AMD FX-8350 being throttled to 1.4 GHz

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babynoxide

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Jan 1, 2014
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SOLUTION BELOW

I finally located what is causing my computer to sporadically plummet in performance and as it turns out, it has something to do with my CPU being throttled for no see-able reason. My CPU runs exceptionally well in its temperatures, a modest 16 C idle and a max of 32 C when running my games.

However, using CPUID HWMonitor, I can see that all the cores are being throttled down to 1.4 GHz as opposed to the advertised 4.0 GHz. Some resources point to the VLM on the motherboard protecting itself from the CPU, but something just sounds off, maybe something I can do without replacing parts?

Again, the problem is that my FX-8350 is being throttled down to 1.4 GHz by an unknown source. I can provide any other relevant info if needed.
 
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Dark Lord of Tech
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babynoxide

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Jan 1, 2014
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10,510
After just a little bit more research, my suspicion turned out to be correct and the motherboard needs to be upgraded to a 970 or 990 or equivalent.

The AMD FX-8350 is an eight core processor but it only has 4 physical cores, that are multi-threaded. This causes a conflict with compatible motherboards where basically the motherboard is not capable of providing the voltage that the CPU is requesting. As a result, your CPU will be throttled to exactly 1.4 GHz whenever the motherboard gets overrun (basically all the time).

I've had this computer for about 3 years now, and I've never understood why I wasn't getting what I thought I should out of it. Hopefully someone who encounters this problem like I have sees this and saves themselves a headache.
 
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Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

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Aug 18, 2009
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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Motherboard: MSI 970 GAMING ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($97.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $97.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-02-23 13:39 EST-0500

or

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 R5 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($92.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $92.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-02-23 13:43 EST-0500
 
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Solution
Davinlevey

Davinlevey

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Oct 23, 2015
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I certainly agree with what you are saying here, my understanding was he was wanting the base 4 ghz out of it.
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Sep 16, 2014
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Today, maybe, but we both know that chip needs a good overlclocking. I would not eliminate that choice at this time no matter WHAT the OP says, since the cost is very similar. Motherboards are 'forever' parts, and I tend to be very conservative or forward-thinking with advice there.
 
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Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
Aug 18, 2009
128,617
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Agreed that is a poor board for a 125w CPU.

Poor power and thermal design.

 
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