How to get SpeedStep to work automatically on a Core 2 Duo??

[Davez621]

Hi all. I just upgraded to a Core 2 Duo (2.66 GHz), which has SpeedStep, and I'd like to make use of it. My previous P4 did not have this feature. Currently, I am only able to manually adjust SpeedStep, through the power profiles in the control panel. For example, if I select 'minimal power usage', the CPU reports a frequency of 1.97 GHz. If I select 'home/office' configuration, the CPU reports the full speed of 2.67 GHz. The problem is, the CPU speed never changes. Even when idle (on the home config), it still reports 2.67. Meanwhile, on 'minimal', even during the most CPU intensive tasks, it continues to read 1.97. This is really frustrating.

By the way - I am getting these readings by right-clicking on 'my computer' and going into system properties. Intel's Processor ID Utility is even more useless - it never reports *anything* but 2.66 ghz in the 'expected' and 'reported' frequencies.

So what is the solution to the problem??

 

[myocardia]

"Minimal power usage" is doing what it's supposed to do, using the least amount of power possible. If you want it to run at full speed when you put the processor under load, use the "Portable/Laptop" setting.

 

[Davez621]

Sorry, that's actually what I meant to say. I have also tried the portable/laptop setting, in fact I tried it just now, with nearly 100% CPU usage, and the speed would not *budge* from 1.97 Ghz. Arghhh.

 

[VirtualLarry]

How are you testing the speed? CPU-Z?

 

[Davez621]

I finally figured out the problem. Only 20 pins out of 24 were hooked up to my motherboard - the 4 extra pins weren't properly connected. Apparantly, in order for Speedstep to work, you need those extra pins. Once connected, it started to work perfectly (i.e. dynamically).

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: Davez621
I finally figured out the problem. Only 20 pins out of 24 were hooked up to my motherboard - the 4 extra pins weren't properly connected. Apparantly, in order for Speedstep to work, you need those extra pins. Once connected, it started to work perfectly (i.e. dynamically).

That's the first I've ever heard of that. Doesn't make any sense either, but if it works for you...

PS. You should use CPU-Z to test speedstep, it dynamically measures CPU speed.

 

[Binky]

RMclock = speedstep on steroids. Try it, you may like it.