Intel XTU and ThrottleStop no longer working to undervolt Xeon E-2186m after firmware update

I flashed my MECH-15 BIOS mod using an SPI programmer to get around the signature bull crap. It should be possible unless the system has BIOS Guard. Many newer Dell and Alienware laptops cannot be flashed with unsigned firmware even using an SPI programmer because of that filth. I know some of the other notebook manufacturers may be using that now, but I am not sure which of them are doing so. The only fix for that is replacement of the PCH chip with another one that does not have that payload of rubbish. But, it may be possible (not sure) if you are using the SPI programmer to flash signed firmware.

 

Hello guys, I can also confirm that the latest bios update for the Zbook 15 g6 disables undervolt. I have the i7 9850h and I tried undervolting with with both XTU and throttlestop and it would not apply any settings. I just reverted back to the previous bios version and undervolting works again.

 

Excellent!, thank you for trying out regressing the BIOS, glad to hear that works

 

It would be nice if people with new bios update that <disables undervolt> could test out if disabling the SGX features can regain undervolt functionality. Please, check it out properly before you roll-back to old working bios.

 

Didn't Intel say to disable SGX *until* the voltage adjustment disable firmware patch was available for your motherboard? I wouldn't expect disabling SGX would re-enable voltage adjustments.

It's worth a try I guess, @marckus would you like to give it a shot?

If your BIOS allows disabling SGX - you might check that first - then disable SGX and install the voltage tuning killing BIOS again... yikes... then see if your undervolt still works with SGX disabled?

Thank you!

 

Did not know about SGX before i rolled back to the old version, will give it a try and see if it works

 

It's up to the ODM/OEM manufacturer how they will implement the new security fixes.

Thanks. +rep

 

I tried the new bios update for the zbook 15 g6 and disabled SGX, but undervolting still would not work.

 

Thank you for checking that out @marckus, now at least we know for sure that the BIOS firmware patch will disable undervolting no matter what the SGX setting.

You were able to revert back to the previous BIOS again ok?

What method, tool, or command did you use on your laptop to regress to the previous BIOS?

 

I just downloaded the older bios installer from the hp site. It asks for you to input a code written on the screen if you want to revert, but if you follow what it says on the same screen it should be OK.

You may need to check if reverting to older bios versions is permitted in the bios options and un check it before you attempt to revert.

Everything works well after downgrading to the older bios.