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Dell Latitude D820 w/ T2500 only running @ 1GHz
Posted on 2013-01-08
I have a Dell Latitude with a fresh install of Windows 7 Pro x86 with the following specs:
CPU = T2500 (Core Duo) @ 2GHz
RAM = 4GB
HDD = 160GB Intel SSD
There aren't any Windows 7 drivers on the Dell website for this laptop but everything is recognized (know unknown devices in Device Manager).
It has the newest BIOS (A10) and I've looked through all of the BIOS settings but nothing is helping me figure out why the CPU is only running @ 1GHz.
Everything installs incredibly slow and it's driving me insane.
I've installed the Vista chipset driver for this laptop in hopes that would fix it but I don't think it helped.
I'm using CPU-Z to check the speed of the CPU.
It looks like if I reboot the laptop, it'll be running @ 2GHz but out of nowhere it just drops to 1GHz and never returns to 2GHz.
I have the power options in the Control Panel set to "high performance" but that doesn't seem to help.
I really feel like I've tried everything I could think of and could really use some help.
I don't want to put XP on it because of the SSD. I know this laptop is more than capable of running W7 I just don't understand why the CPU speed keeps dropping to 1/2 what it should be...
For example, I rebooted the laptop and used CPU-Z to check the CPU speed. It was @2GHz.
I then started the installation of a program and it dropped down to 1GHz.
Why would it drop to a LOWER speed when I'm installing software??
CPU = T2500 (Core Duo) @ 2GHz
RAM = 4GB
HDD = 160GB Intel SSD
There aren't any Windows 7 drivers on the Dell website for this laptop but everything is recognized (know unknown devices in Device Manager).
It has the newest BIOS (A10) and I've looked through all of the BIOS settings but nothing is helping me figure out why the CPU is only running @ 1GHz.
Everything installs incredibly slow and it's driving me insane.
I've installed the Vista chipset driver for this laptop in hopes that would fix it but I don't think it helped.
I'm using CPU-Z to check the speed of the CPU.
It looks like if I reboot the laptop, it'll be running @ 2GHz but out of nowhere it just drops to 1GHz and never returns to 2GHz.
I have the power options in the Control Panel set to "high performance" but that doesn't seem to help.
I really feel like I've tried everything I could think of and could really use some help.
I don't want to put XP on it because of the SSD. I know this laptop is more than capable of running W7 I just don't understand why the CPU speed keeps dropping to 1/2 what it should be...
For example, I rebooted the laptop and used CPU-Z to check the CPU speed. It was @2GHz.
I then started the installation of a program and it dropped down to 1GHz.Why would it drop to a LOWER speed when I'm installing software??
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25 Comments
Hi,
one collegue of me had the same problem with a Dell d620.
The problem were the chipset driver.
Can you please update them with newer (vista) driver?
one collegue of me had the same problem with a Dell d620.
The problem were the chipset driver.
Can you please update them with newer (vista) driver?
Active today
Can you send me a link to the EXACT driver?
I'm having a hard time finding the one needed.
I'm having a hard time finding the one needed.
Active today
Open Task Manager and set the option to hide when minimized. Minimize it and leave it running. It is dark green when the CPU is idle (which is most of the time) and bright green when loaded. This will help you gauge whether the CPU is busy or not.
Now, CPU's generally run at half speed. That is completely normal. Also, software installs are often disk intensive.
So then the question is: Does the CPU ever go up (even for a short time)? It should. Or does it go down as you show and never go up?
.... Thinkpads_User
Now, CPU's generally run at half speed. That is completely normal. Also, software installs are often disk intensive.
So then the question is: Does the CPU ever go up (even for a short time)? It should. Or does it go down as you show and never go up?
.... Thinkpads_User
Hi,
the dell driver download website has some problems, but this file (download on the page) should be the same:
http://dell.laptop-software.com/delldriver.php?chipset/R140623.EXE
the dell driver download website has some problems, but this file (download on the page) should be the same:
http://dell.laptop-software.com/delldriver.php?chipset/R140623.EXE
Active today
Anything like simply opening "My Computer" causes the thing to spike for multiple seconds at 100%.
Go to install a program? 100% maxed out super slow can't do a damn thing.
The install of whatever it is WILL eventually complete but it's super slow.
Go to install a program? 100% maxed out super slow can't do a damn thing.
The install of whatever it is WILL eventually complete but it's super slow.
Active today
I already installed that driver.
That's the one that I think fixed the issue but it wasn't consistent.
It would be @ 2GHz upon startup but as soon as I try to install a program it would drop down to 1GHz and would never go back unless I restart.
I know chipset drivers are normally the first drivers you install when reinstalling an OS.
Maybe I need to reinstall Windows 7 again and install this driver first thing?
