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    T5200 underclocked itself?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by un5killed, Jan 27, 2009.

  1. un5killed

    un5killed Notebook Consultant

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    Hi.

    I've noticed unusual slowdowns when working at my 9400 today. It's equipped with T5200 Core2Duo 1.6 GHz CPU. Then, I saw that fan contolling software (3rd party) reports CPU temperature being at ~40C (usually being ~55C). Then, I opened CPU-Z and it said that core speed of CPU was 798 MHz!

    Right now I'm looking into BIOS which also reports that:
    Code: 
    [size=2]Processor type       = Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor
Processor ID         = 06F6
Current Clock Speed  = 800 MHz
Minimum Clock Speed  = 800 MHz
Maximum Clock Speed  = 1.60 GHz
Processor Cache Size = 2048 KB
Dual Core Present    = Yes[/size]
    Is it dying??? :(
     
    un5killed, Jan 27, 2009
    #1
  2. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    No, that's completely normal. It just means Speedstep is working properly and saving you a couple cents on your energy bill.
     
    Commander Wolf, Jan 27, 2009
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  3. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    No its not dying lol. Its called Intel speedstep, it downclocks when its not being used to be more efficient on power. It will upclock when the power is needed.

    Also are you running on battery? It will sometimes lock it.
     
    flipfire, Jan 27, 2009
    #3
  4. un5killed

    un5killed Notebook Consultant

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    Oh, thanks!!! It's just that I read somewhere on the forum that modern chips can shutdown their faulty circuits (or something like that) to remain operational. Being paranoid, as always :eek:

    The funniest thing is that my battery died 9 months ago. My machine is always turned on through AC adapter.

    I didn't notice this behaviour before. How do I 'get back' my 800 MHz? :)
     
    un5killed, Jan 27, 2009
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  5. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    If you load it up, it'll automatically ramp to full speed or whatever speed the task at hand requires.
     
    Commander Wolf, Jan 27, 2009
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  6. un5killed

    un5killed Notebook Consultant

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    Well, it doesn't... :(

    Here, it says:
    I just did that, but no help.

    Also, I tried to play Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and noticed drop in framerate... While yesterday evening it was running smoothly.

    Tried to run Fallout 3 for a while. Usually it would trigger my fans to work at their maximum in a couple of minutes, but this time they were quiet.
     

    Attached Files:

    un5killed, Jan 27, 2009
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  7. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Check your temperatures to make sure its not downclocking from overheating
     
    flipfire, Jan 27, 2009
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  8. un5killed

    un5killed Notebook Consultant

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    It doesn't downclock, because it never returns to normal state. And temps are very low.

    I've just ran Fallout 3 again and inititated a battle against Megaton habitants, should have been tough task. But CPU temp was 47C at its peak and GPU's temp was 61 (while normally they reach 65 / 75).
     
    un5killed, Jan 27, 2009
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  9. un5killed

    un5killed Notebook Consultant

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    :(
    I did a BIOS reset and now it says that it can't determine type of AC adapter and therefore restricts system peformance.
     
    un5killed, Jan 27, 2009
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  10. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Ahh yeah thats a common bug on dells. Did you flash your BIOS recently?
     
    flipfire, Jan 27, 2009
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  11. un5killed

    un5killed Notebook Consultant

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    No, I didn't.

    I never feel like flashing BIOS, OC CPU/GPU. If I can, I tinker with software settings, but with hardware I stick to the rule 'if it works, don't touch it'.

    But, I suspect I simply overloaded it. I keep 3 external HDDs, USB mouse and USB cooling pad constantly plugged in.

    YAY! I unplugged everything except the mouse and it's back to normal! Fan noise sounds like music now! :D

    Thanks for your efforts, flipfire and Commander Wolf!
     
    un5killed, Jan 27, 2009
    #11