Why does my Core 2 Duo do this?

[Pikarya]

When idling, it runs at this speed.

http://imgshack.info/images/zklfybkvl173rnd6v07h.jpg

But when I say run a program, it bumps up my multiplier and clock higher to the actual full processor speed.

http://imgshack.info/images/1reom1fz1efus2qx2lvv.jpg

Speedstep is turned OFF in bios. Why does this happen? Is there anyway around this?

[Avanarius]

try changing power scheme to "Minimal Power Management"

[Olo401]

I just dealt with this myself.. There's three settings that control your CPU speed - SpeedStep & C1E in BIOS and Windows Power Management. You need to disable all three in order to prevent idle speed from showing up in CPU-Z.

However, the only one that you should honestly keep disabled is Windows Power. SpeedStep and C1E are really nice to have enabled because they save a bunch of power, which not only saves you money on your electric bill but also extends the life of the CPU a bit. When you're doing speed tests or trying out an overclock tho and want to see your raw speed numbers, turn all three off.

[Pikarya]

Power Options @ XP Pro: Minimal (All 3 boxes available never turn off).
Speedstep: OFF

I don't think I've ever seen "C1E" though before. I'll check again.

Edit: Just updated to the latest BIOS version and I don't see "C1E" still. Hmm.

[solsirt]

Power Options @ XP Pro: Minimal (All 3 boxes available never turn off).
Speedstep: OFF

I don't think I've ever seen "C1E" though before. I'll check again.

Edit: Just updated to the latest BIOS version and I don't see "C1E" still. Hmm.

What board and BIOS? I'd say with 98% certainty it is C1E. The only other option would be EIST, but it limits voltage full time (and don't think it's still being used). What is happening to you isn't fulltime voltage management, just during idle (enhanced halt state... which intel calls C1E).

[Pikarya]

What board and BIOS?

http://imgshack.info/images/7uxhoowy64njaqlff3bo.jpg

After some reading, I'm starting to think Dell has physically disabled on the mainboard of this PC that option via BIOS. Even though there are a ton of other options in the BIOS that are configurable. It seems EIST & C1E are not available.

[Olo401]

Ahhhh yep. Dell (and Gateway/HP/Compaq etc.) all have notoriously custom BIOS that have options disabled, even on their gaming builds.. They have for years.

Lemme do some digging and see if I can find some ways to unlock your BIOS so you can disable C1E. EIST is SpeedStep so I think you're OK there already

[Cephius]

Unless you're overclocking, you don't really need to turn these features off. As stated, they help you save power. If you overclock you turn them off because they can create instability, but otherwise I don't think you should go through all the trouble to disable it.

[Olo401]

...and from what I've read (just in the past couple mins), overclocking on a p965/g965 chipset is just not worth it anyways. Neither is trying to flash the BIOS to something not Dell and/or not locked - that can really fuck your mobo. Mise well just leave it be.

[Pikarya]

Alright thanks, guess my plan is foiled.

[Pikarya]

Kinda an offbeat question, but on the topic.

If I buy a new motherboard. Can I move my memory/power supply/CPU (Core 2 Duo), and graphics cards to a new motherboard just fine?

The only thing on this PC that is "stock" per say is the DVD-RW SATA drive, and the motherboard/CPU from dell.

Other than that I've upgraded the memory to 2GB Dominator (6400), 750 watt Corsair PS, 2x 150gb 10k WD raptors, etc.

Reason why I ask is that I have heard of people moving Duo Core's from Dells in the past and the CPU not being able to work with any other motherboard than the stock one.

Thanks

[Arkanna]

I don't think you'd have a problem getting the CPU and other parts working with a new motherboard; the problem with your setup would be, you would not be able (most likely) to get the motherboard to fit inside the Dell case. Dell has gotten away from using proprietary parts as much as they used to, but they still use a lot of BTX form factor cases and as such, normal ATX motherboards usually do not fit in them properly.

If you do transplant a new motherboard into that case, make sure to do your homework. Or, perhaps, pick up a new ATX tower case at the same time and re-build the whole machine in a new box. The Coolermaster Cosmos is a sweet, sweet case, btw.

[Pikarya]

I don't think you'd have a problem getting the CPU and other parts working with a new motherboard; the problem with your setup would be, you would not be able (most likely) to get the motherboard to fit inside the Dell case. Dell has gotten away from using proprietary parts as much as they used to, but they still use a lot of BTX form factor cases and as such, normal ATX motherboards usually do not fit in them properly.

If you do transplant a new motherboard into that case, make sure to do your homework. Or, perhaps, pick up a new ATX tower case at the same time and re-build the whole machine in a new box. The Coolermaster Cosmos is a sweet, sweet case, btw.

Sorry I forgot to mention this would all be going into a custom PC case lol. Personally I don't mind the BTX style of this Dell 410n, but its time to upgrade since everything is pushing its limits except the motherboard..

[Olo401]

CPU, Memory, and expansion cards like the GPU you can move without question or problem.. The power supply -might- not be a standard size, -might- have one or two proprietary connectors, and it almost certainly is a low wattage unit (~350W, 400 max).

[Sonomaa]

dell power supplies do have proprietary connectors, 100% chance of fragging your mobo or the PS if you plug it in a normal board

[Arkanna]

dell power supplies do have proprietary connectors, 100% chance of fragging your mobo or the PS if you plug it in a normal board

They USED to. My work keeps a couple spare retail PSU's around just in case one of the low-quality Dell PSU's gives up, and they're 100% interchangable.

[Silenka]

Hum, about 6 months ago I bought a new Dell Inspiron 530S. The problem I made was I ordered the slim case instead of standard, and my 3rd party graphics card wouldn't fit into the case, so I had to move everything over to a custom case. Case is pretty nice, but it has big ole fans I can't plug into my PSU because...nonstandard connectors! Yes, my Dell uses some kind of weird connectors and I've been wanting to upgrade the PSU, but apparently I need one that either has those nonstandard connectors or just use a standard one but get converter cables for it. With all this talk of Dell mobos frying when plugged into other PSUs, I'm even afraid to look into this because I can't get a straight answer from anyone. I've been told by my (very technologically-inclined) friend that if I go with the converter cables (if I can find them) I should be fine. So I guess my problem might be the same... what should I do? orz

[Sonomaa]

They USED to. My work keeps a couple spare retail PSU's around just in case one of the low-quality Dell PSU's gives up, and they're 100% interchangable.

I would be careful with that, a company my buddy works for had this issue, tried to get normal PS and destroyed several PCs

Id find out honestly.

Also: Most dell power supplies are JUST strong enough to run the components, if you go more powerful you might run into trouble, it might be in your best interest to get a bigger ps just in case