CPU multiplier not showing properly in windows

[bylanta]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Troubleshooting starter

1. Overview of the problem
   (brief "Cliff Notes" description of the problem)
   Just put together my first system and in windows using CPU-z and coretemp my core speed is noted as 1999.8 mhz, sometimes fluctuating to 2000 mhz. The multiplier is x 6.0, but I know for a fact that the BIOS has it at 9.5 Bus speed is 333 mhz and rated FSB is 1333.2 mhz.
   
2. Full description of the problem and symptoms
   
   Sometimes screenshots are useful http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/bylanta/untitled.JPG
   
   
   
3. Did it work normally at one time, or has the problem always existed?
   
   Right out of the box the BIOS had the multiplier set to only 8.5, so I had to manually change that to the expected 9.5. I feel like i saw 3.16 ghz in CPUz one of the first times I tried it,(wish I had ss) and since then no luck.
   
   
   
4. Is the problem consistent and repeatable, or entirely random, or semi-random?
   
   I can't get it to register anything other than the 6x multiplier, so I think it is repeatable.
   
   
   
5. I already tried these steps:
   
   Checking the BIOS to ensure my multiplier is set to 9.5. Not sure what else I can try.
   
   
6. My software:
   • xp pro with sp3
   • Antivirus: Eset
   • Firewall: Eset
   • first time using ESET, is it viable as both a firewall and antivirus?
   
   
   
7. My hardware
   • System brand & model, if it?s a pre-built system such as a Dell, HP, Gateway, etc. If it?s not, fill in as much of the information below as you can.
     
   • Motherboard brand & model: Gigabyte EP45 ud3r
   • CPU model (and is it overclocked?) e8500, no OC
   • Video card(s) brand & model sapphire 4830
   • RAM modules brand & model Corsair cms4096c5 2x2gb
   • Power supply brand & model Corsair 400 watt
     
   
   
   

 

[mpilchfamily]

What your seeing is called Speed Stepping. Its a feature in the bios that drops the multiplier while the CPU is idle to concerve power. Find it and turn it off and eveything will report as you expect it too.

 

[daw123]

This explains why the multiplier reduces when the CPU is under light load.
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2164014&enterthread=y

 

[bylanta]

Thanks a lot a quick search of the bios for speed stepping and I was able to find it!