Inspiron 5150 Hyper Threading Technology Not Working

Question

Hi all,   Insprion 5150, 2.8G P4M HT (on my receipt and stickered on the computer anyway!) , the hyper threading is not working although it shows two processors in device manager.  Task Manager only shows one CPU.  I ran the Intel processor ID utility, and it says 'no' for HT technology, then ran the Intel HT technology test utility and the processor and chipset checked green, but the BIOS part of the test did not pass.  I checked the BIOS A38, and HT is enabled; although a note is on the right side of the A38 BIOS page for HT says a specific driver is required for HT to work.  Task Manager shows both my Mobile P4 drivers as Microsoft dated 4/1/2004 version 5.1.2600.0.   I ran the BIOS back to A35, still no luck.   I wonder if anyone else has run the Intel tests (easily downloaded from the Intel site) and checked their 5150's or similar and had any results that match mine?   Anyone have any ideas on how to re-enable the HT?   Thanks,   Art

omniswitch250 · Answer

You sure you paid for the H/T cpu. I have a 5150 3.06ghz non H/T..the h/t chip cost more, in fact I dont remember the 2.8 as being an h/t cpu for the 5150(not sure). I know for sure the 3.06 and the 3.2 were. Joe

artpenjr · Answer

Hi Joe,  Yes, I paid more for the HT CPU, and its on my receipt.  I wish someone had a 5150 with a HT CPU and could tell me if they see both CPU's in Windows Task Manager,  If so, that would at least rule out the BIOS as being part of the problem.

4fluke · Answer

Yup, I see both logical CPUs in the task manager performance pane, and my HT seems to be up and running.  Check you BIOS to see if HT is enabled, then of course check the device manager (again).  You may want to try a repair install of XP - the instructions are on this website somewhere.  One other thing to keep in mind is that some of the (earlier) Mobile P4 processors may have HT built into them, but deactivated.  How those are activated, I don't know.

artpenjr · Answer

I finally figured it out.....

Dell sold me, and everyone else who bought one, the Inspiron 5150 with a Mobile 2.8G HT Processor and advertised the system as being Hyper Threading Technology capable (as listed on both my receipt and the Intel HT sticker on the laptop).

Problem is, the 2.8G HT processor wont work with HT Technology with the 533 Mhz chipset that is in the Inspiron 5150; it needs a 800 Mhz. chipset to function properly with HT. However, a Mobile 3.06G HT processor "WILL" work with the 533 Mhz chipset in the Inspiron 5150 and provide hyper threading.

Seems Dell's system integration department didn't understand this when they advertised, built, and sold this system combination as a Hyper-Threading Technology system. In all fairness, this was difficult to figure out, and it took me about 100 hours of my time, working both with Intel and others on several of Dell's forum boards to get this right.

Since my Inspiron 5150 is still under warranty, I contacted Dell support and explained the situation to them. It is obviously a defect in materials and workmanship... the system will not function as advertised. The workaround is simple, replace the 2.8G HT processor with a 3.06G HT processor, and that will fix it.

Here is Dell's response, both from email and chat, quoted exactly:

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From Tech Support - "If you want a system with hyper threading enabled, I would recommend you to purhcase a new system. "

From Customer Care Chat - "Arthur, it has to be order at the time of placing the order. unfortunately nothing can be done ."

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Art

61BFD51, Inspiron 5150 Mobile 2.8G HT (that does not work)!

4fluke · Answer

Well, raise heck with them to get them to put a new processor in, perhaps a 3 gig HT processor - I think you can take the high road on this one. Good luck!

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Inspiron 5150 Hyper Threading Technology Not Working

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