Inspiron 5502 CPU stuck at minimum clock

Question

Hello,

we've purchased three Inspiron 5502, and all three have the same problem: the CPU clock speed is most of the time at minimum, not going above (circa) 0.4 GHz. We've upgraded all drivers and BIOS.

Of the three computer, one sometimes seems to not show the problem anymore, but its speed is not consistent for the same operation (eg. it can compile a C project at 3.8 GHz and at 2 GHz in the next try). Also, the problem can show up again after a system restart.

The BIOS is setted to maximum performance, we tried to replicate the settings of the "working" PC on the others but with no success.

Solutions posted in the community regarding the same or similar problem did not work.

I've personally called Dell'assistance, but they weren't able to solve the problem and invited me to call Software Assistance, which is not free even if those computer are new and with a valid warranty.

Do anyone have some suggestion on how to solve this problem? It's very frustrating to work in this conditions

FraCaLelli · Answer

UPDATE: Dell customer service wasn't able to solve the problem, they just asked if all updates were installed and then said to call software assistance, which isn't free.

After some tries, I've found out that disabling and enabling the C-State setting in BIOS unlocks the CPU speed. now it's possible to work with the laptop, even if the frequency never stays in the high-end speed zone.
Using Core Temp 1.16 and Open Hardware Monitor I've seen that during heavy load tasks, power consumption reaches 45 Watt (original Dell AC power supply's limit) and all 4 core temperatures reach 100 °C. Since I can't hear the vents, I suppose AC power is not enough to power CPU at full power AND the vents.

DELL-Cares · Answer

To ensure the security of your information, I'd suggest that you delete the post containing any Dell centric information & send us a private/direct message.

DellUser0006 · Answer

Yes im also having the same issue  pls help

DELL-Cares · Answer

Anshuman_Stark,   Did you update the bios and other drivers from the link I sent in my last post? If not, please do so. It is in your private messages.

Anshuman_Stark · Answer

Here I am also having the exact same problem , Please someone help to fix this out. I have the same Dell Inspiron 5502 Laptop.

mrklaxon · Answer

Same issue - C-States helped but not a perm fix. Private message who???

Inspiron

Inspiron 5502 CPU stuck at minimum clock

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