That's the one that I think fixed the issue but it wasn't consistent.
It would be @ 2GHz upon startup but as soon as I try to install a program it would drop down to 1GHz and would never go back unless I restart.
I know chipset drivers are normally the first drivers you install when reinstalling an OS.
Maybe I need to reinstall Windows 7 again and install this driver first thing?
Active today
Maybe I need to reinstall Windows 7 again and install this driver first thing?
If you are at that point (and maybe this is what is needed), try:
1. System File Checker. Run SFC /SCANNOW and allow to complete. Run again if errors remain uncorrected. Restart the computer.
2. Run a Repair Install. Back up first. See:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html
See if these things help.
... Thinkpads_User
If you are at that point (and maybe this is what is needed), try:
1. System File Checker. Run SFC /SCANNOW and allow to complete. Run again if errors remain uncorrected. Restart the computer.
2. Run a Repair Install. Back up first. See:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html
See if these things help.
... Thinkpads_User
Active today
I don't want to run a repair as it doesn't remove drivers and the ones I installed may very well be the reason this thing isn't working properly.
I can't see the SFC command helping me at this point...
I'm going to try a clean install and install the chipset driver first thing.
I'll let you guys know the outcome tomorrow...
I can't see the SFC command helping me at this point...
I'm going to try a clean install and install the chipset driver first thing.
I'll let you guys know the outcome tomorrow...
Active today
try the intel diag tool : http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=19792
Active today
It's like a cruel joke I swear.
I reinstalled Windows 7 and installed the chipset driver.
The chipset driver installed "instantly" which makes me think it didn't actually INSTALL anything.
Regardless, I switched the power options to "high performance" or whatever and the CPU was running OK.
I then tried to install .NET 4.0 and as soon as the file extracts and I accept the license agreement BOOM it drops down to 1GHz. At that point, I cancelled the install.
I then decided to try and run the Intel diag tool mentioned above.
...It needs to auto install Java, some other program and (what are the odds?)... .NET 4.0.
This is going to take a while...
I reinstalled Windows 7 and installed the chipset driver.
The chipset driver installed "instantly" which makes me think it didn't actually INSTALL anything.
Regardless, I switched the power options to "high performance" or whatever and the CPU was running OK.
I then tried to install .NET 4.0 and as soon as the file extracts and I accept the license agreement BOOM it drops down to 1GHz. At that point, I cancelled the install.
I then decided to try and run the Intel diag tool mentioned above.
...It needs to auto install Java, some other program and (what are the odds?)... .NET 4.0.
This is going to take a while...
Active today
Please let us know the outcome. I never had any problems with Intel Chips and Speed Step technology (which is what changes the CPU speed). Speed Step (for me) has not depended upon .NET Framework or Java.
What it might depend upon is the Power Management Driver. I have this Power Manager Driver for my Thinkpad. Look for a comparable one for your DELL.
... Thinkpads_User
What it might depend upon is the Power Management Driver. I have this Power Manager Driver for my Thinkpad. Look for a comparable one for your DELL.
... Thinkpads_User
Active today
The Intel diag tool said the CPU "passed". The output is below:
I checked the device manager and I don't see any Dell PM devices or anything like that.
Keep in mind that Dell doesn't offer any W7 drivers for this laptop which is why this type of driver/program may be unavailable.
I'm getting VERY close to installing Windows XP on this thing and being done with it.
I don't want to do that but it's getting very frustrating.
The chipset driver installing so quickly is leading me to believe that it's not actually installing at all. This could definitely be part of the issue.
--- IPDT - rev 1.48.0.0 ---
--- Start Time: 01/09/2013 09:07:11---
--- Skipping Config ---
--- Reading CPU Manufacturer ---
Expected --> GenuineIntel
Detected --> GenuineIntel
Found --- Genuine Intel Processor ---
--- Temperature Test ---
Temperature Test Passed!!!
Temperature = 44 degrees C below maximum.
--- Reading Brand String ---
Detected Brand String:
Genuine Intel T2500 2.00GHz
Brand String Test Passed!!!
--- Reading CPU Frequency ---
Expected CPU Frequency is --> 2.00
Detected CPU Frequency is --> 2.0212
CPU Frequency Test Passed!!!
--- Reading FSB ---
Expected FSB : --> 667
Detected) FSB : --> 667
CPU FSB Test Passed!!!
--- Running Base Clock test ---
--- This CPU does not support base clock test ---
--- Running Floating Point test ---
Million Floating Points per Second, MFLOPS --> 14.4
Floating Point Test Pass ---
--- Running Prime Number Generation Test ---
Operation Per Second--> 110763
Prime Number Generation Test Pass ---
--- Reading Cache Size ---
- Detected L1 Data Cache Size --> 2 x 32
- Detected L1 Inst Cache Size --> 2 x 32
- Detected L2 Cache Size --> 2048
- Detected L3 Cache Size --> Not Detected.
