Power Spikes on 2020 Intel MBA

[julianps]

I just got a refurbished dual core 13 MacBook Air (2020 Model). I wanted to test how it cools using some software that I know makes laptops run hot (in this case, MailSteward). I set up Intel Power Gadget 3.7.0 to track the processor and Turbo Boost Switcher Pro to protect the processor. They're both setup right. I have the same rig in my i5 MacBook 12" (2017 Model) so I'm familiar with behaviour I anticipated.

Oddly, and when doing nothing in particular IPG is showing this processor peaking at 240W current draw. There seems no rhyme or reason to the pattern; I cannot track it to a software, or switching between different screen settings - it's hard not to say that these spikes appear randomly (other than that, IPG is always running).

I have never seen this characteristic on any machine I have tested in this way.

Is this benign, a likely fault, or is there a way to get further into it?

Thanks in advance for thoughts and considerations.

 

[CheesePuff]

That must be a fluke with Power Gadget as there is no way that CPU can support drawing over 25 watts I believe let alone 240.

 

[xraydoc]

240W current draw.

Nope. Not happening in any laptop (not including 10+ lbs. PC gaming "laptops"), let alone a MacBook Air. The included power adapter is only 30w and that has no problem charging the machine while in use. 240w would burn a hole right through the MacBook's case.