TDP simply explained: that's behind Thermal Design Power
The term TDP appears again and again in connection with a CPU. In this practical tip, we explain what the name of the processor electronics is all about.
TDP - a simple explanation
The abbreviation TDP stands for "Thermal Design Power".
- Both the processor and the graphics card in your computer require power. The components receive this from the power supply.
- Wherever electricity flows, there are always losses in performance. These losses are called power loss and are given off, for example, as heat. This power is given in watts.
- For a CPU or graphics card, TDP refers to the maximum power loss that is generated under full load.
- How high the power loss is depends on various factors, such as the clock frequency of the CPU.
- Specifying the TDP is important in two ways. On the one hand, the power supply has to deliver a lot of power to be able to supply the CPU and graphics card with sufficient power.
- On the other hand, the TDP plays a role in the choice of cooling the CPU. A high TDP means more heat development and requires corresponding cooling.
In the video: The most important facts about Intel's 10th processor generation
In our next practical tip we will also deal with the CPU and explain what the normal temperature of the processor is.