Cache Size Test Passed!!!
--- Determining MMX - SSE capabilities ---
--- CPU FEATURES DETECTION FOR ---
--- MMX SSE ---
MMX - MMX Supported --> Yes
SSE - SSE Supported --> Yes
SSE2 - SSE2 Supported --> Yes
SSE3 - SSE3 Supported --> Yes
SSSE3 - SSSE3 Supported --> No
SSE4.1 - SSE4.1 Supported --> No
SSE4.2 - SSE4.2 Supported --> No
--- MMX SSE - capabilities check complete ---
MMX Test Result --- PASS
SSE Test Result --- PASS
SSE2 Test Result --- PASS
SSE3 Test Result --- PASS
SSSE3 Test Result --- Not Tested
SSE4.1 Test Result --- Not Tested
SSE4.2 Test Result --- Not Tested
MMX SSE Testing Passed !!
--- Determining AVX AES PCLMULQDQ capabilities ---
--- CPU FEATURES DETECTION FOR ---
--- AVX/AES/PCLMULQDQ ---
AVX - Advanced Vector Extensions Supported --> No
AVX OS Support - AVX Operating System Supported --> No ---> No Test Required
AES - Advanced Encryption Standard Supported --> No ---> No Test Required
PCLMULQDQ - Polys Carry-Less Multiply Supported --> No ---> No Test Required
--- AVX AES PCLMULQDQ capabilities check complete ---
AVX Compare Test Result --- Not Tested
AES Test Result --- Not Tested
PCLMULQDQ Test Result --- Not Tested
No AVX AES PCLMULQDQ Tests required
--- IMC NOT Supported on this Processor ---
..Platform Controller Hub Test not supported curent chipset..
..Skipping Platform Controller Hub Test..
Skipping Platform Controller Hub Test
..
..Query 5..
..
--- Querying for Intel(R) Integrated Graphics Device (IGD) ---
..Intel(R) Integrated Graphics Device not supported on this processor..
..Skipping Intel(R) Integrated Graphics Device Presence Test..
..
--- CPU Load ---
--- Load Level = 8
CPU Load Passed!!!
--- Temperature Test ---
Temperature Test Passed!!!
Temperature = 43 degrees C below maximum.
--- Test End Time: 01/09/2013 09:11:12---
I checked the device manager and I don't see any Dell PM devices or anything like that.
Keep in mind that Dell doesn't offer any W7 drivers for this laptop which is why this type of driver/program may be unavailable.
I'm getting VERY close to installing Windows XP on this thing and being done with it.
I don't want to do that but it's getting very frustrating.
The chipset driver installing so quickly is leading me to believe that it's not actually installing at all. This could definitely be part of the issue.
Active today
Keep in mind that Dell doesn't offer any W7 drivers for this laptop
You did not say otherwise above, so I concluded this model of DELL came with Windows 7. Apparently not, and so it may not be Windows 7 compliant. I cannot think of any other reason at this point.
So yes, maybe you are better to back to XP.
But then it cannot be a new machine and so maybe it is time to think new machine. If you do, get a good machine. ... Thinkpads_User
You did not say otherwise above, so I concluded this model of DELL came with Windows 7. Apparently not, and so it may not be Windows 7 compliant. I cannot think of any other reason at this point.
So yes, maybe you are better to back to XP.
But then it cannot be a new machine and so maybe it is time to think new machine. If you do, get a good machine. ... Thinkpads_User
Active today
At this point I'm already in the process of installing XP on this thing. I can't take it anymore.
W7 is no longer on it so I can't check.
I certainly hope once XP is back on it, the CPU is working the way it should.
I'll find out soon.
Keep in mind that with this issue, it would start up running @ 2GHz but once I would try to install software, it would drop to 1GHz. It would then stay at 1GHz until the system was rebooted. Very strange issue. I suspect it does have something to do with the chipset drivers but I'm not 100% sure and everything I tried was a fail.
W7 is no longer on it so I can't check.
I certainly hope once XP is back on it, the CPU is working the way it should.
I'll find out soon.
Keep in mind that with this issue, it would start up running @ 2GHz but once I would try to install software, it would drop to 1GHz. It would then stay at 1GHz until the system was rebooted. Very strange issue. I suspect it does have something to do with the chipset drivers but I'm not 100% sure and everything I tried was a fail.
Active today
When I would open the task manager, I'd see 2 cores show up but they would both spike to 100% super easily. I suspect this is because both cores were running at 1Ghz instead of 2GHz so even the simplest task would max out the CPU.
I mean, even an Atom CPU has over 1GHz...
I mean, even an Atom CPU has over 1GHz...
Active today
So I installed XP.
