24 Posts
1
210389
CPU is always at max frequency [SOLVED]
It's been a couple of weeks(?) that the CPU of my Dell inspiron 7370 is always running at maximum frequency (around 3.80 GHz), even if the system is idle. For this, the fan runs at full speed making noise.
Windows 10 (build 10.0.18362.295, always updated).
Periodically checking with Dell Command Update for updated components.
This is my Task Manager, you see idle state but high frequency.
I use the Balanced power plan with minimum 5% frequency. But it is ignored and it is always at full speed.
Weird thing is that I tried to lower the 100% value to 50%... 20%.... 5%... but nothing. CPU is always at full speed. And only if I switch to Power Saver, then the CPU frequency drops correctly!
What could be the reason?
afrancesconi
24 Posts
0
August 31st, 2019 00:00
SOLVED!
Intel SpeedStep is enabled. PowerPlan has minimum CPU set to 5%. So what other component is responsible to keep the CPU at 100%??
Well... turns out that this Windows 10 dialog is another thing that affects CPU frequency:
If the slider is set to "Best", this guy keeps the CPU at 100%. I moved it to "Better" (middle) and finally the CPU works as configured in power plan!
Still not resolved? Use the "Get Help Now" option at the bottom right to chat with a Dell technician right away.
mino1337
32 Posts
0
August 29th, 2019 05:00
Check if Intel speedStep is activated. You have to go to the BIOS menu to check.
afrancesconi
24 Posts
0
August 29th, 2019 22:00
It is checked in BIOS.
Joshua83702
1 Message
0
January 1st, 2020 20:00
Well done. This was indeed the issue. Was vexed by this for a month.
KontrOlli
1 Message
0
January 6th, 2020 01:00
He,
problem was solved for XPS 15 BIOS XPS_9550_1.12.0 but now occurs again with latest BIOS XPS_9550_1.13.1;
so, problem seems to be with the BIOS; ever since I did a BIOS update, I found similar problems of staying at maximum frequency and not going below 3.2GHz, even system is almost 100% idle.
so, at least for the XPS 15 9550 the following BIOS have or have not such problems:
regards,
Oliver