CPU running at 800mhz

jm0

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Oct 4, 2012
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My cpu is running at 800mhz and everything is terribly sluggish.

cpuz link
http://

It started when my computer crashed from mining bitcoins and I havn't been able to fix it since.

I've done a clean install of windows and new bios / cpu drivers. Nothing has worked.

I was thinking maybe overclock it, but I've been unsuccesfull so far.

Thanks for any help! I fear I physically damaged it :(

EDIT: Is it possible to just replace the (possibly) damaged CPU?
 
Solution
If anyone is stumbling on this thread in the future I've figured a workaround to the issue. It's probably best to buy a new power adapter, but the program ThrottleStop can, well stop your CPU from throttling. In the program uncheck BD PROCHOT and bam, no more throttling.

cub_fanatic

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Nov 21, 2012
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seeing that it is a mobile CPU and you probably can't manually change any of the CPU or bus clock settings and since you already tried to re-install Windows, it does look like something in the CPU is messed up. This is why people warn not to use laptops to mine. The heat sinks on them are simply not designed to be run @ or near 100% load for hours or days at a time.
 

jm0

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thanks for the answer, i dont think it was a heat related issue though. It crashed almost immediately upon starting the miner. It still probably broke somethimg but I don't believe it was a heatsink issue.

 

jm0

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sorry for double post, but is this the correct answer?
 

bloc97

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It is very improbable that it was damaged and still works. Either it would not be working anymore, or its just some settings that got changed somewhere.

I suspect the CPU is staying in power-saving mode... Did you try changing the power options in windows?

Regards,
 

cub_fanatic

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What is your laptop's make and model? You should try looking for a BIOS update on the manufacturer's download site for this laptop and see if an update to the BIOS would either fix the problem or at the very least unlock some new settings for you to tweak the CPU. If it really isn't damaged then look for a setting in the BIOS that controls power saving like Speedstep and switch it off then check if the CPU responds by going back to regular stock speeds. If it is Speedstep malfunctioning, though, bringing down the CPU to 800 MHz does sound kind of low. Maybe it is different than the mobile 3210m Ivy Bridge CPU I have in my laptop that only drops to around 1,200 MHz when idle. I am also assuming you have confirmed that the CPU stays at 800 MHz even when under load and that you have tried to run a stress test or benchmark to see if it does stay at 800 MHz all the time.
 

jm0

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Oct 4, 2012
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Thanks for the reply, but it is most definitely in performance mode. It may be worth noting I have literally 0 battery capacity, my laptop wont run if its not plugged in.




I'ts a Dell XPS 15 (L502X) and I've tried a BIOS update. I don't see any setting to tweak the CPU settings except for SpeedStep, which unfortunately doesn't change the clock speed when disabled. Ran a couple stress tests and yup, 800MHz.

If it helps, I vaguely remember changing the Blocks x Warps settings in cudaminer (btc mining software) I'm not sure what any of that means, was just a recommended setting.

Thanks for your help guys.
 

jm0

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again sorry for double post and bump.

I'm starting to think it's my power cord. I'm getting this error at bootup:
2VzcmlL.png

Tried to use this program called ThrottleStop with no success.
EDIT: I actually did turn this on, just not when I took the screenshot.
64ZbJZE.png

Does anything look off in HWMonitor. Sorry for all the bumps I just really want to figure this out.
zeFtVKv.png

I guess I'll replace the AC adapter and see if it works better.

Again, thanks guys.
 

cub_fanatic

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That definitely looks like it might be the issue. The weird thing is that it is charging and I am assuming it is the same charger that came with the laptop? The fact that your laptop is turning on at all with a bad charger and a battery that isn't charging properly is kind of odd. Also, if the laptop is new enough, you should look into getting the charger replaced by the laptop maker via a warranty claim. There is no reason for you to have to pay for this out of your own pocket if the laptop is still covered. In fact, I would send in the entire laptop just in case it isn't the charger. Basically, no matter what it is, the manufacturer will see that there is a problem and either fix it or replace it. If you have anything important on it, I'd recommend that you remove the HDD or at the very least clone it or back it up. If they replace it, you won't be getting that data back.
 

jm0

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Thanks for the reassurance about the AC adapter, I really hope that's the problem. This laptop is about 3 years old, so no warranty, but as long as it's just the AC adapter and not the mobo I'm pretty OK with that. Thanks a bunch cub_fanatic I'll post a follow up when I get a new power cord.
 

jm0

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Oct 4, 2012
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If anyone is stumbling on this thread in the future I've figured a workaround to the issue. It's probably best to buy a new power adapter, but the program ThrottleStop can, well stop your CPU from throttling. In the program uncheck BD PROCHOT and bam, no more throttling.
 
Solution

CRITICALThinker

Distinguished
The L502x has had numerous issues with motherboards and power adapters, the graphics socket is not very good at expanding and contracting at the same rate as the chip and the cooling is barely acceptable. My friend has been through three power adapters now at this point due to connectivity issues. Also I would like to point out that if in some way you can raise the multiplier on the chip it should fix the issue.
 

unclewebb

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When a power adapter or sensor on the motherboard goes bad, it can send a signal to your CPU to force it to throttle. It will drop down to the lowest multiplier which is 8 for your CPU. Disabling BD PROCHOT blocks these signals from getting to the CPU so the CPU can run at its full speed. You would need to try running a replacement power adapter from the same manufacturer to prove if your adapter went bad or if the real problem is another sensor on your board.

Just so you know, disabling BD PROCHOT will still allow your CPU to thermal throttle if it ever gets too hot. You cannot prevent the CPU from protecting itself no matter how you have ThrottleStop setup. ThrottleStop is the only program I know of that lets you toggle BD PROCHOT so you are lucky you found it.
 

Theseus_3gg

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Just thought it would be worth sending you a quick message to say thanks.

I've had the same issue for ages and have just found this thread, I'm yet to try it but thank you for the help mate! Especially for the "best answer" you put in. It helps everyone!