CPU Question

[kelltech]

I have a dual core Athlon 64 X2 2400ghz that is showing in my system as a 988mhz cpu. I have also been having a few virtual memory warnings, I don't know if it's related though. How do I fix my cpu speed? Thanks for any advice!

Athlon 64 X2 2400ghz cpu
ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe
1.2 gic PC2100 DDR RAM
Windows XP Pro

[Calum]

What are you using to check the speed of it?
Is it always shown as 988MHz?
Try running an intensive program and then check the speed.
Has it always been like this?
And do you mean it's an Athlon X2 4200+?
What do you mean by virtual memory warnings?
Please post the content of one of these warnings here.

[donsor]

Are you sure it's 2400GHz?

[kelltech]

nah, I was still waking up  :-/

its a 4800/2.4ghz  

I check the system in the control panel and the reported cpu speed varies between 988mhz-2.41ghz

[Calum]

That's fine.
It's called AMD PowerNow! technology.
When your CPU is not in use, it slows down to conserve power and reduce heat.
You used to be able to change the behaviour of this with the PowerNow drivers, but they no longer have this built in.
To change how it works, change the power setting in control panel.
Always on sets the CPU to full speed all the time.
Max battery sets it to variable speed on AC power and lowest speed on battery.
Minimal power saving sets it to dynamically adjust the speed as needed, and it's probably on that now.
I suggest leaving it there as it won't cause any problems, it'll just use a bit less power and produce a little less heat.
It can be alarming to see your new multi-GHz CPU running at a matter of MHz but it's nothing to worry about.
Does that clear things up for you?

[kelltech]

Perfectly clears it up...thanks!  [smiley=beer.gif]

[Dilbert]

I had no idea CPUs could do that. Thanks for the info, Calum. Sounds cool.

[Calum]

It was originally used for mobile CPUs, but was brought over to the desktop side when heat became a problem.
Intel's version of PowerNow is called SpeedStep, but I don't think they use it on desktop CPUs.
The P4 did have thermal throttling though, so when it got too hot it slowed way down and eventually shut off, because they had very serious heat issues.
Anyway, getting back to the point, yes it's a very good idea and is great for reducing power consumption and heat.
I have my laptop, with an AMD Turion CPU, set to max battery, so on AC power it fluctuates between 800MHz and 2GHz, and on battery it stays at 800MHz.
Way to save power, the battery life's pretty good.
And the heat is quite low too, if it gets too hot when I'm using it normally I just pull the lug and let it run on battery - it cools down fast and gives the battery some exercise too.
Also, it's not as slow as it sounds, 800MHz for a Turion is, while not exactly record-breaking, still a pretty decent speed.
That's enough rambling from me anyway.
Here's a bit from AMD about PowerNow technology.
Glad I was able to help you out, and it's nice to see I helped someone else too.