Computer Speed Loss

[Schnabel]

Hey all I have another problem with a computer and I was hoping you guys could help me. I have a Toshiba Laptop with an Intel T2060 processor which is a dual core processor supposed to run at 1.6ghz on both sides. I have tried to look online for this solution, but I am unable to find one. The problem is that it is not running up to speed on one side and hasn't been for a while. It is running at 1.6 and 1.2 when ever I check it. When I first got the laptop, it was running at 1.6 and 1.6 like it should, so that is what is confusing me. This started within one week of owning the laptop and when I first noticed it, I called Toshiba and they said that it was a normal power saving feature of the processor and that when you need more power, it will turn it back on. Only, it never has. I have reloaded the OS about three times (it is Vista and it needs a fresh reinstall every now and then ) and each time it still shows that it is running at 1.6 and 1.2. This is making me mad since I paid for a full 1.6 on both sides. Please, can anyone help me?
Just a little more info:
The power plan has varied to help change this, and still nothing happened.
Last time I loaded the OS, from the moment that the desktop showed to the moment I shut down, the processor was pegged out (due to sidebar) and still it did not turn on full blast.

Thanks in advance!


EDIT:
A picture of what I see.

[Jeff Rodriguez]

Have you done anything that needs two cores running at 1.6GHz? Try encoding some video or something that requires alot of power and see if it jumps back up.

[EHaskins]

I have a T7200 2.0ghz, running Vista Home Premium. I have never seem that, but I never watch for it. It does sound like your power settings are wrong.


If you open a power plan, I would suggest High Performance, or create a custom one, and click change advanced options.

Under Processor Power Management > Minimum processor state set the Battery and Plugged in values to 100%. Then confirm the Maximum processor state is also 100%.

Make sure that is the active plan, and then check your speed.

EDIT: You could also try Updating your Windows Experience Score.

EDIT: What processor(s) are listed in Device Manager?

[Schnabel]

I checked the device manager and it says that there are two processors, both T2060's and both at 1.6ghz. Do you think that windows is just being dumb (like usual) and thinks that one is only 1.2?

[EHaskins]

I'm still guessing it is a power configuration problem. Since you are running the correct driver, I'm guessing it is a simple fix.

If you login to Skype or MSN(my account for both are in my profile) I'll try to help you.

[whytheheckme]

Not to get off topic (well, I guess I am...)

What kind of computer do you have that has dual cores and a gig of RAM that only rates as 2.3? Just wondering...

And as far as your problem, I say it's just Windows being stupid (what's new? (burnnnn...)). I'm not too sure that it really matters what Windows thinks your processor is, more of that your applications just run as fast as possible, and your processor handles it.

I have an old (old (old)) gaming machine that has an AMD Athlon XP 2400+ in it, but the OS only sees it as an 1800+ (running at like 1.4ghz or something like that). But my applications run like they would on the 2400+. Windows is just dumb.

Jacob

[EHaskins]

Originally Posted by whytheheckme

Not to get off topic (well, I guess I am...)
And as far as your problem, I say it's just Windows being stupid (what's new? (burnnnn...)). I'm not too sure that it really matters what Windows thinks your processor is, more of that your applications just run as fast as possible, and your processor handles it.

I'm not sure how familiar you are with Vista's power management, but I'm fairly sure that if Windows sees the processor as being slower than it really is then it won't allow it to run at full speed. I believe this isn't a problem in earlier versions, because they didn't try to regulate the CPU speed like Vista does.

EDIT: I'm guessing his computer has a bad graphics card. Remember Vista experience score is based on the lowest score, not an average.

[whytheheckme]

Originally Posted by EHaskins

I'm not sure how familiar you are with Vista's power management, but I'm fairly sure that if Windows sees the processor as being slower than it really is then it won't allow it to run at full speed. I believe this isn't a problem in earlier versions, because they didn't try to regulate the CPU speed like Vista does.

I did not know that Vista trys to manage your processor's power. Good info.

That is really unfortunate, in many regards. That means that you can only ever run something as fast as Vista sees your processor being. I wonder if that prevents you from over-clocking it (like if Vista just reads the processor and knows how fast it should be, or if it trys to clock it itself.) Not to mention you can usually squeeze a few extra processes per second out of a processor than that which is advertised.

Ugh. Vista.

Well, thanks Eric for the info on Vista's new 'power management'.

Jacob

[Schnabel]

I got a 2.3 in Aero capabilities. Everything else is 4 and above. Plus I am currently trying my hardest to get rid of Windows Vista and get XP at either Toshiba or Microsoft's cost.

[mtaman02]

All Core 2 CPU's have this same speed loss. There processor works the same way as the AMD Chip. Its labeled one thing but the speed is different. However to be on the safe side make sure the Intel Speed Step Option is not set up in the BIOS. If It's enabled then you will operate on whatever the computer wants you to operate it. Because it is a dual core processor it will always show up as either one processor or 2 of the same processors. Mine shows up as 2 processors. As Intel put it having the power of 2 processors in one chip. A Side Note: Windows Vista Ultimate is a waste of time and money.

[EHaskins]

Originally Posted by mtaman02

All Core 2 CPU's have this same speed loss. There processor works the same way as the AMD Chip. Its labeled one thing but the speed is different. ...

Would mind posting a link to any Intel documentation supporting your statement. Also why would only one core appear at 1.2?

[mtaman02]

Give me an hour or so too have something posted. I know about the dual core system b/c I have 3 Computers using Dual Core Technology: 2 of which are utilizing Windows Vista Premium the other using Windows XP Pro SP2.

My Current PC / Laptop Configurations:
HP Pavilion a6010n:
Windows Vista Home Premium
Viiv Core 2 Duo 4300 @ 1.80 GHz 1.80GHz - Shows as 2 Processors in Device Manager
Rating 3.0

Dell Inspirion T1705:
Windows Vista Home Premium
Centrino Core 2 Duo T5200 @ 1.60GHz 1.60GHz - Shows as 2 Processors in Device Manager
No Rating

Custom Built PC:
Windows XP Professional SP2
Core 2 Duo 6600 @ 2.4GHz 2.4GHz - Shows as 2 Processors in Device Manager

I have a Single Core Laptop (I think my DI1150 where it had a 1.6GHz Celeron Processor but the Laptop runs it at a lesser speed) What type of processor are you using anyway? There are plenty of Single Core Chips.


Heres a Link YOU will need to find the exact information ON the chip itself to find out what EXACTLY its capabilities & configuration are / is.

Heres A Link to all the processors Intel has designed and built