Centrino slowdown issues

[imported_gusmahler]

My work computer is a IBM Thinkpad T42. It has a 1.7 GHz Pentium M. It has a huge slowdown problem.

When plugged into the outlet at home, the computer will be running at full speed (yes, I realize it runs at a lower speed when running solely on batteries). Then, without warning, the computer will have a huge slowdown, iTunes will start becoming very jerky and wireless Internet will shut off. My theory is that it happens when the computer gets too hot. Thing is, this has NEVER happened to me at the office, where it is plugged into the docking station. It ONLY happens when not docked.

So I have a few questions:

* Is my theory correct (slowdown caused by a hot computer)?

* Is there any way to prevent this from happening? (Yes, I keep the vent holes unblocked).

* Why does this only happen when not docked?

* Do non-Centrino notebooks have this problem? (I was thinking of buying a personal laptop. It was going to be Centrino, but that is obviously a no go now. Do other chipsets have this problem.

FWIW, it happened again, in the middle of typing this message. I'm being forced to save this into Notepad and reboot the computer.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Heat could be the issue, but T42's are well known for their excellent cooling abilities. To help eliminate heat as an issue, I would do the following:
Use something to prop up the back end of the T42 while it is plugged in. Feel around the bottom and see how hot it gets. Download the program MobileMeter and have it running. It will display clock speed and temperature. For instance, my TP usually doesn't go very far into the 40 C range. If this fixes the problem, then for some reason you need to have a cooling pad or something under it while you are plugged in. If this doesn't fix it, try using the IBM software to force the CPU to run in "Adaptive" mode while plugged in. I personally do this anyway, as most of the time the minute difference in performance doesn't matter and it REALLY helps keep the heat buildup down. I know that when I run my TP @ 1.7 plugged in, it can get quite toasty.
If none of these fixes the problem, then overheating is not your issue. It could be something defective within the laptop (altho I don't know what, maybe the fan?) and you should send it to IBM. The other thing could a software problem, but it doesn't make sense that it would only happen when plugged in & running @ full speed.

To correct your misconception, Centrino laptops run the coolest of ANY notebook. Pentium M processor consume at most like 22W of power. Pentium 4 chips consume upwards of 100W, the mobile P4's aren't much better, Athlon XP's consume 30-50W, and Athlon 64's consume 50-80W. Pentium M's also give the best battery life out of all the other CPU's. If you need to use your laptop on the battery, I'd bet you need a Centrino notebook. Please write back once you have more information.
And welcome to AT!

 

[phisrow]

It sounds like your specific machine has an issue, and given that it occurs only when undocked, it is probably some sort of software thing. The fact that the wireless goes out, for example, is certainly not related to thermal throttling. I have, and am tapping away on at the moment, a similar T42(same core speed) and have never docked it and never had any slowdown issues of the sort you describe. I don't know, offhand, what exactly might cause this sort of problem(sounds like a wacky IRQ thing; but that shouldn't be an issue on gear this new) but I would be shocked if it were a thermal issue. A chat with IBM tech support might actually be helpful.

 

[imported_gusmahler]

Thanks for the hints. I downloaded MobileMeter and it is running at 49C! Yikes.

The last time it happened, I ran SiSoft Sandra to get a bead on how fast it is when it happens. But the system came back to operating normally, which is odd, because it normally requires a reset to get it back to normal. I'll try propping up the back also--that's how it is when docked, so maybe that has good cooling consequences.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Also try running the CPU on Adaptive or Slow and see if that helps the issue. I'll use my Thinkpad tonight @ 1.7 while plugged in and see how hot it gets; I haven't run it @ full speed on AC in a long time. That might be the issue, but 49C might be normal for plugged in w/out ventilation.
Using Sandra is a good idea. Also, I think the program Prime95 has different stress test options and one should be Maximum Heat or something; try that out

 

[imported_gusmahler]

After doing some more experimenting, slowdown isn't the issue. When running on batteries, it is at 600 MHz. But it still runs iTunes fine at first.

So I have no idea why it starts stuttering sometimes.

 

[PCBliss]

like you said, it could be heat. I just picked up one of these for my widescreen Celeron M laptop, it works wonders. keeps my laptop and my legs cool as ice and its silent too. looks great as well. http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=34-999-412&depa=3