Need Help with getting performance out of my Centrino Laptop...

[cmc1980]

Hi all... I recently bought a Dell 600M with a 1.6 GHz Pentium M processor. I know about the power saving capabilities of this processor, but I thought that if I set it under "maximum performance" setting, there would be no drop in performance.

I have not seen my laptop run at anything faster than 599 MHz even when plugged in. Is there some software fix to this? This is really annoying me, as my old P3 1000MHz laptop is outperforming my new laptop.


Thanks for your help and input!

 

[newbiepcuser]

If this is a new machine then I would definetly do an exchange at this point. You stated when its plug in, the cpu speed is not up to specs. That does not sound right all.

I would get on the phone with Dell ASAP or just their online forums to avoid the being shuffled around Dell's web of phone transfers.

 

[GimpyOne]

Out of curiosity, how are you determining the CPU frequency? I have the same processor in an 8600 from Dell and it only runs up to 1.6 GHz if I am actually doing something. Just sitting around it downclocks to 599 no matter what.

I assume to prevent heat buildup as much as to save battery life when plugged in.

 

[Paratus]

Count me interested too. Just noticed that I can't run Half Life 2 on my 600m unless I'm plugged into the wall. I'm assuming its the fact that the processor won't run above 600mhz unless its got 120v.