i5 6600k maxed out at 22% utilization, what gives?

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Max_53

Commendable
Jul 16, 2016
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1,510
Hi guys,

I've got a new build with an i5 6600k CPU, MSIZ170A mobo, 8gb ram, Windows10 (lemme know if you want any other specs). My CPU never goes above 22% utilization, or 800mhz, of its 3.5ghz. This is across all four cores, each going up to 22% but not beyond. This includes during stress testing. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a BIOS screenshot for some weird reason (can't be bothered to troubleshoot that right now), but while BIOS correctly says the name of my CPU, including the fact that it's 3.5ghz, when it lists the CPU clock speed, it reads .80ghz.

I've already checked core temps, and they never go above 24C, even after an hour of Prime95. I've also made sure there's no power saving going on.

Currently, I'm thinking to go through overclocking steps just to bring it up to 3.5ghz (or beyond). But is there another course of action I should take?

Thanks!
 
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T
Some mobo's have a "slow booting mode switch" including the Z170A, which is a test mode used in combination with liquid nitrogen cooling. Yeah, I had to look it up to believe it. But it's true, page 41 in the MSI manual if you want to download it:

https://us.msi.com/Motherboard/support/Z170A-GAMING-M5.html#down-manual

Anyway, it limits speed during boot and locks the multiplier at 8. A quick Google showed enough other people who've had the same problem to think some mobos might've shipped with the switch enabled, or maybe it's easy to hit when plugging in cables, user Ceefeesh had the same issue with an Asus board:

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2756295/cpu-ratio-locked.html#16433777

If that isn't the problem, the other...
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Max_53

Commendable
Jul 16, 2016
9
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1,510


CPU was still on factory defaults, so no change there. And yeah, I've checked my power options more times than I can count, but thanks for the idea
 
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Aladdad

Aladdad

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Dec 10, 2014
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Make sure your Maximum processor state is on 100% in Power Options > Edit Plan settings then Change advanced power settings then under Processor power management or try the High Performance power plan and see if it does anything
 
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M

Max_53

Commendable
Jul 16, 2016
9
0
1,510


Thanks for the reply! The clock multiplier is at 8x100mhz. This is where I'm getting the idea to manually clock it up, but could this fry my cpu if I don't know why it's at this low level already? As far as I can tell, there are no physical limitations to the clocking



I've already made sure the power level is at 100%, but thanks!
 
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T

TMTOWTSAC

Distinguished
Jun 27, 2015
1,462
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20,215
Some mobo's have a "slow booting mode switch" including the Z170A, which is a test mode used in combination with liquid nitrogen cooling. Yeah, I had to look it up to believe it. But it's true, page 41 in the MSI manual if you want to download it:

https://us.msi.com/Motherboard/support/Z170A-GAMING-M5.html#down-manual

Anyway, it limits speed during boot and locks the multiplier at 8. A quick Google showed enough other people who've had the same problem to think some mobos might've shipped with the switch enabled, or maybe it's easy to hit when plugging in cables, user Ceefeesh had the same issue with an Asus board:

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2756295/cpu-ratio-locked.html#16433777

If that isn't the problem, the other common culprits Tom's members have had seem to be PSU, overheating, and faulty temperature sensors/settings. But I hope it's just the slow boot switch. Good luck.
 
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Solution
M

Max_53

Commendable
Jul 16, 2016
9
0
1,510


I haven't been home for a couple days so I haven't been able to test it out until just now, but it looks like you were right. Thank you so so freaking much dude, I greatly appreciate your help!
 
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