Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: hopingForAnswers on September 03, 2011, 12:09:38 AM

Title: Intel Frequency Test Problem - Computer running at 1/2 speed
Post by: hopingForAnswers on September 03, 2011, 12:09:38 AM

I got the motherboard replaced on my gateway laptop - but everything is not running well.

The model is a Gateway MT6821 - an Intel Core Duo Laptop.

I downloaded a Intel utility that shows the Expected frequency is 1.6 but the actual frequency for Core 1 = .79 and the actual frequncy for Core 2 = .79. 

I tested my desktop to see if they should be added - but the  Expected frequency was 2.4 and the actual frequency for Core 1 =2.4 and Core 2=2.4.

I am running at lightly less than 1/2 speed on a brand new (not repaired)  motherboard - ordered from the original manufacturer - Skyline-Engineering.

I don't know why the original board died - there were no burn marks anywhere.

I did not install the board my self - it was installed by a professional. 

Any ideas on what could be causing the slow speed problem?

Title: Re: Intel Frequency Test Problem - Computer running at 1/2 speed
Post by: Geek-9pm on September 03, 2011, 01:07:20 AM

Is this the place where you got the Intel program?
http://www.intel.com/support/processors/tools/frequencyid/sb/cs-007621.htm
Intel® Processor Frequency ID Utility

Title: Re: Intel Frequency Test Problem - Computer running at 1/2 speed
Post by: hopingForAnswers on September 03, 2011, 10:08:30 AM

No

This is where I got the download - a slighlty diffferant utility

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=N&ProductID=1881&DwnldID=7838

Title: Re: Intel Frequency Test Problem - Computer running at 1/2 speed
Post by: Geek-9pm on September 03, 2011, 02:41:48 PM

Yes, that is different. Seems to work fine on my laptop. Two cores have identical frequency and actual and expected is right on.
Speed 1.73 GHz and System Bus 533 for each core.

Hypothetically, if the work load was divided equally, the effective sped could approach the sum of the speed of each core.

I jest had a thought--- never mind  ;D

Title: Re: Intel Frequency Test Problem - Computer running at 1/2 speed
Post by: hopingForAnswers on September 04, 2011, 11:32:51 AM

I checked on URL you suggested - but I read the read me doc and on multiple systems, Only one of the cores can be tested at a time.  Other than physicaly removing a core, how can I test one core at a time?

I feel I am working on a level so far above my understanding that I am truly lost. 

Dos was easy - they had printed manuals that explained everything  and there were  additional books that
you could buy to give you additional info - if needed.

Now you must almost be an electical engineer to understand what is happening.  I need a very simple answer,  My computer is not working well.  Is the problem the processor  (which is running at 1/2 speed), the motherboard (which was just replaced),   or is there a software utility that I can run to correct the problem?

Title: Re: Intel Frequency Test Problem - Computer running at 1/2 speed
Post by: Geek-9pm on September 04, 2011, 04:43:41 PM

Running in the low power mode would fgive a figure of about 80% of expecred speed.

Title: Re: Intel Frequency Test Problem - Computer running at 1/2 speed
Post by: hopingForAnswers on September 04, 2011, 10:37:30 PM

You have the answer.

I posted on several Web sites - and some one on one of the other sites suggested I check "Enhanced SpeedStep Technology"  and that I disable it.  That wasn't the answer - but when I put it in the search, I was able to view a file on tuning (Increasing efficiency) for laptops.  The first suggestions was to check the power options. 

I did, then changed them, rebooted and ran the tests again.  That is the Solution. 

I don't, however,  understand why it kicked in when the computer was plugged in.

I consider that a bug

Also a 50% reduction in speed seems excessive. 
When the computer is running on battery, we only have about an hour+ use before the battery dies  (On power saver).   I wonder what how much time we will have on the new settings.