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    How do I know dual core is working?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by bestco, May 27, 2006.

  1. bestco

    bestco Notebook Consultant

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    Hi,

    My E1505 is usually very quietly and it seems to be running on 1 core only. How do I know if my dual core processor is working the way it's supposed to be? What methods or programs can I use to check that both cores are running properly?
     
    bestco, May 27, 2006
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  2. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

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    I would assume the CPU either works or it doesn't. But if you look in the performance tab of the task manager (CTRL+Alt+Del), you will see activity in two boxes at the top, a single core CPU only has one.
     
    Brian, May 27, 2006
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  3. bestco

    bestco Notebook Consultant

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    yes I checked the Task Manager and it showed two windows under CPU Usage History. I heard someone say that when the 2nd CPU works you'd hear the extra CPU fan kicks in and starts to make some noise, but I don't remember my laptop ever did that except when I popped in a CD to install some software.
     
    bestco, May 27, 2006
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  4. Mysticales

    Mysticales Notebook Evangelist

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    Download "CPU-Z"

    The laptop WILL run quiet, thats what so nice about dual core.. doesnt run at 99% like more single cores do. =D
     
    Mysticales, May 27, 2006
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  5. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

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    don't believe everything you hear.
     
    drumfu, May 27, 2006
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  6. ronss

    ronss Notebook Evangelist

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    another thing you can do is check the setup program,,and make sure your bios setting for processor is enabled for dual core, and not single

    press the f2 buttom during boot to enter the bios
     
    ronss, May 28, 2006
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  7. Leo_s84

    Leo_s84 Notebook Geek

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    There is no second fan, so dont worry. Your dual core is working properly..
     
    Leo_s84, May 28, 2006
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  8. bestco

    bestco Notebook Consultant

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    I tried CPU-Z, it displayed my CPU correctly. But under the Memory Timings, it shows the memory Frequency as 266MHz, I thought my E1505 equiped with 533MHz memory. Am I missing something?
     
    bestco, May 30, 2006
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  9. sdnick

    sdnick Notebook Enthusiast

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    It is equipped with 533MHz memory. It is actually running at twice 266MHz. I am pretty sure this has something to do with DDR being dual channel, or writing on the rise and fall of the cycle, or something like that.

    As far as the 2 fans thing... a dual core processor is basically 2 processors connected on one die (connected together) with some on-die connections linking them. There is just one heatsink for both of them, and one fan.

    Nick
     
    sdnick, May 30, 2006
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  10. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

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    DDR = DUAL data rate = 266 x 2 = 533
     
    drumfu, May 30, 2006
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