CPUZ shows different multiplier

[Cyclops360]

I have a Q9400 processor running at stock (multiplier 8, FSB 333). When I'm in the bios, everything looks fine as far as multiplier and fsb. However, when I run cpuz, the multiplier says 6. My motherboard is a GA-EP45-UD3R. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[StuG]

Is that under load?

Also, welcome to TR!

[DancinJack]

SpeedStep mate!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpeedStep

[Cyclops360]

No. The system is idle.

[StuG]

SpeedStep mate!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpeedStep

Than this is what your looking at.

Download prime95, run it, and than look at CPU-Z...the story should change a bit.

[riquee]

SpeedStep mate!

Yup, SpeedStep. Run prime95 etc. and you'll see it jump up to stock speeds.

[Cyclops360]

I figured out my issue. Vista's power settings were set on balanced. When I changed the settings to high performance, cpuz shows a multiplier of 8 as opposed to 6. Thanks for your help.

[Voldenuit]

I figured out my issue. Vista's power settings were set on balanced. When I changed the settings to high performance, cpuz shows a multiplier of 8 as opposed to 6. Thanks for your help.

Why on earth would you want to turn off Speedstep?????

[Cyclops360]

I put the power settings back to balanced. I simply wanted to make sure everything was okay with my processor and I was concerned about CPUZ showing a multiplier of 6 as opposed to 8.

[Airmantharp]

I figured out my issue. Vista's power settings were set on balanced. When I changed the settings to high performance, cpuz shows a multiplier of 8 as opposed to 6. Thanks for your help.

Why on earth would you want to turn off Speedstep?????

Pretty sure you can hard enable Speedstep in the BIOS; don't think WIndows can override that. Can it?

[Cyclops360]

I didn't see any options in my bios for speedstep. All I know is when the power settings in vista is on balance, CPUZ showed a multiplier of 6. When I changed the power settings in Vista to Performance, CPUZ shows a multiplier of 8.

[Airmantharp]

I didn't see any options in my bios for speedstep. All I know is when the power settings in vista is on balance, CPUZ showed a multiplier of 6. When I changed the power settings in Vista to Performance, CPUZ shows a multiplier of 8.

Oh well. I highly suggest you go download P95, which will allow you to observe CPUZ while your system is fully loaded. With the power settings to balanced, the multiplier should go from 6 to 8 when you start P95. Let us know what happens, we can't help you further until you do.

[Cyclops360]

I didn't see any options in my bios for speedstep. All I know is when the power settings in vista is on balance, CPUZ showed a multiplier of 6. When I changed the power settings in Vista to Performance, CPUZ shows a multiplier of 8.

Oh well. I highly suggest you go download P95, which will allow you to observe CPUZ while your system is fully loaded. With the power settings to balanced, the multiplier should go from 6 to 8 when you start P95. Let us know what happens, we can't help you further until you do.

Okay. I downloaded Prime95. Before I ran Prime95, I made sure that the Vista's power settings were on balanced and CPUZ showed a multiplier of 6. When I initiated prime95, cpuz showed a multiplier of 8. So, it appears that the issue is resolved. Thanks for everyone's response.

[morphine]

So, it appears that the issue is resolved.

More like: there wasn't an issue in the first place. Just in case it isn't clear yet: any modern CPU will drop its multiplier if it's not running under load in order to save power and produce less heat. It doesn't affect actual performance in any way and is 100% invisible to the end user.

[UberGerbil]

Sometimes a little knowledge is a dangerous thing....