Why is my Quad Core QX6700 CPU @ 1600MHz?

Notorious Lee · 16 Jun 2007 at 14:56

Hi,

I have just ran a 3D Marks 06 test & under the configuration tab where it details the spec of your system it states my processor is running at 1600 MHz.

The QX6700 CPU should be running at a stock speed of 2.6GHz as you all know.

I haven't tweaked anything in the bios so what could be wrong or what do I need to do to bring the cpu back to stock spped?

The other thing that concerned me is that it states "Physical / Logical CPU's - 1/4"? Does this mean the other 3 cores are not functioning?

The Halk · 16 Jun 2007 at 14:59

Intel Speedstep I think it's called.

Basically it reduces the speed of your CPU when it's not under load.

Notorious Lee · 16 Jun 2007 at 15:01

But surely when i'm running a test it should be running at full load? Also, when I look at the windows control panel in Vista it states the processor i'm using which is "2.6Ghz Quad core" then next to it it states 1.6Ghz?

str · 16 Jun 2007 at 15:12

If you change the power settings to performance it should run at it's full speed all the time. Give it a try but it's probably a good idea to change it back to balanced and be environmentally friendly.

Also download CPU-Z to verify the current speed at idle and at load etc.

The Halk · 16 Jun 2007 at 15:20

Notorious Lee said:
But surely when i'm running a test it should be running at full load? Also, when I look at the windows control panel in Vista it states the processor i'm using which is "2.6Ghz Quad core" then next to it it states 1.6Ghz?

As far as I know when it checks it, it's not putting the CPU under load.

Notorious Lee · 16 Jun 2007 at 15:21

I have just gone into the BIOS settings & the Intel Speed step was initially disabled.

I have enabled it & my cpu is now running at 1.00 GHz according to Vista so the speed has decreased.

Is it possibly because the voltages or cpu multiplier is too low in the BIOS settings?

Notorious Lee · 16 Jun 2007 at 15:27

I have just ran the CPU-Z test.

Results are as follows: -

Voltage 1.248
Core Speed 1600 MHz
Multiplier x6
Bus Speed 266.7 MHz
Rated FSB 1066.7 MHz

chaparral · 16 Jun 2007 at 15:42

Notorious Lee said:
I have just ran the CPU-Z test.

Results are as follows: -

Voltage 1.248
Core Speed 1600 MHz
Multiplier x6
Bus Speed 266.7 MHz
Rated FSB 1066.7 MHz

Shouldn't the multiplier be at 9x or 10x ??

Notorious Lee · 16 Jun 2007 at 15:48

No idea.

I was hoping someone would tell me.

My BIOS is upto date with the latest version & like I say I haven't adjusted anything in the BIOS except that I have just enabled the Intel speedstep function.

Datamonkey · 16 Jun 2007 at 16:01

thats how speed step works, it lowers the multi.

now do as the other guy suggested, go into control panel, power options and set it to always on

problem solved.

Unless your using an intel board, bad axe2 for example. that still lowers the multi when its not under load.

That should sort out ya problems

BlackDragon · 16 Jun 2007 at 16:04

Mine is at 1.6GHz at idle with x6 multiplier. Although its an E6600, the same thing is happening. Nothing to worry about.

To be sure, download something like orthos, and run that along with CPU-Z to see what happens to your CPU speed. If all is right, it should jump up

Notorious Lee · 16 Jun 2007 at 16:14

Ok. I have downloaded & installed Orthos SP2004 but how do I use it?

I also have CPU-Z.

BlackDragon · 16 Jun 2007 at 16:31

Open up orthos, then with the drop down box choose something like "SMALL FFTs - STRESS CPU" and click start. That should begin stressing your CPU.

Notorious Lee · 16 Jun 2007 at 16:49

Ok.

Do I then just start the test then leave the PC alone?

If so how long do I leave it & do I also keep the CPU-Z application open to monitor the CPU speed?

[TR]SweetSpotOz · 16 Jun 2007 at 16:55

If you don't want it to happen then disable:

C1EST
CIEST
QFan

In the BIOS.

If you don't mind it happening then don't bother. It will speed up when it needs to.

Notorious Lee · 16 Jun 2007 at 17:06

Sorry.

What do you mean if I don't want it to happen?

Notorious Lee · 16 Jun 2007 at 17:08

In the CPU-Z application it is also showing my memory's bandwidth at 400MHz when I have 2GB of PC6400 800MHz memory.

The Halk · 16 Jun 2007 at 17:09

Notorious Lee said:
Sorry.

What do you mean if I don't want it to happen?

He means the automatic slowing down of your CPU.

The Halk · 16 Jun 2007 at 17:10

Notorious Lee said:
Ok.

Do I then just start the test then leave the PC alone?

If so how long do I leave it & do I also keep the CPU-Z application open to monitor the CPU speed?

A few seconds is plenty.

Notorious Lee · 16 Jun 2007 at 17:12

But why is CPU-Z showing that my memory bandwidth is at 400Mhz?

I am know expert at all but to me the settings in my BIOS are all wrong.

What do you think?