x200 - CPU-z reporting multi of 6x instead of 9x for p8600 (2.4ghz)

*** SOLVED*** read last post by me

my x200 is reporting CPU speeds of 6 x 266 FSB = 1.6ghz instead of the correct 2.4ghz for the Intel P8600.

i've already disabled speedstep in the BIOS, why isn't it reporting 2.4ghz?

 

Is it ALWAYS reporting that? If you disabled speedstep that doesn't make sense, but it still might be throttling sometimes. Run Prime95 and see if it spikes up.

 

try changing your power scheme to max. cpu

 

its on max cpu and i jsut ran the stress tests.. its still @ 1.6ghz (6 x 266 FSB)
speedstep is disabled already (shouldn't this NOT matter since it should go to 9x if my CPU load increased to 100%)

power setting was on MAX PERFORMANCE (every setting maxed out that i can see)

 

check advanced power settings and see cpu performance

just to make sure its set at 100% for maximum

 

my bios is 1.05, vs the most recent 1.07 if that matters. i'm scared of flashing the bios, since i've never done it on a laptop and haven't seen a good guide yet. anyone know one?

 

did this also... its a no-go.

does anyone with a p8600 + x200 have this same problem?

 

Is your battery pack installed? If not, install it and run the tests again.

 

yes, it was installed... what does having the battery connected have to do with the CPU when running on AC power?

 

My X61 is always reporting that 6x even with max performance setting in both Power Manager and BIOS setting. Windows always report it as 1.18Ghz and BIOS reports it as 1.8Ghz. It never goes to 1.8Ghz (its rated speed) despite running intensive programs, unless I force it to using CrystalCPUID (SpeedStep control) to manually set the multiplier.

I've read that this is a common issue. It doesn't bother me as much, but it is annoying having to resort to a third party program to get the rated speed.

 

Dont disable Speedstep in the BIOS. It is a necessary feature. ( EIST)

Have a look at this post. Also with Speedstep enabled in the BIOS, run Orthos (Small-FFTs) and run CPU-Z simultaneously to see the multiplier go to 9x.

 

so i should:
1. ENABLE speedstep in Bios
2. Install RMclock
3. do what http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=4095127&postcount=7 this page says to do (adjust ONLY for AC POWER)

and this will make my CPU run at 9 x 266 = 2.4ghz 24/7 when i'm using AC power?

 

you née to test with battery and AC power. This was an issue with my x61 as well. The CPU for some reason throttles down with the 65w adapter and no battery. With the 90w adapter，the CPU will work at max.

 

Some people had trouble with their ThinkPad throttling CPU speed with the battery pack removed. Something about using the battery pack as the buffer for when the power adapter alone can't meet the power draw. I just want to make sure this simple yet obscure trait about ThinkPad is not overlooked.

 

That makes sense since I don't use my battery pack when connected to AC... Bizarre that Lenovo engineers allowed this to happened. They even advise people to remove the battery when connected to AC for long period due to heating...

 

Yes, if you do it right.

If you enable Speedstep in the BIOS, that's enough. The frequency will increase when needed. Running it at 2.4GHz all the time won't boost performance. CPU power is needed only in CPU-intensive tasks. To run windows smoothly, you need a fast HDD.
With Speedstep enabled, you can run Orthos/Prime95, and see the multiplier and frequency go up, since both tools are CPU-intensive.
Also, give undervolting a try....

 

i dont know why.. but on my Speedstep DISABLED desktop, my CPU multiplier stays at 9x (same CPU speed @ 9 x 266mhz)

from waht i understand.. Speedstep shouldn't LOCK your multiplier to 6x, it only reduces it to 6x when under low cpu load. In my case, it was DISABLED in the bios..shouldn't it stay at 9x 24/7?

 

i've enabled it in the Bios and set everything for MAX PERFORMANCE when on AC power, and it still stays at 6x when running p95..

 

SOLVED:

was worried it was some big manufacturer defect, but its not. (well in a way, it is but it was designed like that)

in BIOS: speedstep enabled
in Windows: Power Settings Maxed out for CPU
in Laptop: AC POWER + BATTERY ***

*** was my problem, i dont like running the battery inside while the AC ADAPTER is in, i feel like it is constantly draining the battery so i like to pull it out when AC is in use.

but that is the only way i can get my CPU to run @ 2.4ghz (9 x 266) instead of 6 x 266. i guess this is how lenovo wants it to be: have the CPU run at a slower speed (than rated) in ALL scenarios except with AC POWER + BATTERY.

 

hmm...doesnt make sense why they wouldnt let the CPU run at full speed without the battery...

 

Force it through something like CrystalCPUID. I still use my X61 without battery while connected to AC and force it to 9x multiplier instead of 6x. Works 99% of the time while doing CPU intensive stuff like video encoding.

With the prices of replacement batteries so high, I'll never dock it onto my TP while connected to AC unless I want to do something like a BIOS update.

 

I suggest you try and adjust the battery charge thresholds in power manager (I use start at 60%, stop at 95%). This substantially reduces the downsides of plugging your laptop in with the battery still in the bay. The battery will be idle as long as it is above 60% when you plug it in. It will also stop at a reasonable 95%. I recommend that you give this a shot because you can get all the benefits of a battery (UPS, grab and go) and still go easy on its life.

 

Just wanted to mention that I checked out the CrystalCPUID, to see if it can lock the processor into a higher speed on the X200 without the battery, and the answer is yes. It works just fine. You can even make a shortcut icon, to put on your desktop, so when you pull out the battery, and use AC only, a double click later will have you running up at full speed. Lenovo Power management undo's any lock speed setting, when the battery is re-inserted or when any power mode is selected.

Good stuff. Too bad we need a program like this, when it shouldn't really be necessairy to begin with. Oh well, c'est la vie.

 

can you post a guide for exactly how to do this? i am interested. i'd like my cpu to run at its stock speed without the battery.