[Win xp]CPU speed changing

[Guillaume]

Another problem from a software noob.

Since a few days, my computer will slow down for no reason (no programs or processes running except the most basic from windows xp) and the cpu speed is reported as 884 MHz instead of 2.40 GHz.
I have to reboot several times before it goes back to normal.

I've tested my machine with three different antivirus programs (NOD 32, A² and Ewido security suite) and several anti-spyware programs as well. All of them find nothing.
I've even formated and reinstalled windoze twice.

My specs: Win XP Pro SP1
Intel Pentium 4 2.40 GHz
512 mb ram

[Afronaut]

Well, I got me another CPU last summer, after changing iton the PC, the XP didnt
got the speed right before I did a new install.

Might want to keep an eye what the BIOS says about it too.

If possible, get the SP2.
That might help something, or not.

:)

[Guillaume]

Might want to keep an eye what the BIOS says about it too.


That's where I don't get it. The bios still reports it as 2.40 GHZ. :frusty:

edit:It's back at normal speed now! :angry: I didn't change a thing! :blink:

[Virtualbody1234]

Check the motherboard makers web site for BIOS updates. Perhaps it's a known issue with that board.

[tesco]

What is the temperature of the chip?
when a pentium 4 gets hot then it automatically throttles itself down to slower speeds to make the temp lower.
that's probably the problem.

[Guillaume]

I have no idea how to check the actual temperature... I don't think this motherboard even has a form of temperature probe (or whatever else it's called). The laptop case doesn't feel hotter than usual. :unsure:

I'll try updating the bios before I take it to a pro. If you don't hear from me for a while, it's probably because I've screwed things up. ;)

edit: maybe I'll wait for a more computer-knowledgeable friend to do it, to afraid to f*ck things up. :fear:

[backlash]

it's a laptop? laptops with centrino technology don't run the cpu at the max clock speed to save battery life.

[Guillaume]

Yes, it's a laptop. But it isn't equiped with a centrino ( I don't even think centrino existed when I bought it. :) )
Plus it's not on battery but always plugged on teh AC.

Updating the bios didn't change a thing so I'll try opening and cleaning everything in it, just in case fans and heatsink are clogged with dust and it's a heat problem as Rossco said. :unsure:

[tesco]

install and run speedfan or motherboard monitor 5 (speedfan is easier to setup).

if there is any type of temperature probe or whatever then it will say the temps there. otherwise i dunno.

[Guillaume]

I just found a program called mobile meter on another forum. It seems to pick something whereas motherboard monitor didn't.
CPU is running at 55/56° C. So it's definitely a heat problem.
I hope cleaning up the fan/sink will help.
I may have to underclock my cpu though. (I didn't even know underclocking existed!)