A new GIGABYTE BIOS update for its Z790/B760 motherboards allows the disabling of CEP and has been seen to reduce temperatures. Current Excursion Protection (CEP) is designed to maintain optimal voltage for processors for improved system stability. Unfortunately, when it is locked, this removes the ability for users to further fine-tune their settings which could result in unnecessary higher power usage and thus increased heat generation. This new GIGABYTE BIOS update removes that restriction allowing users to switch off if desired.
GIGABYTE has reported that during its testing, the BETA BIOS update dropped temperatures by as much as 16°c. Testing was done using a B760M AORUS ELITE AX M-ATC motherboard paired with an Intel core i5-14600. The B760M AORUS ELITE AX currently retails for around $180 and can be purchased on Amazon via the widget below. The previous BIOS only permitted turning off CEP with its Z790 motherboards when using an Intel 14th GEN K processor but it is now supported for both K and non-K 14th Gen CPUs used with Z790 or B760 motherboards.
Per GIGABYTE:
“GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions, is pleased to release the new BETA BIOS for all Z790 and B760 motherboards with Intel 14th Gen Processors, which provides the option to disable CEP (Current Excursion Protection) and deliver exceptional CPU performance with lower temperature and stability.
For a long time, the CEP function on Intel B760 chipset was default enabled for 14th Gen CPUs and unable to be disabled. This always results in the requirement of higher power protection and voltage compensation settings to ensure performance with stability, or a sacrifice in performance instead. The new BETA BIOS supports disabling the CEP function by utilizing Intel’s updated microcode. Additionally, GIGABYTE BIOS not only features optimized power settings that suits every different CPU but also offers exclusive easy settings, like PerfDrive, to enable a simple balance of performance, power consumption, and temperature with Intel® Core™ processors. This ensures achieving the same performance at lower CPU operating temperatures as well as excellent stability and high efficiency, safeguarding the durability of CPU/VRM components.
Through real testing, CPU and VRM temperatures have significantly improved under the same performance while instant high workload occurs. Taking the B760M AORUS ELITE AX as an example, CPUs above i5-14600 even show temperature differences of over 16 degrees compared to the previous BIOS at the same performance level.
The new BETA BIOS with disabling CEP support are available now! Please visit GIGABYTE official website for the updated BIOS.”