Getting 12x multiplier on Windows 7, Ultima Vanquish build

[Praeceps]

As the title says I am getting multiplier 12x instead of 20x on my i7 920 on Windows 7, on XP everything is fine, so there is something different somewhere with 7.
When I load programs it does jump to 20x for a second then goes back to 12x.
I have re-loaded the BIOS OcUk profile just incase but there is no change, I am a bit new with overclocking so I'm not sure on what to do, any ideas on what could be done to fix this?

Thanks

 

[vertica]

It is Intel Speedstep, and it is nothing to worry about - it is meant to happen.

The multi drops to save power when it is not needed, and jumps up when it is. This is what you're seeing when you open a program. Try running something like prime 95, orthos, or intel burn test (all designed to stress your cpu) and you should see the multi stay at 20 or 21, for the duration of the test.

In XP the power management settings can override this IIRC, which is probably why it is not happening.

 

[Praeceps]

Ah yes you are right I tried intel burn test, thank you for the info, good to know
And thanks for quick reply too.

 

[Corasik]

Speedstep is great, reduces your power bills when your web surfing or light computing tasks, but as soon as the CPU's raw power is needed BOOM full speed, off you go.

As long as your PC is stable/reliable speedstep is great. PS under windows 7, speedstep seems a lot smoother than XP. In XP I used to see my CPU at 60% or 100% speeds never anything else. In windows 7 it can be any multiplier between 6 and 10 (for my Kentsfield) depending on how much or little cpu power is needed for any given application.