Additional Software [SandCore.net Repository]

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====== Additional Software ======

This guide contains optional extra software for the XPS 14 to enhance the performance and provide extra features.

Each section is optional and can be followed independently, however it is recommended to complete everything listed here.

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===== ThrottleStop =====

image-1776072110470.png

ThrottleStop is a CPU configuration application that will be used to customise the power limits of the CPU. Intel Ultra Series 3 processors are not officially supported yet but as Dell has not locked down PL1 and PL2 edits we can still use this to customise performance.

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> 
>> Installation and use of ThrottleStop relies on Core Isolation Memory Integrity being disabled (see Windows 11 guide). Without completing this step the application will not be able to make any PL edits.

> 
>>  Before proceeding ensure the Dell Optimizer application is set to the Optimized power profile.

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Download: ThrottleStop 9.7.3 (beta)

Once downloaded, create a folder in the root of the C Drive named 'ThrottleStop' and place the .exe file in there. This will be the install location.

  * Open Throttlestop and ensure **BD PROCHOT** is disabled on the main page.
  * Open the Power Limits configuration menu by clicking **TPL**

image-1776072507152.png

The TPL screen must be configured as seen above:
  * Untick **Disable Controls** under **MSR Power Limit Controls**.
  * Tick **Sync MMIO**.
  * **Short PL2** and **Turbo Time Limit** should be left at the default.
  * Tick the **Lock** box next to **MMIO** in the **Turbo Power Limits** section.

By doing the above the Dell Optimizer power limit configuration has been disabled (MMIO) and we will be configuring the built-in Intel power limits (MSR) manually.

We are only concerned with editing the **PL1** value seen here: image-1776072733650.png

The following values have been tested in gaming and can be used as a guide:
  * **25W** - This is the highest default limit set by Dell Optimizer using the Ultra Performance preset.
  * **30W** - Gives around 10-15% more performance, slightly higher temps.
  * **35W** - Gives an additional 10-15% performance boost over 30W, higher temps.

Values over 35W can be set but in my testing this does not really increase gaming/GPU performance, CPU performance slightly increases but CPU package temperatures and fan noise also start increasing a lot after this point.

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> Tip
The CPU/GPU will run up to 100c before throttling, this is usually seen during the 28s 65W boost period. With a 30W power limit CPU package temperatures stabilise at 79c on my model.

> Tip
With a 35W power limit CPU package temperatures stabilise around 85c.

> Caution
Setting over 45W for a sustained PL1 limit is not recommended as this starts to push the limits of the XPS 14 cooling system. Temperatures over 90c are regularly seen at this level and the body of the laptop becomes quite hot.

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  * Set the PL1 power limit as desired and press **Apply** on the TPL Window.
  * Open the **Options** screen on the main ThrottleStop window.
  * Tick **Start Minimized**.
  * Tick **Minimize on Close**.

__Starting ThrottleStop on Boot__

ThrottleStop does not have a native start at boot option so Task Scheduler will be used for this.

  * Search for **Task Scheduler** in the Start Menu.
  * Right click the **Task Scheduler Library** folder and select **Create Task...**
  * Under **General**, tick the **Run with the Highest Privileges** box.
  * Under **Triggers**, create an **At logon** trigger with the below configuration: 
image-1776089002297.png

  * Under **Actions**, create a new action to **Start a Program** and choose the ThrottleStop .exe that was placed in the root C drive folder.
  * Under **Conditions**, ensure everything is unticked. You may need to tick some boxes to unlock the greyed out options so you can untick them:
image-1776089168541.png

  * Configure the **Settings** tab per the below: 
image-1776089234868.png

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Reboot now to test the created Task - ThrottleStop should start minimised to the taskbar on the next boot.

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===== MSI Afterburner & Rivatuner =====

MSI Afterburner and Rivatuner will both be used to monitor in-game FPS / frametimes and apply an FPS cap for the Variable Refresh Rate display.

Download: The Latest MSI Afterburner Beta

  * Run through the installation as normal and install RivaTuner Statistics Server when prompted, then run MSI Afterburner.
  * Open RivaTuner (if MSI Afterburner is running this should be minimised on the taskbar).
  * Rightclick the Framerate limit box.
  * Apply the VRR Cap option (114 FPS).

RivaTuner can now be minimized back to the taskbar.

  * Open MSI Afterburner.
  * Open the Settings window.
  * Tick Start with Windows and Start Minimized.
  * In the On Screen Display tab, set a hotkey for showing the hardware stats (I use PGDOWN).
  * In the Monitoring tab, scroll down to Framerate and ensure this is ticked. Click on Framerate to highlight this option and tick Show in On Screen Display
  * Do the same for Frametime, except change the On Screen Display drop-down to Graph: image-1776090644974.png

Apply the changes and minimize MSI Afterburner back to the taskbar. FPS will now be capped to 114 FPS while gaming for the VRR display and pressing the OSD hotkey will show current FPS and the frametime graph while a game is running.



===== HWiNFO 64 =====

HWiNFO can be used to add additional data to the MSI Afterburner overlay. This section will cover adding CPU / GPU usages, clockspeeds, temperature monitoring and RAM usage stats.

Download: HWiNFO 64


 Important
The Installer version of HWiNFO 64 is required to follow this part of the guide.

Once the install has completed, close down HWiNFO completely.

Download the below configuration files

INI: XPS14 - HWiNFO64.INI
REG: XPS14 - HWiNFO64_settings.reg
Place the INI configuration file in the install folder of HWiNFO (Typically C:\Program Files\HWiNFO64) and overwrite the existing file.

Double click the downloaded REG file to apply the OSD configuration.

Once both have been completed:

Start HWiNFO 64

Right click the taskbar icon and click Settings

Ensure the settings page is configured as below: image-1776091537049.png

Press OK and reboot the device.

Double check that HWiNFO starts minimized to the taskbar at boot.


HWiNFO is now configured to display additional information on the MSI Afterburner FPS overlay.



Dell SupportAssist
image-1776092500489.png

Dell SupportAssist is a supplimentary application to handle driver / BIOS updates. The software is also the hub for raising Dell Support tickets / warranty issues.

Download: Dell SupportAssist (Home)

The application can scan the Dell Driver Page and install any new drivers or BIOS updates available for your device.

There is no configuration or account required - the SupportAssist application can simply be run whenever you want to check for driver updates. It does not need to run in the background.