Errr...Q6600 Underclocked?

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by Stormcrow

I didn't know Intel had a feature like that until a few days ago, I'm familiar with AMD's Cool'n'Quiet which drops your processor to 1GHz. Speedstep sounds more useful though.

Not necessarily to 1GHz, but it's overall the same thing. Both drop the CPU speed at a certain level enough to do word processing and at the same time lowers the voltage needed, reducing heat generated.

Now, lengthens the CPU life... that could be discussed.

[OCNoob]

SpeedStep has to be at work here. I have SS enabled on my lappy and currently, the clockspeed is 800MHz as reported by CPU-Z. If I stress it out a little bit, it starts ramping up to default speeds. The good thing about it is that the voltage is also decreased, so power consumption also goes down.

I think that's the lowest voltage possible for your Q6600, isn't it? Play a recent game with CPU-Z running in the background. Switch it after you've given the CPU a good load and it should read 2400 MHz. If you don't want your PC to run like this, explore your BIOS options. It should have an option to disable this. If you're overclocking, it's a good idea to turn it off anyway.

BTW, put your specs in your sig! It helps with t-shooting and it's required around here.

[Quakindude]

For some reason, I was thinking Gamer was a seasoned vet when it came to computers and CPU clocking. SpeedStep crossed my mind when I pointed that out, but I thought he knew about it. That's what I get for ASSuming something.

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by polobunny

Check is EIST is enabled in your BIOS. If yes, disable it. :P

That's exactly it, and the recently reviewed Left-Click machine (also equipped with a Q6600) would also clock down to 1.6GHz.

Gamer, this setting doesn't affect performance, as your processor will ramp up to default clocks as the loads demand. For example, run an instance (or four) of CPU Burn-In with CPU-Z open and you'll see that 1600MHz dynamically change to 2400MHz, and then drop back down when you go back to idle.

If it bothers you and you can do without the power savings and heat reduction, then go into your BIOS and disable EIST.

Originally Posted by Quakindude

For some reason, I was thinking Gamer was a seasoned vet when it came to computers and CPU clocking.

He'll get there! I've known Gamer for quite a while and, *sniff* *sniff*, he's growing up so fast! For those that don't know him, Gamerfreak likes to play with code, is notorious for typos and grammatical errors that would make even Prolific_One blush, and people love to comment on his sister.

[gamerfreak]

Originally Posted by Quakindude

For some reason, I was thinking Gamer was a seasoned vet when it came to computers and CPU clocking. SpeedStep crossed my mind when I pointed that out, but I thought he knew about it. That's what I get for ASSuming something.

Calm yoself down....

This is my "first" build where I am worried as hell about all this crap because I dumped so much money in it.

You generally don't need a monster build to write code

[polobunny]

I'm requesting pictures of said sister for further investigation.
It might have something to do with your processor underclocking to 1.6ghz... Or not, but better be safe than sorry right? :P

Edit: Oh and I meant "check if" not "check is" in my initial post. Typing too fast heh.

[fps justin]

disable EIST and C1E. EIST lowers your multiplier to 6x and C1E lowers your voltage. Disable both, and your 'problem' will be gone.