Underperforming CPU
A confused novice in these matters seeks the wisdom of gurus...
If my comp's nominal CPU speed is 2.53 GHz and tests, including a processor ID utility from the manufacturer, find out it's only working at 1.89 GHz, what's the most likely source of trouble and is there a way to fix it ? It's an Intel Pentium 4, if that helps.
"Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design. I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster. --- Proof of the existence of the FSM, if needed, can be found in the recent uptick of global warming, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Apparently His Pastaness is to be worshipped in full pirate regalia. The decline in worldwide pirate population over the past 200 years directly corresponds with the increase in global temperature. Here is a graph to illustrate the point."
-Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster
Re: Underperforming CPU
Is it a Pentium 4 M (Mobile)? Is it a laptop? If so that's probably your deal, Windows if set up to do so will throttle your CPU depending on certain conditions, like being on battery power or idleness. I have a problem with my work laptop, that whenever I unplug it accidentally, it automatically scales the CPU way back and won't ever throttle it back up to full speed.
Edit - Try getting and running this utility: http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php and post the data it gives you on your CPU. It'll help us figure out what might be causing this.
Last edited by Whacker; 03-21-2007 at 03:33.
"Justice is the firm and continuous desire to render to everyone
that which is his due." - Justinian I
Re: Underperforming CPU
It probably has speed step, which is normal. It jacks the clock speed back to normal when it goes under some load and lowers it back down to conserve power and reduce heat. There are options in the bios (depending on laptop/desktop/maunfature etc...) to turn off speed step. Post the cpu-z screenshot first before we confirm that this is the case.
EDIT: Here is a screenshot of my pentium M, it says 1.73GHz under specification, but is currently running at 800MHz. This is normal. It will kick up to 1.73 when I put some load on the cpu.
Last edited by BlackAxe3001; 03-21-2007 at 04:14.
Re: Underperforming CPU
Right, here you go:
I can't say I know much about the whole specs/performance ratio thing, but I know the machine apparently can't run games that require 2+ GHz processor.
"Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design. I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster. --- Proof of the existence of the FSM, if needed, can be found in the recent uptick of global warming, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Apparently His Pastaness is to be worshipped in full pirate regalia. The decline in worldwide pirate population over the past 200 years directly corresponds with the increase in global temperature. Here is a graph to illustrate the point."
-Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster
Re: Underperforming CPU
It's a Northwood. That CPU in particular should be on a 25x multiplier, it has likely stepped down to 19x due to thermal throttling caused by overheating. Check the heatsink and fan.
“The majestic equality of the laws prohibits the rich and the poor alike from sleeping under bridges, begging in the streets and stealing bread.” - Anatole France
"The law is like a spider’s web. The small are caught, and the great tear it up.” - Anacharsis
Re: Underperforming CPU
Unless you have been messing around in the bios for overclocking purposes, then check for dust I guess. I will keep thinking about it... interesting...
How recently did this occur btw?
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks