Huh? Q6600 running at 1.6GHz?

[jenny9580]

I just finished putting this little guy together. When I right-click My Computer and select Properties, it says Q6600@2.40GHz, 2.40GHz, 2.00GB of RAM.

However, when I look in CPU-Z or PC Wizard, they both read 1.6GHz. CPU-Z claims the multiplier is set at 6.0, but in the BIOS I manually selected 9.

Any ideas?

Here are the full specs:
Q6600 G0
EVGA 122-CK-NF68-A1 N680i SLI
EVGA 320MB 8800GTS
MEM 1Gx2|COR 240P TWIN2X2048-6400C4

 

[Jschmuck2]

turn off speedstep.

 

[jenny9580]

It's already disabled, and still showing 1.6GHz.

The only possible thing I can think of is that I'm stuck using a 500W PSU with a 4-pin connector until I get an 8-pin one (it says you can use it but it's not a good idea).. would that force the speed down regardless of settings?

 

[jenny9580]

This is driving me crazy.. I've combed through the BIOS and can't find anything that might be causing this. With WoW running in the background, the CPU will not step back up to 2.4GHz, either.

 

[Accord99]

It should be on the CPU Configuration section of the BIOS:

http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=1069&pageID=3204

 

[jenny9580]

My settings are identical to the ones in that article. I have SpeedStep disabled, C1E disabled, and thermal control disabled. It still won't budge past 1.6GHz.

 

[Rike]

What are the temps? Is it possible the CPU is throttling due to over heating?

 

[jenny9580]

I checked using PC Wizard.. here's what it says:

CPU: 1600.09 MHz
CPU Temp: 36c
Core 1: 47c
Core 2: 38c
Core 3: 44c
Core 4: 38c
CPU Voltage: 1.128v

I called EVGA tech support and that was pretty useless. The guy had me re-flash the BIOS (already using the newest one), and basically said "call Intel because you have a bad CPU".

 

[sgrinavi]

I think you are on the right track with the PSU, I have one of those units and it gave me a fit on an Asus board.... it was doing all sorts of strange stuff. Once I got a new PSU it fired right up and worked perfectly....

I imagine that the trouble is magnified by having less than optimal pin configurations

 

[jenny9580]

Bingo.. I disabled 3 of the cores in the BIOS and it's running at 2.4GHz now. I didn't think 500W would be a problem, but I think it's related to the 4 vs 8 pin power connector.

 

[JustaGeek]

What if you choose the Manual Overclocking and Unlinked, and set the FSB and Memory Frequency values manually...?

 

[jenny9580]

Even with manual settings, it won't go above 1.6GHz with all 4 cores enabled. I really hope the PSU is the issue because I'm ordering a new one ASAP.

 

[SKORPI0]

Like Jschmuck2 advised, disable Speedstep on the BIOS. When the processors are idle, it defaults to the lower speed of 1.6 GHz and cranks up to 2.4GHz when busy.

Had the same problem with my recent built, Asus P5K Premium v.02, Q6600 G0, 2GB Crucial PC2-8500, eVGA 8800GTS 640mb and Antec Smartpower 2.0 500W PSU. Set the mutli/FSB to 9 and 266.7 manually.

 

[JustaGeek]

I like Antec True Power series. This is the one I have:

http://www.compusa.com/product...ll&product_code=342053

Apparently Frys has the 550W version for ~$60.

Good luck!

 

[jenny9580]

As I'd mentioned, Speedstep is already disabled, and the settings were already set manually. It simply refuses to run at full speed with 4 cores (it works fine with 1, 2, or 3 in any combination). When all 4 cores are enabled, the voltage drops as well.. so I'm chalking it up to a PSU issue, because I can't think of any other possible reason for it. I'm probably going to run it dual core in the meantime

 

[Laminator]

Hey, are you using the 500W SmartPower for the Q6600 system? I have one of those, too, and I'm going to be running a Q6600 on it soon. Hopefully I won't get the same problems...

 

[tooriski]

disable all power saving stuff in the bios, i know you said you did and i don't mean to question your OC skills......but cpu-z only shows lower multiplier if C1E is on....psu has nothing to do with it..i just got a q6600 a week ago and the only time cpu-z shows a multplier x6 is when i have speedstep on with C1E.

 

[JustaGeek]

@Laminator,

You should get a better PSU...

 

[jenny9580]

Laminator: That's the one I'm using..

tooriski: I'm not insulted, I've been known to do some pretty stupid things with computers. However, all that stuff is disabled. When 1-3 cores are enabled, they run full speed at 1.240v. When I enable 4, they run at 1.6GHz at 1.128v. I tested it several times, different core combos, etc.. it's consistently giving me the same results every time. The drop in voltage makes me think that something fishy is going on and the PSU just isn't providing enough juice for whatever reason. Tomorrow I'm going to try to test some other stuff (removing HD, floppy, or anything else that draws power).

 

[lyssword]

what about memory, does it run @ ddr2-667 (333 at least)?

 

[SniperDaws]

i think your Mobo is faulty not the CPU. And your psu is above ample for a Q6600, RMA the motherboard mate and save yourself the stress.

EDIT: Ok i look like a tit now....lol, id of bet money on that NOT being the psu but oh well glad you got it sorted mate

 

[jenny9580]

Ok, problem resolved. I picked up a new PSU (650w BFG), and it's now working perfectly.

Unfortunately, the cables don't appear to be long enough for my p180.. so I may wind up having to swap again.

 

[JustaGeek]

I believe the Antec True Power Trio 650W has longer cables - if there is the CompUSA around, it is only ~$80.

Good luck!

 

[jenny9580]

CompUSA had a "cleansing" and closed half of their stores.. including every one in my area.

Everyone's been telling me to get a Seasonic and that they're the best and this and that.. but I'm not sure I want the additional hassle of buying another PSU, returning this one, pulling everything apart again.. blech. Does anyone have experience with BFG? I could just buy an 8-pin extension cable.. they're pretty cheap.

 

[JustaGeek]

How about Frys...? The had the 550W True Power Trio.

The BFG PSU's are not bad from what I've heard, but honestly I would get one with the 8-pin connector built-in.

Seasonic is a great brand name - apparently True Power Trio's are built by them, too.

Hope it all works out well for you!