It took a lot longer than I was expecting.
I then installed all the necessary drivers.
It's still running @ 1GHz...
It runs "better" than it was when W7 was on it but obviously this problem is deeper than a chipset driver.
Speccy shows the CPU temp at 60 degrees celsius.
That doesn't seem TOO hot but it does seem a bit warm, no?
What could be the issue here?
It took a lot longer than I was expecting.
I then installed all the necessary drivers.
It's still running @ 1GHz...
It runs "better" than it was when W7 was on it but obviously this problem is deeper than a chipset driver.
Speccy shows the CPU temp at 60 degrees celsius.
That doesn't seem TOO hot but it does seem a bit warm, no?
What could be the issue here?
Active today
A normal CPU for me will run less than 50 degrees C when running normally and 40 or so degrees C when idling. I am using my ThinkpadT61p right now and CPU is at 38 degrees C. GPU is at 57 degrees C and it always runs hotter.
What could be the issue here?
Barring a hardware fault which would be difficult to pin down in a forum like this, it could have dried up thermal compound or a dirty and slow fan that is not evacuating heat well enough. You would have to get inside the laptop to determine these two things.
... Thinkpads_User
What could be the issue here?
Barring a hardware fault which would be difficult to pin down in a forum like this, it could have dried up thermal compound or a dirty and slow fan that is not evacuating heat well enough. You would have to get inside the laptop to determine these two things.
... Thinkpads_User
Active today
I took the laptop apart and reapplied the thermal compound.
When I was in there I used compressed air to get rid of some built up dust and such.
I noticed the main exhaust fan wouldn't spin when I blew a considerable amount of air into it.
I spun it manually and a small plastic/rubber cap of sorts fell out.
The fan then spun normally.
Now that I've reassembled it and powered it on, the CPU temp was 29 degrees.
I checked the CPU speed and it was @ 2GHz.
I then proceeded to run my "test" which is to simply install .NET 4.0.
It looks like the CPU speed is fluctuating between 1GHz and 2GHz quite a bit but at least it's hitting 2GHz now.
After the install of .NET 4.0 which completed quickly, the CPU got up to 60 degrees or so.
I'm wondering if the issue the entire time was the fan being blocked by that little cap...
When I was in there I used compressed air to get rid of some built up dust and such.
I noticed the main exhaust fan wouldn't spin when I blew a considerable amount of air into it.
I spun it manually and a small plastic/rubber cap of sorts fell out.
The fan then spun normally.
Now that I've reassembled it and powered it on, the CPU temp was 29 degrees.
I checked the CPU speed and it was @ 2GHz.
I then proceeded to run my "test" which is to simply install .NET 4.0.
It looks like the CPU speed is fluctuating between 1GHz and 2GHz quite a bit but at least it's hitting 2GHz now.
After the install of .NET 4.0 which completed quickly, the CPU got up to 60 degrees or so.
I'm wondering if the issue the entire time was the fan being blocked by that little cap...
Active today
I'm wondering if the issue the entire time was the fan being blocked by that little cap...
It is possible. Perhaps the Speed Step sensor was not working properly. It is hard to say. We can say, however, the hot CPU's and dirty fans do not help a laptop.
.... Thinkpads_User
It is possible. Perhaps the Speed Step sensor was not working properly. It is hard to say. We can say, however, the hot CPU's and dirty fans do not help a laptop.
.... Thinkpads_User
Active today
you could reinstall W7 and check what happens
can you post a pic ture with dimension of the rubber cap?
it may be something you need
can you post a pic ture with dimension of the rubber cap?
it may be something you need
Active today
I reinstalled W7 on the laptop and everything appears to be working OK.
The CPU is staying in the 2GHz range now.
The cap was similar to this:
I don't know what wire it protected as all of the ones I saw had the caps on them but I don't think it's anything to worry about.
I'm not going to lie, I reapplied the thermal compound pretty half-assed. I think I'm going to reapply it again but this time do a better job as I don't like the way the CPU temp goes from 30 degrees to 60 degrees so easily.
That being said, I think the cap blocking the fan was the real issue here.
It's now running nice and quick and I didn't have to install ANY drivers at all (ie: Vista chipset driver) so I'm a happy camper...for now.
The CPU is staying in the 2GHz range now.
The cap was similar to this:
I don't know what wire it protected as all of the ones I saw had the caps on them but I don't think it's anything to worry about.I'm not going to lie, I reapplied the thermal compound pretty half-assed. I think I'm going to reapply it again but this time do a better job as I don't like the way the CPU temp goes from 30 degrees to 60 degrees so easily.
That being said, I think the cap blocking the fan was the real issue here.
It's now running nice and quick and I didn't have to install ANY drivers at all (ie: Vista chipset driver) so I'm a happy camper...for now.
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