There is no universal yes-or-no answer. On the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 Series (Intel 14th) BIOS documented here, Disabled — Enforce All limits uses Intel default Turbo core-ratio settings. Enabled — Remove All limits applies ASUS-optimized power and current thresholds to maintain maximum performance, which can mean more heat and power under heavy load. Some supported BIOS versions also offer a 90°C-limited mode. Check your motherboard’s manual and BIOS version before choosing; options and behavior vary by model.
What ASUS Multicore Enhancement changes
ASUS Multicore Enhancement (MCE) is a motherboard BIOS setting that affects how the board handles CPU Turbo-related settings and power and current limits. Its exact options and behavior depend on the motherboard and firmware, so the descriptions below are not a universal map of every ASUS BIOS.
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ASUS describes Intel Turbo Boost as dynamically increasing processor frequency when workload demand exists and operating limits allow it, while managing current, power, and temperature. The BIOS setting changes the limits or tuning the board applies; it does not mean that CPU Turbo functionality is simply switched off.
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What the MCE options mean
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790 Series (Intel 14th) BIOS manual documents these choices. Check the manual for your exact board and firmware for the options available to you.
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| BIOS option | What the cited ASUS manual says | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Auto — Lets BIOS Optimize | Applies ASUS-optimized core-ratio Turbo settings at default processor speeds. | Do not assume Auto behaves identically across motherboards or BIOS versions. |
| Disabled — Enforce All limits | Uses Intel default Turbo core-ratio settings. | A fit if you want the documented Intel-default Turbo behavior. It does not mean all CPU Turbo functionality is disabled. |
| Enabled — Remove All limits | Uses ASUS-optimized power and current thresholds to maintain maximum performance. | Less restrictive limits can increase power use and thermal demand during heavy workloads. |
| Enabled — Remove All limits (90°C) | Uses ASUS-optimized power and current thresholds while limiting CPU temperature to 90°C, described by ASUS as a better performance balance. | Available only on supported firmware. The label is not a guarantee that every processor will reach the same temperature or performance. |
How to decide which setting to use
Choose Disabled if you want Intel-default Turbo settings
On the cited ASUS manual, Disabled is the choice that enforces Intel default Turbo core-ratio settings. It is a sensible starting point if that behavior is your priority. Intel’s support guidance says high temperature ranges may occur when MCE is enabled and warns that a CPU can run hot and use more power under high load.
Consider an enabled option if you accept the tradeoff
Enabled — Remove All limits is the more permissive choice in the cited manual. It may suit a user prioritizing maximum performance, but the board’s power and current behavior can increase heat and power use under load. If your BIOS offers the 90°C-limited mode, it is an additional option—not a promise of a particular temperature, noise level, or performance result.
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Treat Auto as board-specific
Auto is described in the cited manual as letting the BIOS optimize Turbo core-ratio settings at default processor speeds. The label alone does not establish that Auto behaves the same way on other ASUS boards or BIOS versions. Consult your model-specific manual if you need to know what it selects.
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What the temperature and performance evidence shows
Intel Support’s article, last reviewed February 21, 2024, states: “CPU runs hot and uses more power under high load while MCE is active.” Intel notes that high temperature ranges may occur when MCE is enabled. That is a warning about possible behavior under heavy load, not a claim that every system will have the same temperatures.
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ASUS reported a comparison using an Intel Core i9-13900K when it announced its 90°C-limited mode on January 3, 2023. ASUS said the mode produced CPU temperatures 10°C lower and a 2.8% performance drop compared with the earlier setting. These are vendor-reported results from ASUS’s test, not an independent benchmark or a prediction for other CPUs, boards, cooling setups, or workloads.
ASUS also says CPU temperature varies with the processor and BIOS settings. Whether a particular temperature is acceptable depends on your own processor and system; the cited figures do not establish a universal target.
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How to change MCE in an ASUS BIOS
Intel’s documented path for an ASUS board is below. Menu labels and locations can differ by motherboard and firmware, so confirm them in your exact model’s manual.
- Restart the computer and press F2 to enter BIOS.
- Press F7 to open Advanced Mode.
- Open AI Tweaker.
- Change ASUS MultiCore Enhancement from Auto to Disabled, or select another option documented for your board.
- Press F10 to save and reset.
- After the restart, return to BIOS or use your usual system-monitoring tools to verify the active setting and observe behavior under your normal workload.
How to compare settings on your own system
If you are deciding between options, compare them under consistent conditions rather than relying on a single temperature reading. This is a practical testing approach, not a result from a hands-on test of the settings.
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- Record your motherboard model, BIOS version, and current MCE option.
- Run the same workload for each setting, keeping ambient conditions and fan settings as similar as possible.
- Observe CPU temperature, package power, clock behavior, and the workload’s performance.
- Compare the results against your priorities, such as lower heat and power use or higher performance, and restore the setting that best suits your system.
Do you need a different CPU cooler?
Not necessarily. The fact that MCE can increase heat and power under a heavy workload does not establish that every user needs a cooler upgrade. First check temperatures during the work you actually do and whether your current cooling can handle it. If you consider a replacement, confirm CPU socket compatibility, case clearance, and cooler capacity for your system.
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