Computer not performing

[scooterpickleman]

I have a simple question probably answered very easily. My computer has a Pentium 4 processor 2.53 ghz and 1 gig of ram. I am using Windows XP Home Edition. When I go into system though It says my processor is Pentium 4 2.53ghz but then below it says 1.83ghz also it only says I have 512mb of ram. I know I am not exceeding the 4 gig memory limit on my computer so what else could it be.

[hahman14]

Do you have 2 512MB sticks or 1 GB stick?

[simshi993052]

i have the same exact problem with a p4 3ghz reading 1.5ghz and also wondered what the prob was
simshi

[scooterpickleman]

i have 2 512mb sticks. I cleaned some of the dust out a bit ago and did a little bit of work on the computer I'm thinking I could have knocked one of theme lose but even if that is so it still doesn't explain the processor which aggravates me a bit lol.

[Deerpark]

I think the processor issue you both mention might be due to speedstepping. I.e. it's a feature not a bug.
Try this and see if your CPU speed change to the full speed.

If you go into the Power Applet in Control Panel and select the Always On option it will disable Speed Step. Right click your desktop > Click properties > Click Screen Saver > Power button > Change the Power Scheme to always on.

[GX1_Man]

Is this a laptop or desktop? What is the computer or motherboard make and model number? Details help. 

[scooterpickleman]

I checked to make sure the ram chips were in all the way and they are. This has never happened before I did recently reformat the computer any ideas. The computer is a desktop and the motherboard is made by Elite Group Computer Systems and I think this is the model number ECS P4S5A/DX+ if its not tell me lol. The speedstepping thing didn't work. I am not as concerned about the processor as I am about the Ram.

[soybean]

Why don't you test your RAM modules by installing one at a time and see if they work properly.  If so, then install both again.  Or, download and run EVEREST Free Edition 2.20.  It will tell you what memory is installed in what slots.  This should confirm whether both memory modules are being recognized or not.

Regarding processor speed, access your BIOS and see whether it has settings for CPU frequency.  I have a computer with an ECS motherboard where I had the same problem as you.  I learned that a BIOS setting sometimes changed, without me changing it.  I replaced the power supply in that computer, for other reasons, and that problem has not occurred again.  However, recurring loss of BIOS settings could be a sign of a weak CMOS battery on the motherboard.  Those batteries can be replaced.

[scooterpickleman]

thank you how can i change my bios settings

[WillyW]

... how can i change my bios settings

Check out:
http://www.computerhope.com/help/bios.htm

and particularly:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000192.htm

[soybean]

scooterpickleman, your motherboard has two pairs of memory slots, for two types of memory.  You aren't trying to use both types of memory, are you?  What type are you using? 

[scooterpickleman]

im not sure what types im using i do know though that they are capatible because they worked before lol ill check out wha tim using and get back to you