Issues with cpu on dell xps m170?

[equilibrium]

Ok im having funny issues with my my dell xps m170... The processor pentium m 2.13ghz is jumping from 798.07mhz to 2.13 ghz? Cpu problem? Think ill have to give dell a call maybe? Its only 2months old

Dave

 

[maverik-sg1]

Probably the speedstep technology kicking in and out (power saving function) but as you have a dell and are covered by there tech support - it would be the best place to start.

Mav

 

[Phil Stanbridge]

It's because you are running with the laptop off the batteries rather than plugged in to the mains - it's called Speedstep technology as Mav points out above. For what its worth it doesnt instantly recover once you plug back in either if I recall. I have this issue with my Dell Ultra Portable.

 

[nick25]

You should be able to disable the speedstep under power settings to make it run full speed shouldn't you?

 

[Phil Stanbridge]

yep you can, but I find it more productive left on - although my battery lasts for over 4 hours so I cant complain

 

[equilibrium]

Lol i wish id read this b4 calling tech support lol as the technician has just made me reinstall windows to begin with...............

It could be the case as i do tend to run it off the batteries sometimes. Well ill have to wait and see what they say now as they are calling me back in a mo. Will keep updated cheers guys.

DAve

Ok just disabled speedstep but no change? Its dropped the multiplier from 16 to 6. Well still waitin for dell to call back.

Could be a spyware problem so im having to download all updates now................................................... Will have to see if t6his solves the issue

 

[Firelord]

Its just speedstep. It drops down when all 2.13GHz isn't needed. For instance if your listening to music you'll need a little bit of CPU but if your watching a film then your need alot lot more. Its like AMDs cool n quuiet

 

[equilibrium]

but i disabled the speedstep and still the same issue? phoned dell cant understand the problem?

Dave

Ok when you disable stepping doesnt this change the cpu to the lowest possible setting? As far as i understand this is what it does from what i read in the bios?

Dave

 

[equilibrium]

Ok after a good nights sleep i sorted the issue For anyone else with pentium m speedstep this may be handy to know.

Speedstep is controlled via windows aswell as the bios. The settings can be left alone in the bios tbh but if you right click and go to the properties menu, select screensaver. In screensaver go to monitor power and from there switch it to always on. Because i had reinstalled windows it had changed the settings to portable/laptop to save battery life which basically underclocks the cpu by dropping the multiplier and voltages. This was the reason on certain programmes it flickered between 800mhz - 1.2ghz etc. by basically doing the above it disables speedstep therefore running the full cpu speed (in my case 2.13ghz).

Thanks to everyone for your help on this topic I hope this helps anyone else who may find the same issues. I spent 3hrs on dell technical support line with no sucess lol.......

Dave