CPU, FSB varies by 500 +/- Mhz

[anthonyg70]

I have been having some issues as of late with Windows 7, and decided to install Nvidia's control panel add-on to check my performance. Now before upgrading from XP I had checked these settings via CPU-Z.

My specs are:

Intel DP965LT motherboard
Corsair XMS2 DDR2 2x2GB @ 5-5-5-18 (SPD) 800Mhz 1.8v
Intel Pentium D 3GHz
EGVA GeForce 9500 GT 1GB PCIe
Windows 7 Pro, 64-bit (OEM, clean install)
Hauppague HVR-1250 (TV card) is only extra device

Ok, now the data from the performance tab under the Nvidia CP is showing:

CPU 0:
Reference clock (FSB): 396.938 - 586.458
FSB Frequency: 791.489 - 1172.916 (DDR) Mhz
CPU core frequency: 5936.170 - 8796.866 Mhz
CPU multiplier: 15.0x

CPU 1:
Reference clock (FSB): 390.176 - 401.711 Mhz
FSB Frequency: 780.353 - 803.421(DDR) Mhz
CPU core frequency: 5852.646 - 6025.660 Mhz
CPU multiplier: 15.0x

Now is it common to see such variations? The motherboard tab under Nvidia panel is showing:

Reference clock (FSB): 378.xxx - 586.xxx Mhz
FSB frequency: 789.898 - 1172.xxx (DDR) Mhz

Again, is it common to see such variations?

My video card is stable, has no changes to freqs, etc.

Bios version: 62.94.29.00.50
GPU core clock: 550.000 Mhz
GPU memory clock: 400.000
GPU shader clock 1375.000

There were no stability issues under XP, and CPU-Z did show a drop on occasion for CPU 0 down to low 2.x's and lower multiplier.

Now the sytem is not overclocked, never has been. I just wanted to know if these variations are present on all systems, or is there maybe an issue with my MB or processor? They were both Intel boxed purchases back in Feb 2007, and if they are having issues I want to get them RMA'd ASAP while still under warranty.

Only thing I can recall is Intel Speedstep maybe causing variations? But such widespread?

 

[anthonyg70]

Ok, so I just figured I would disable SpeedStep, system would boot into OS, then after you attempt starting something...bam...reboots.

Event log is showing issue with video card driver:
Fault bucket X64_0x116_TdrBCR:2_Tdr:2_IMAGE_nvlddmkm.sys, type 0

Now could this have been caused by bad PCIe interface on mb? I only changed the SpeedStep setting, and I get a video failure which lead to complete shutdown. Sometimes video failure is only limited to a simple reload of driver from desktop (thanks to Win 7 for not crashing 100%).

I am thinking more and more that mb is issue, as under XP wasn't pushing 64-bit, now am and it's pushing to limits?

Ideas?

 

[evongugg]

Do a Windows repair.
I think it's a Nvidia software problem.

 

[evongugg]

Tell us about your power supply.

 

[anthonyg70]

Surepower (Maddog) 430w BTX/ATX PS
ATX 12v Spec 2.03 and 1.3 compliant

Company is now out of business, went south with Circuit City, but PS will be 3-years old in February next year and has been operating flawlessly. I have checked outputs via motherboard BIOS and all is within tolerances.

 

[evongugg]

I don't think that power supply is big enough for your system.
How many amps do you have on the 12v rails?
Look at the label on the PSU inside the computer.

 

[anthonyg70]

Powersupply is a rebranded Spire PSU, Model MD-430WPS.

AC Input
100-120VAC 8A 60Hz

DC Output
+3V @ 24A
+5V @ 38A
Max combined wattage 190W

+12V1 @ 15A
+12V2 @ 15A
Max amperage combined @ 26A / 312W

-12V @ 0.5A
-5V @ 0.8A
+5VSB @2.5A
Max combined wattage 25W

Total max combined wattage for unit @ 430W

 

[evongugg]

The power supply is adequate for your system.
Maybe spyware or a failing power supply.
Try another power supply if you can.

 

[anthonyg70]

Don't have another PSU for testing. I had installed a dual boot of XP Pro x64 and have been running tests under that OS on same board, setup. It's rock solid, with no variations, etc. Maybe it's the way Win 7 handles system processes, hardware, etc. I am failing to see why there are such fluctuations.

I have been exchanging info with Intel, EVGA and Corsair as they are other components. Memory is working fine under Memtest v4.0 test, although it always reads at 1-1-1-31, and not 5-5-5-18 as it's SPD rated for (regardless of BIOS settings). Additionally EVGA stated I needed to RMA my card, but did not give me a reason for such. We exchanged a few emails regarding PSU, MB, Processor, etc and they ended up stating a RMA was necessary when I mentioned Win 7 and XP x64 comparison. Maybe an old BIOS on card? I would flash, but it's not possible for 9500 series.

Motherboard has me worried, and Intel won't budge on RMA. They stated only their test tools are valid, yet they don't have a tool for testing memory timings. Still working it with them, if their board is not using proper memory timing then there would be issues when RAM is being overtaxed, etc.