)
Processors have two modes of thermal protection, throttling and automatic shutdown. When a core exceeds the set throttle temperature, it will start to reduce power to bring the temperature back below that point.
If the conditions are such that throttling is unable to keep the temperature down the processor will automatically shut down to prevent permanent damage.
Lenovo’s power and thermal management solution reduces power to the CPU/GPU in the following scenarios:
• When either the Eco or Balanced Power mode is enabled (user selected or automated)
• When the ThinkPad is being used in the “on lap” configuration and the temperature is near or exceeds the threshold temperature limits
• When necessary to maintain system integrity due to thermal overload (system exceeds threshold temperature limits)
This reduction in power to the CPU/GPU, is what causes the CPU/GPU to throttle during usage.
If CPU/GPU throttling occurs for the reasons defined above, then the system is operating as designed.
Troubleshooting
In order to ensure that your ThinkPad is working at it’s best, it is recommended to update BIOS and operating system drivers to the latest levels.
- Fan/heat issues
If you are experiencing issues with overheating and loud/continuous fan rotation, the following information can help to improve the performance of your ThinkPad.
- The optimal environment in which to use the ThinkPad is 10°C–35°C (50°F–95°F) with humidity ranging between 35% and 80%.
- Lenovo’s power and thermal management solution is optimised for when the ThinkPad is being used at an ambient temperature of 25°C. Using the ThinkPad at higher temperatures will require the Fan to operate at higher speeds and more frequently, even continuously, in order to maintain thermal system integrity. Therefore, it is recommended to use the ThinkPad in an environment where the ambient temperature does not exceed 25°C.
- In order to ensure adequate airflow for the fan to operate at its best, the thermal fan openings, both entry and exit, should not be obstructed and should not be in close proximity to other/external heat sources.
- Background operating system tasks can place additional load on the system, requiring more system power resulting in the system fan running at higher speed and more frequently, even continuously. Tasks such as Anti-virus scans, operating system updates, and cloud data transfers, all require high system and operating resources to run. It is recommended to schedule such tasks to run when the system is not being used by the user or during light system usage.
- System fan noise can be reduced by changing the Power mode to Eco, when only light system usage is required.
If you are experiencing issues with CPU/GPU throttling resulting in overall lower system performance, the following information can help to improve the performance of your ThinkPad.
In order to operate your ThinkPad at maximum power and maintain a high-power operating mode, it is recommended to use the ThinkPad in the following configuration:
- Ensure all BIOS and Drivers are updated to the latest level
- Ensure the ThinkPad is being used in an environment where the ambient temperature does not exceed 25°C
- Place the ThinkPad on a stable and solid surface such as a desk
- Ensure there is adequate airflow around the thermal fan openings
- Place the ThinkPad away from external heat sources and out of direct sunlight
- Where possible, keep the LCD open
- Set the Power mode to Performance mode
Disclaimer
Lenovo products are designed, tested and approved to meet worldwide standards for Product Safety, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Ergonomics and other regulatory compulsory requirements, when used for their intended purpose.
References
IEC 62368-1:2018 Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements
UL 62368-1: Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment - Part 1: Safety Requirements
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