In this manual, it is detailed that the TDP is from a processor or video card, which affects and what value this characteristic can have for you as a computer owner.
What TDP means
TDP is a reduction from Thermal Design Power, which in Russian-speaking sources is usually translated as a "thermal package". In the general case, TDP means the maximum amount of heat in watts, secreted by the processor (or GPU) when working. However, in reality it may not be exactly accurate.
Also, speaking of TDP often use this parameter as a synonym for power consumption. This may be a mistake, we are talking about "highlighted thermal", and not "electric" power consumed. And despite the fact that numerical values are usually equal or very close, the TDP parameter is primarily used to determine the required cooling system specifications. But here may be inaccuracies in the definitions used by different manufacturers.
Now a couple of examples when certain manufacturers have a different interpretation of TDP:
- Under TDP, the maximum power of the heat generated by the processor was usually understood. However, in modern processors Intel under this means heat in watts, allocated by the CPU when working for a long time at the standard base frequency (not Turbo Boost). Thus, the actually allocated heat and power consumed can grow markedly higher than the TDP values specified in the characteristics, that is, Intel TDP is below the maximum consumed and dispel power.
- AMD has the stated TDP values of processors and video cards close to the real values of the maximum allocated and power consumed when working in normal mode.
- NVIDIA defines TDP as "Maximum power that the system can consume when working and the maximum amount of heat generated by components and which is necessary to dispel the cooling system." That is, puts a sign of equality between consumed and dispersed power.
Why do the user need TDP values from the processor and video card?
I think already the very definition of this parameter should be enough to understand why knowledge of the heat package (TDP) needs. For example, if you yourself collect the computer, this data can be useful for:
- Selection of the optimal cooling system (in their characteristics, the maximum heat dissipated is also stated) to maintain the adequate temperature of the processor.
- The choice of a suitable power supply unit (taking into account all computer components), it should be borne in mind that Intel processors, peak power consumption may increase up to two times from the TDP specifications.
It happens to meet this question: High TDP is good or bad? I answer: not and not like. But, if we are talking about one generation of processors or video cards (only within one generation), usually higher TDP means greater power. At the same time, for example, if we are talking about a laptop, it will mean that with an equal capacity of the battery pack, the laptop with lower TDP usually works longer from the battery than high, and a high TDP laptop is stronger and can be no more.
Moreover, the described can play a role when choosing two different laptops with one processor. For example, laptops with an excellent Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor began to appear. This processor has a standard TDP in 15 W, but the configuration of the same processor is allowed to 25 W, and some manufacturers will use it. The first will be colder and autonomous, the second is noticeably more productive.
It is only a general information about what TDP is for novice users to understand this feature, indicated on the official sites of processor manufacturers and video cards, as well as in stores where they are sold. It usually happens enough, but in terms of Intel processors, if interesting, you can save and deeper.