Inspiron 8200 problem - Possible processor failure ????

This is part if the speed-stepping technology used when the system is running on battery power. If it is malfunctioning, you need to disable this feature in the BIOS. You can get to the BIOS by pressing F2 on startup when you see the Dell screen.

Im not running the laptop off battery, i always have the power cable plugged in. Should i still try what you said ? And thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

Sorry to be a pain again. Would it be possible to tell me a list of what i need enabled and disabled in the bios, i changed a few things and doesnt seem to have worked. Thanks in advance.

Once you are in the bios, press ALT+P until you get to page 6. On there you can diable power management for when you are on A/C power and below that you can disable the speedstep technology. Also, set the CPU on AC to Maximum performance. Hope this helps! :smileyhappy:

Just the same im afraid :smileysad:. Thanks for you're time, if you have any other ideas they would be greatly appreciated.

 

Is there a way i can set the bios back to the way it was when i first bought the laptop ???.

 

cheers.

Whats the version of the BIOS that you are currently running? There have been improvements to the BIOS since the computer hit the shelves. I would update to the latest version to ensure that it is not an issue.

Here's the link to the latest version: http://ftp.us.dell.com/bios/R71738.exe

Oh!, I just thought of something! If your computer is overheating, there is software in the BIOS to throttle the CPU automatically to prevent damage to the system which would explain why it drops over the time it has been on. This is related to the Smart CPU Mode that is listed in the BIOS, but you may not be able to turn it off completely. I would go ahead and update the BIOS anyway. Worth a shot!

Installing that bios has really speeded it up it stays at 1.20 ghz now. I think i can get it fully working by tweaking a few settings in the bios. You have been a massive help many thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!!.

 

If i could possibly ask one last favour lol......what are the best settings to have in the bios to get the best ouf of the CPU, or even just the typical settings for an 8200 that is always running off AC power. I think you were right and the issue was that i was running old bios, only now ive tampered with the settings :smileysad: lol.....

 

Cheers.

 

Sorry to be a pain again lol

Hey again. I thought i had it running at 1.20 its gone down to 717 mhz again * sigh *. But that new bios has definately helped as it is running better on 717 than it was before the new bios on 717.

 

I have a funny feeling that i am going to have to take the laptop apart and check to see if everything inside is ok  the processor and the heat sync. Do you think this is a good idea ?

You can reset the BIOS back to factory defaults by pressing ALT+F when you are in it. I would just use factory settings for it.

If you plan on taking it apart, please use the service manual to ensure you dont break anything. You'll only hate yourself for it later if you do, lol.

Here's the manual: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins8200/en/index.htm

 

I wouldn't remove the processor or heat sink, but definitely get some canned air to help clean out any dust buildup.

This may sound like a stupid question but if i set it to factory defaults will it revert to the old bios or will it still be the updated one.

 

Cheers for all the advice you have given me. I am going to have a look inside tomorrow. Ill let you know how i get on lol.

 

Dont be suprised if i need more help haha.

 

Cheers again.

Don't worry, going back to factory settings doesn't change the BIOS version.

Good luck with the inspection!

Helping you out has been a pleasure. :smileytongue:

Completely fixed :smileyvery-happy: thank god lol.

 

I opened it all up and suprise suprise there was a shocking ammount of dust (big chunks lol)  surrounding the processor and the heat sync lol. cleared it out everythings back to normal.

 

Thanks for all the help you've given me, i really appreciate it.

 

Take care.