Q9650 running slow - multiplier = 1x : Why ?

hi there,

i just sold my used Q9650 ( via eBay ) to someone and he is having trouble getting it to run properly:

it has been put into a Packard Bell machine with a VG300 M/B ( AMI BIOS version PBVG300.P0K )

CPU-Z shows the processor has been recognised ok, but is running with a Bus Speed of 333MHz ( Core speed = 333 , Multiplier = 1x ! ).

according to me the multiplier should be 9x giving a standard 3Ghz so it is no wonder the machine is running badly.

the person assures me that the BIOS is showing 333 / 9x.

i have never seen this situation before and am not sure how to approach diagnosing it: does anyone have any ideas ?

is it possible that the processor is faulty ( i would have expected it to run ok, or, not run at all ) or, is this likely to be some MB setting that needs to be tweaked ?

are there any sensible tests that can be carried out ?

FYI: i was running the processor at 3.1GHz successfully for 6 months, and then my machine died following a BIOS update fail so i cant test the chip myself; i tried putting my old E6600 in my machine, but it still wouldnt attempt to boot.


thanks in advance for any ideas.

cheers

ant