Inspiron 5160 processor speed

Question

Hi,   My inspiron 5160 has 3.2 GHz processor... but its currently running on 1.85 GHz by default... how can I fix this issue? Thanks in advance   Fahad

mattcowger · Answer

Google or search here for SpeedStep - its supposed to do this.

dallascowboyswo · Answer

Go here.

Inspiron 5100
Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.66GHZ
512 MB RAM
32 MB MOBILITY RADEON 7500C
40 GB Fujitsu HD
QSI CDRW/DVD SBW-242
Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated NIC
WPC54GS Linksys w/speedbooster wireless nic
BCM V.92 56k Modem
SigmaTel C-Major Audio
Bios ver. A29
Win XP Home SP2
pur. Jan 2004

fahadhabib · Answer

Hi dallascowboysworldchamps

Can using the SpeedSwitch program I can increase or decrease clock speed? I am having problem with clock speed... dell profiler shows

Maximum Clock Speed3200 MHz Current Clock Speed1866 MHz

Any idea? Thanks in advance

Fahad

mattcowger · Answer

Yes, you can use that app for force the speed. Be careful as you do this, though, because that laptop line is known for very serious overheatingproblems.

fahadhabib · Answer

Hi mattpower, Why overheating? I bought 3.2 GHz.. it should run on 3.2 rather than 1.85... why its on 1.85 and why I got overheating problem on 3.2?????? Thanks in advance Fahad

mattcowger · Answer

Because it was poorly designed, thats why. You are welcome to force it wherever you want, just make sure it doesn't fry itself.

egoneo · Answer

I have an inspiron 5150 3.2ghz that always ran at 1.6ghz for some reason. after researching i just went to power options in control panel and switch the settings from portable laptop to always on and it ran at 3.2 ghz all the time with out the need for having speedswitch. hope this helps

fahadhabib · Answer

Hi  egoneo,   Thanks for your reply... and YES now my 5160 is running on 3200 Mhz ... i changed it in the Power Options.. and its running on 3.2 Ghz clock speed on which it suppose to run. Thanks again...

chrisintn · Answer

How the heck do I know how fast my processor is running? :) I have a new 5160 3.2 P4 and I assumed it was running at 3.2; apparently not - I'd like to know how I can tell. thanks.

Message Edited by chrisintn on 11-20-2004 12:15 AM

Message Edited by chrisintn on 11-20-2004 12:16 AM

egoneo · Answer

There are a few ways to do this but the easiest is right click my computer on the desktop and click on properties. a window should pop up telling you what speed your computer is running at along with what operating system you are using.

chrisintn · Answer

It says:   Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.20GHZ 1.85 GHz, 1.00 GB of RAM   Does this mean it's running at 3.2 or 1.85? Thanks.

mattcowger · Answer

It means that its currently running at 1.86GHz because there isn't sufficient load for it to move up to its full 3.2. This saves heat and power.

fahadhabib · Answer

Hi Christintn,

Do what Egoneo suggests...

" ... after researching i just went to power options in control panel and switch the settings from portable laptop to always on and it ran at 3.2 ghz all the time with out the need for having speedswitch. hope this helps "

give it a try...

another way to check ur system speed is to go to Dell Support Site...and login there using ur Service Tag Number (u can find it on bottom side of ur laptop)... Download small activex and it will tell u all details about ur NEW LAPTOP...

Bye

Fahad

chrisintn · Answer

Yes, this works. I've read so much on the forums about 5150/5160 overheating. I have a 5160, 3.2 P4 HT, 1GB RAM, WinXP Pro. I push the CPU with what I do - lots of multi-tasking, high-resolution graphics, etc., but I've never had an over-heating problem. The fan runs maybe 25% of the time, but not more than what I'd expect. When I changed my power settings to run at 3.2 GHz all the time, the fan ran more. When I'm doing something that requires more CPU, I see that mine automatically goes from 1.85 to 3.2, so I wonder why somebody would 'force' it to stay at 3.2. Maybe these are the ones that are experiencing overheating?   Chris.

tygerr94 · Answer

Mine does the same thing.  Does ANYONE know how to change the BIOS to make the CPU run from 3.06 down to 1.85 GHz?  I want to try to stop this overheating thing.  It's a PAIN!!!  I won't be able to access my online classes if I send it back to Dell.  What can I do??

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Inspiron 5160 processor speed

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