m15x CPU Speed Issue

Hey all, so I'm a bit confused as to what my core speed is for my processor. I've been messing around a bit with this computer for some time now and ended up installing the Windows 7 Beta on it.

Ever since then I've been a bit perturbed by the fact my processor is rated at 3.0 in the Experience Index. While I know that probably isn't a great basis to go off of, I also have been looking around. I've read on the forums here regarding the issues corrected and not corrected from this discussion thread: " List of issues fixed/not fixed with the m15x". In the thread it mentions a fix to the CPU Downclocking which, so you know, is what it feels like is the problem with my system.

Anyhow, I went to the m15x mini-MyHive page and noticed the correction to CPU Profiles with the x34 Bios. So I downloaded the bios files, x32, x34, x36 and went through the procedures of flashing my BIOS. One small note here is the x32 was fine, the x34 went fine with the "pass pass pass pass...", but the x36 said "error error error error..." when going from the x34 to x36. The bios flash continued however and x36 was put on. I checked with CPU-Z and it says my bios is now X36 P3. So it installed correctly. Now, here's the fun part. CPU-Z also states that my processor is running at 1600 mhz with a multiplier x 8. Doing research it should be 10.5 and reading around 2100 mhz.

Here's a link to my CPU-Z:


Next I saw some issues regarding CPU-Z showing half clocked speeds, so I went to a different source. SiSoft Sandra was giving me warnings about speeds regarding my processor and memory were not set to preset values.

Then I went to RightMark CPU Clock. This one I don't like much because it doesn't recognize the processor type or any information regarding my processor, except that it is running at 2094 mhz. Also, clicking on the Monitoring section CPU 0 is at 100% all the time and CPU 1 is at 0%...never changes. Images:




So I'm a bit lost. Oh, one more side note, my friends computer who has a much older computer, slower processor (1.8ghz version of the core 2 duo) has a rating of around 5.0 with the same version of the Windows 7 Beta (Toshiba laptop)

 

The m15x CPU will downclock when not in use to save power. Your original CPU-Z printout was at Idle I assume. Try it when running a game in the background and see if you get the same results (1.6Ghz at 8.0 Mult)

 

I tried what you said, though I think it may of been skewed a bit considering it seems to pause the game when I ALT-Tab, so I'm installing SiSoft again and am going to burn in my processor which should max out the multiplier.

The game I tried was C&C Generals against 7 Hard Computers, when I closed CPU-Z and reloaded it the multiplier was still registering at x 8 and 1595.85 mhz.

 

So I started the Stability Test that comes with the nVidia System Tools and ran it for 10 minutes. It passed all the tests however I opened up CPU-Z several times throughout the tests and it was never higher then the x 8 multiplier and 1595 mhz.

Any ideas?

 

A couple silly questions.
Are you Plugged in?
Are you stuck in steath mode?

 

It looks like he is in stealth mode

 

Yes I am plugged in, with a modified performance profile that doesn't use CPU Throttling and I believe I am in Stealth Mode--changed via the BIOS I'm assuming?

I'll restart and disable it if I can from the BIOS. If I may ask, what exactly is Stealth Mode?

 

Stealth mode is a power saving mode for when you're on battery to conserver power. It downclocks your cpu and gpu's and some other things to increase your battery life. Theres a touchpad button for stealth mode (Far Right Button). Its not a bios setting.

http://www.alienware.com/review_pag...px?FileName=review_notebookforum_20080326.asp

 

My question is then where is this so called Stealth Mode button? There was nothing in the BIOS and I've never "turned on" Stealth Mode.

 

Sometimes it can get hit "on accident"

 

In order to verify if you are indeed running in stealth mode, please go to Command Center, and click Alien Fusion.

You should see something like "running in stealth mode" if you do so.

 

Here is a picture of your Alien Fusion screen if you are running in stealth.

 

Unfortunately I'm in a difficult area to be able to download the Command Center. Currently deployed so the Audicracy website is blocked by the firewall being called "Pornography", , *sigh*.

Anyhow, I pressed the button and ran the CPU Z and it listed my multiplier at x 6, so it went down, pressing it again it raised back up to x 8, still not that 10.5 though. If someone has a rapidshare account and could upload the command center for x32 to it then I can download it to make sure there isn't a "mid setting" stealth mode or something.

Also, thank you all for replying as much as you have and helping me. It's frustrating when you can't figure something out with vendor PC's, my desktop was DIY so I know the ins and outs of it, but this Alienware is beginning to be annoying.

 

Bingo! So, that's interesting. The stealth mode button has a preset of x 8. I'm guessing with it disabled the system defaults to an idle speed of x 6, then when there is demand it ups to 10.5 Thank you very much for your help! Just a few more questions, is there a way to just simply disable it so it runs at 10.5 all the time when plugged in, as well as overclocking my CPU, not just my GPU?