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    Inspiron 1501 slow processor

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by DanielS1324, Apr 30, 2009.

  1. DanielS1324

    DanielS1324 Newbie

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    I have a 1501 with AMD Turion 2GHz processor.

    However, my processor is running at 800MHz. Can someone tell me why?
     
    DanielS1324, Apr 30, 2009
    #1
  2. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    Not sure what AMD calls it, but I assume it's something similar to Intel's SpeedStep technology. Basically, the processor slows itself down when it's not being used to its full capacity to save battery juice and produce less heat. Perfectly normal. :)

    If you run something intense, like a game or other CPU-heavy program, the processor will throttle up to the full 2.0GHz.
     
    Mastershroom, Apr 30, 2009
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  3. idq000

    idq000 Notebook Deity

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    What program are you using to measure the processor speed?

    Also, notebook CPUs tend to downclock if they are not being used to save energy and heat output in order to keep the processor as cool as possible.
     
    idq000, Apr 30, 2009
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  4. DanielS1324

    DanielS1324 Newbie

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    Two different programs gave the speed at 800MHz. Now I'm using I8FANGUI.

    The processor speed seems to be stuck. My audio processing software is having trouble. I'm assuming because the CPU is at 800Mhz. After some further reading I see it could be a temperature problem.
     
    DanielS1324, Apr 30, 2009
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  5. JohnByeBye

    JohnByeBye Notebook Evangelist

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    AMD PowerNow is their version of SpeedStep. It's a good idea to leave this enabled. I had the same processor you have and it got really hot when it was always at the full speed.
     
    JohnByeBye, Apr 30, 2009
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  6. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    I think if you disable it, it just keeps it on the lowest multiplier. At least, that's what the BIOS tells me when it comes to Intel SpeedStep.
     
    Mastershroom, Apr 30, 2009
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  7. JohnByeBye

    JohnByeBye Notebook Evangelist

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    For the AMD processors, if you disable PowerNow it places the processor at the highest speed and voltage. Which sucks because RMClock doesn't currently work with AMD Turion 64 x2 processors. So unless you plan on actually using all of that power, you're in for a lot of unnecessary heat. Lol.
     
    JohnByeBye, Apr 30, 2009
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  8. Luke1708

    Luke1708 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Try to set your power mode in vista to performance and also make sure you have your battery plugged in your laptop.
     
    Luke1708, Apr 30, 2009
    #8