Intel Speedstep - Processor not running at rated speed? READ ME!

So your new processor isn't running at it's rated speed? CPU-z shows a 6x multiplier when you KNOW it's a 6750 and it's supposed to be 8x?

This is Intel's Speedstep Technology at work. This power saving feature reduces the clock multiplier and core voltage when your computer is at idle or low load.

When your CPU leaves idle, it will bump the multiplier back to rated speed and set core voltage back to your setting, so that you may grind through your encoding/folding/gaming at full throttle.

AMD has a feature similar to this called Cool 'n' Quiet II (as of the Phenom release). This technology is very different from Speedstep, but basically they do the same thing. Both reduce CPU frequency and power consumption in an effort to reduce your power bill and the melting of the polar ice caps.

These features can be disabled in the BIOS. Sometimes, they can interfere with overclocking, but usually only in extreme voltage changes or other rare cases. They are actually great technologies to employ if your setup will allow.

Hope this helped at least at the basic level, but always remember to READ and **COMPREHEND** everything associated with your latest build plan before you go out and spend the cash.

I doubt this specific post is worty of "sticky-dom", but perhaps with a little moderator love (edit away Turpit) it can one day acheive it's goal of educating the less experienced system builders.

Can I get a motion for sticky?

Can we maybe make this post appear in bold on everyone's machine that visits the CPU forums, and they have to check a box at the bottom like a TOS or something?

not always the SpeedStep, like in my case it was the C1E than NEEDED to be turned OFF.

What if I want to melt the polar ice caps for the freshest water straight to my tap?

Depending on where you live, you may not even have to worry about it being on tap. You'll be swimming in it

Professionalism and newb friendliness acquired

I don't see it as a big deal. Maybe 1-2 threads a month? Next.

To clear up any confusion that Gigabyte P35 owners might have, here are some specifics on EIST. I have a GA-P35-DQ6 motherboard. It has both EIST and C1E in the BIOS.
Edit: I did some searching and found some information but it was not complete so I did some testing. Here are the results.

EIST Enabled C1E Disabled
In XP you need to set Control Panel -> Power Management -> Minimal Power Requirements to enable EIST.
EIST only works with the stock frequency - no overclock.
It will adjust the multiplier and Vcore.
It will adjust only the multiplier if the Vcore is set to manual in the BIOS.
Right click My Computer and click Properties will give a current snapshot of the CPU frequency under the General Tab.

C1E Enabled EIST Disabled
No settings in XP are required.
It will work at stock frequency and overclock frequencies.
It will adjust the multiplier and Vcore at the stock frequency.
It will adjust only the multiplier if overclocked or the Vcore is set to manual in the BIOS.
Right click My Computer and click Properties will NOT give a current snapshot of the CPU frequency under the General Tab.

Isn't that the truth... lol. There are people in the graphics cards forums that still ask questions about SLI/Crossfire that are right in the "SLI/Crossfire FAQs". Oh well