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Laptop CPU freq stuck

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 12:41 pm
by Leo G
Greetings All, Recently I downloaded Coretemp RC5 and started using it. When I first got it installed I could watch my CPU frequency bounce back and forth from 997MHz and 1.8GHz. Now it just stays stuck at 997MHz and nothing changes this. It use to idle at low speed and as soon as some activity happened would jump to max speed.

Never had a CPU freq counter until Coretemp. Not sure what is going on, if anything.

Dell 9400 T2400 1.83GHz Mobile Intel Core Duo

Thanks :mrgreen:

Re: Laptop CPU freq stuck

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 2:42 pm
by Jorge
Has anything changed to cause your CPU to run at the slower speed all the time? It's possible if you're running on battery only that it may be downclocking to save the battery or if it is running on the hot side it typically down clocks also? You can always uninstall RC5 and then re-install to see if you get the same result.

The stress test program OCCT will show you the CPU frequency when under hevy test loads as a reference point.

Re: Laptop CPU freq stuck

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 3:17 pm
by Leo G
Nothing has changed that I know of. The temps are not hot at all 35-55C. It's operating on the power adapter, not battery. I have already uninstalled and reinstalled the program once and it is still showing 997MHz. I went into the BIOS and there really isn't anything in there that I can change that has to do with the CPU clock.

When I first installed the program it seemed fine. I don't know at what point it got stuck. Likely after a hibernation and restart but I'm unsure about that.

I'll see if I can download the OCCT stress test and run it to see if things change.

Re: Laptop CPU freq stuck

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 3:28 pm
by Leo G
Downloaded OCCT and ran it. Still stuck at 997MHz.

Re: Laptop CPU freq stuck

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 4:02 pm
by The Coolest
If I'm not mistaking OCCT should also be able to display processor information like frequency. Does it also report the same thing?
The only thing I can think of is that you have "Power Saver" selected as your Windows' Power Plan. Set it to "Balanced" and you should see the CPU go back up to its proper frequencies.

Re: Laptop CPU freq stuck

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 4:48 pm
by Leo G
OCCT says the same thing with frequency 997MHz. I've tried all the different power options and I am currently on Max Performance, still sticking at 997 MHz.

I played with the BIOS settings and when I rebooted it said something about my power supply. I have the original OEM version, this is the second one, the first one failed just about 2 years in, but was under warranty. Any possibility this might be the issue? I don't have access to another power supply to confirm.

Re: Laptop CPU freq stuck

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 9:05 pm
by Leo G
OK, figured it out. It did have something to do with the power supply. I looked up the error that I had during boot up and with Dell there is a 3 pin plug. Two for power and 1 to tell the computer it is a Dell charger. This pin was nice and straight, and the computer is 6 or 7 years old, so I made an assumption that there was some wear and tear on the socket it plugs into. I bent the pin slightly and now I get the 1.8GHz on the clock.

How coincidental is that, that I get this software and an hour later I come up with this issue. Sort of glad I got the program because I would have just thought my computer was slow and never known the reason why.

It occurs to me that I had a strange incident about a week ago that kinda made me scratch my head. My computer had been plugged in while I was using it and all of a sudden it decided to start charging the battery. I checked the level and it was 90%. Never figured the power supply, just figured somehow it wasn't plugged in all the way. When I sit in my recliner sometimes the power cord falls out of the computer because of me moving and getting the cord caught. I just figured I did that and didn't notice.

Well, seems the problem is solved. Thanks for the time. I appreciate it. :D

Re: Laptop CPU freq stuck

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 9:26 pm
by The Coolest
Glad to hear that you were able to fix the issue. I would've never guessed it.
My laptop would still run at full speed on battery if set to "Always On", but as long as you caught it, that's what matters.

Re: Laptop CPU freq stuck

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 11:47 pm
by Leo G
My power settings don't really seem to do much other than set up how you want the computer to react. Like shut the monitor off in 5 min, shut the HDD off in 10 minutes, what to do when the lid shuts.