Underclocked Dell Laptop

Question

I have a Dell Inspiron 8200 that should run at 1.80GHz. In fact, its been running fine for the past 4 years. However, as of 2 days ago, it keeps underclocking itself to 1.18GHz. I'm using an application that graphs the CPU temperature and I noticed a small trend. Upon firing the laptop up, the CPU is clocked at 1.80GHz. When the temperature hits 80 degrees (which takes about 2 minutes after bootup), the laptop underclocks the CPU to 1.18GHz and the temperature decreases to about 50 degrees. However, it never goes back up to 1.80GHz and every application runs slow from there on out. In fact, I can't even watch youtube videos now with out it skipping all over the place. Any ideas would be appreciated. BTW, I am running Windows XP.

Minex_8a8520 · Answer

Hmm after messing with it more, it doesn't seem to be a function of temperature. The laptop seems to be working at the full 1.8GHz now. I'm not sure why it kept underclocking it to 1.18GHz last night and this morning.

boppo · Answer

that called speedstep, that the way it should work.

Minex_8a8520 · Answer

Thanks for the reply Boppo. I thought speedstep increased the system speed under heavy CPU load. If thats the case, its not happening. As of one week ago, I was able to watch movies and videos smoothly at 1.80GHz. As of a few days ago, movies and videos are now extremely choppy. In fact, the entire system is slow (shutting down now takes about 5 minutes, literally). Going under properties on 'My Computer' indicates that the CPU is running at 1.18GHz, even when the CPU is under heavy load. Once the CPU drops from 1.80GHz to 1.18GHz, it does not go back up -- ever. I ended up formatting my HD and installing Linux to see if Windows might be confused. Unfortunately, this didn't solve the problem either. Once the CPU steps down from 1.80 to 1.18GHz, it continues to stay that way and my system continues to run unbearably slow thereafter. I don't know if this matters, but the BIOS also indicates that the CPU is running at 1.20GHz. Does speedstep kick in while in BIOS?

Minex_8a8520 · Answer

BTW, if this is how SpeedStep is supposed to work, then maybe someone else can explain why my laptop is extremely slow now. Before I realized that the CPU was running underclocked, I thought it might have been a virus. However, I've done a fresh install of Windows and Linux and in either case, the system runs slower than it did a week ago. The only thing I've noticed is the CPU running at 1.18GHz when it should be 1.80GHz. Maybe I'm missing something else.

boppo · Answer

you might have a dust build up in the fans and heatsink. get a can of air and blow it out. also here is a nice program along with fangui that I use on my I8200.   http://www.diefer.de/speedswitchxp/index.html   http://www.diefer.de/i8kfan/index.html

Minex_8a8520 · Answer

Boppo, I think you've found the problem. I looked at the two fans toward the rear and noticed that only one of them turned on, regardless on how much processor I was using. I blew into them and found that the outer most one was sticking. For a temporary solution, I just used some oil to lubricate it and that seemed to loosen it up to the point where it will spin. The laptop has been on for about 15 minutes now and the fan has turned on several times and the CPU hasn't underclocked itself. Hopefully, this is the problem. If so, I can just order me a new fan. I'll continue monitoring the laptop.

boppo · Answer

you can get fans here, but first I would blew them out real good and use fangui to control your temp.   http://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=item&id=4010&prevaction=category&previd=141&prevstart=48

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Underclocked Dell Laptop

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