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    is there a reason why my 2GHz dual core is only doing 1GHz?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by NOSintake, Jun 19, 2006.

  1. NOSintake

    NOSintake Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    ok...so i just recently found out that my laptop is only running at 1GHz, when i paid for a 2GHz. i can understand if it did that on battery, but im plugged into the wall, and its still like that. is there a way to change that (have it only go up to 2GHz when its plugged in)?
     
    NOSintake, Jun 19, 2006
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  2. ptang

    ptang Notebook Enthusiast

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    Your processor has speed stepping technology that allows it to conserve energy and heat while you are not running intensive programming...Just for a test have CPU Z run while you do a Super Pi Test...You will see the processor raise in voltage and speed
     
    ptang, Jun 19, 2006
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  3. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    is your power profile set for maximum performance? If you have set for maximum battery, then it does like ptang described- it cuts the CPU down to conserve power.
     
    Amber, Jun 19, 2006
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  4. xAMDvsIntelx

    xAMDvsIntelx Notebook Deity

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    The CPU won't run at full speed when plugged in because of SpeedStep - it will throttle the speed up when you need it (running apps, intensive programs).
     
    xAMDvsIntelx, Jun 20, 2006
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  5. ptang

    ptang Notebook Enthusiast

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    This is a good feature btw. A lot of people get upset when they realize this, but the technology is seamless.
     
    ptang, Jun 20, 2006
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  6. Metamorphical

    Metamorphical Good computer user

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    It is a cool featue. It's fun to watch it work in mobilemeter.
     
    Metamorphical, Jun 20, 2006
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  7. NOSintake

    NOSintake Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    i mean, i think its sweet, i just want full 2GHz when its plugged in. also, would it affect my 3DMark scores, or PCMark if it only runs at 1GHz?
     
    NOSintake, Jun 20, 2006
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  8. Iceman0124

    Iceman0124 More news from nowhere

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    it will go to full speed plugged in when it needs to, it throttles back when it doesnt need it to cut down on heat buildup, my a64x2 desktop pc does this too,they call itr cool and quiet, you have nothing to worry about
     
    Iceman0124, Jun 20, 2006
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  9. Unreal

    Unreal Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    When those programs use the processor more and need more power the processor will go back up to 2ghz. It stays at 1ghz until the power is needed and goes back to full throttle when needed so no it wouldn't affect the scores.
     
    Unreal, Jun 20, 2006
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  10. mjpartyboy

    mjpartyboy Notebook Evangelist

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    mjpartyboy, Jun 21, 2006
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  11. lancorp

    lancorp Notebook Virtuoso

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    It's easy to set your CPU to run at full speed when plugged in and slower on battery. Just set the Power Save profile to "Home/Office Desk". I've found that this profile automatically raises the CPU to full speed when plugged into AC, but throttles down when on battery.

    The Dell Quickset profiles are useless. "Maximum performance" doesn't seem to do anything with the CPU speeds.
     
    lancorp, Jun 21, 2006
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  12. AlexMcIver

    AlexMcIver Notebook Consultant

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    If it's a core duo and it's running at half speed then maybe one of the cores is broken.
     
    AlexMcIver, Jun 21, 2006
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  13. Iceman0124

    Iceman0124 More news from nowhere

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    thats not how it works, a 2ghz dual core has two 2ghz cores,not two 1ghz cores, the chip throttles down in speed when its not being pushed, wich is a good thing, as it draws less power and outputs less heat, forcing it to run at full speed all the time is much like turning your car on, leaving it parked, and standing on the gas pedal, your parking just as fast without giving it gas, all you will achieve is extra wear and tear with nothing at all to show for it, it will kick in to full power when you need it, dont worry about it
     
    Iceman0124, Jun 21, 2006
    #13