EIST Issue with i3 530

[Edrick]

I seem to have an issue which is the opposite as to what most others have with EIST. I looked for some info on the web, but nothing useful.

On my main rig (sig) I have a mild overlock and EIST and C1E works great. Idle at 10x and 20x at load. Even when only 1 core has load, it will go to 20x. This is how I expect it to work and has worked for me in the past.

Now, on my i3 system that I use as a server, I have a Gigabyte H55 MB, similar to my P55 one. I overlocked the i3 to a 150 BLCK. Very mild. I have EIST/C1E enabled same as I do for my main rig. Everything is stable. My problem is that the CPU does NOT run at full speed unless 2 cores are maxed. With Prime95 (or anything) running in 1 core, the cpu only runs at 10X-16X. If I run something on 2 cores, I will get 16X-22X. Only stressing 2 cores will get me a constant 22X.

I do not understand why. The cpu is running cool and has plenty of voltage (+0.02 over stock). On my i5, I just need to stress 1 core at 50% to get full speed. The only difference is HT, but I do not see how that would make a difference.

All I want to to have my i3 run full speed when I use BOINC or anything else on a single core. If I disable EIST it runs stable at full speed all the time, but I do like the EIST function since this machine does idle often.

Any ideas?

 

[coffeejunkee]

Interestingly weird.

How about at stock settings? Everything normal then?

Try i7 turbo tool to see the real multiplier.

 

[Edrick]

Just tested at stock and same issue.

 

[coffeejunkee]

Ok...well, what you could try is a bios update if available and see if that helps. But I never heard of this issue before and I'm thinking there might actually be something wrong with the cpu itself.

If you really want to spend some quality time with your systems you could consider swapping the cpu's and see what happens.

 

[Edrick]

Tried a Bios upgrade as well. No luck.

I think I may have found a possible reason. I am running Win7 64bit on my main rig which is working fine. I am running Server 2008 R2 64bit on my i3 rig. I have been reading some articles about how Server R2 handles EIST slightly differently. I read that Server will always try to use the least amount of processor power as possible, depending on workload. Where Win7 will always go for the performance side.

So I changed the min processor setting to 80% in my Power Options. So now it will not dip down so low. I still save power because my voltage drops under no load, just my speed stays in a tighter group.

 

[wpcoe]

I read that Server will always try to use the least amount of processor power as possible, depending on workload. Where Win7 will always go for the performance side.

Interesting. I didn't realize the OS could have such an effect on CPU performance.

 

[mutz]

I read that Server will always try to use the least amount of processor power as possible, depending on workload. Where Win7 will always go for the performance side.

sounds very reasonable actually.