E6600 & New Board: Problems? Or misreading?

[v0rtic3s]

Well, I just installed the new Intel "Bad Axe" board (needed new revision of it; had older one) and the E6600 - and the results are, well... strange.

1) Does the Core Speed & Multiplier only increase when needed/under usage?

CPU-z is reading the following:

Core Speed: 1600 (but jumps to 2400 sometimes when opening progs, which is where I thought it should be)
Multiplier: started at x9 but now is reading regularly at x6 (jumps to x9 when opening/closing progs)
Bus Speed: 266.7
Rated FSB: 1066.7
...and for some reason, my ram is now reading at a ratio of 2:3 which I've never seen.

On this same board (earlier revision, as stated) it was at 2:1. What's that about?

Do these dual cores only read/jump up to where they should when under usage/load?

Or are these readings way off because something isn't right?

In my bios, here is the set-up for a few things:
CPU Speed: 2.39 (reading at)
CPU Voltage: 1.325
Multiplier: x9
Host Clock Freq: 266
Bus Freq: 33.33

If there is something I need to adjust in my bios if this seems wrong to you guys, can you please let me know what?

Also, I've had three other probs since install:

1) my friggin' GPU temp is way higher than it was - not a re-installation error; sink is fine (Thermalright HR-03), all fans working the same.

Was idle @40C, now idles @51C.
Under load, never got above 60C, now hitting almost 80C.

3 prong plugs on this board are different; fans being controlled at diff speeds? Though the fan on GPU sink not multi-speed.

2) got a pop-up stating some hardware could not be installed, but don't know what (soundcard mabye? - because of new board?) but all drivers are already installed on HDD for all my hardware.

Looking just for something "PCI", but did not state what hardware.

3) Upon booting, screen says "no hard disk detected" but bios is set up right, and then my system loads from my HDD fine... ???

Any and ALL help would be appreciated about all of these issues (though a couple are non-CPU specific, but happened upon install, so I'm including them here).

CPU in bios reading steady 33C and not changing. Should I be using something else to monitor it?

Sorry for all the frantic questions.
Trying to figure out what's up, and doing 100 things at the same time.
If someone can address most of these issues, or all between multiple people, I'd GREATLY appreciate it!

Thanks.

P.S.
I'm noticing maybe some improvement in performance over the P4 3.6 I was running (another big thread on that I started) but nothing really huge when multi-tasking. Maybe a bit. Shouldn't it be far more noticeable? That's the info I got from everyone here who helped me out in the other thread... including progs opening faster, which they seem to be a bit, but I would have thought a bit more.

Game loading and performance seems maybe a little quicker.

 

[Triz08]

Well the reason your cpu is changing speeds is because you have Speedstep enabled in bios. There should be an option named either Speedstep or Enhanced EIST which you have to disable.

For temps, I use Everest Ultimate. It has a nice little on-screem display which you can display CPU/GPU temps, voltages, cpu clock, memory clock, and even date and time if you want. Other programs you can use are CoreTemp or TAT.

Also, you should see a more noticeable increase in performance if you were to overclock.

Not too sure about your other questions. Goodluck

 

[jws2346]

Whoa, I don't have a "bad ax" board, but I agree with the poster above you probably have some kind of "speedstep" enabled in the BIOS (don't worry about it lowering the multi under no load and from everything I've read it should be disabled in BIOS for OC'ing). As far as the temp thing goes, if you're talking about the video card GPU temps I don't know what program accurately gives you that temp (I don't game and I only use el cheapo VC's). I do know for the cpu I would use either Core Temp or Intel's T.A.T., they seem to be the most accurate and popular cpu temp reading software for the C2D's (of course a physical hardware heat probe gives the most accurate temps) Good luck with your E6600, I have 2x of them.

Edit: On the "3) Upon booting, screen says "no hard disk detected" but bios is set up right, and then my system loads from my HDD fine... ???" maybe you just need to unplug and replug the cables on your HD? I honestly wish I could be of more help, please post your solutions, because even if they're simple, us "newbs" need to hear them.

 

[v0rtic3s]

Thanks much for the responses, much appreciated.

I'll check for the Speedstep, which I'm gathering I should disable then to get full performance?

Also, I'm noticing in Task Manager that when opening big progs like Photoshop, my CPU usage jumps to 80%... please tell me it's because Task Manager is only reading one core, and that this entire dual-core CPU is not doing that...?

P.S.
Just disabled the EIST in bios (nothing there called "Speedstep")... same readings in CPU-z... not stopping it from changing speeds, at least not according to CPU-z... should I be expecting more performance/difference readings with this disabled? Nothing is any different with the core speed changes...

P.P.S.
Switched HDD cable to a different SATA connection, and still getting that message about "no hard disk being detected" while system is booting up.

 

[jws2346]

Thanks much for the responses, much appreciated.

I'll check for the Speedstep, which I'm gathering I should disable then to get full performance?

Also, I'm noticing in Task Manager that when opening big progs like Photoshop, my CPU usage jumps to 80%... please tell me it's because Task Manager is only reading one core, and that this entire dual-core CPU is not doing that...?

P.S.
Just disabled the EIST in bios (nothing there called "Speedstep")... same readings in CPU-z... not stopping it from changing speeds, at least not according to CPU-z... should I be expecting more performance/difference readings with this disabled? Nothing is any different with the core speed changes...

Hey bro, I think the "speedstep" thing just comes into effect when the cpu is idling. I don't think it effects the operation of the cpu under load. I think EIST is a temperature thing, if you can, just set the multi to a 9 in the BIOS, that should keep it from lowering the multi. Man, I just fold 24/7 and everything is hopefully at 100%, I don't know anything about cpu core utilization using "Photoshop". (this may be a "dumb" question, but is it optimized for a "dual" core?) Good luck, you should get some pretty informative answers on this forum

Edit: Ignore what I said about EIST (Enhanced Intel Speedstep Technology, I think), there is some program called "C' something that is activated by cpu temperatures. (E1C ?)

 

[v0rtic3s]

Yeah, the multiplier is already set to x9 in the bios, but it drops to x6 when the core speed is at 1600; when it raises to 2400, then the multiplier reads at x9.

Either I don't have something set up right in the bios (which is doubtful because I've checked everything, unless it's something I don't know about with dual core CPUs) or something is wrong here.

Shouldn't the CPU be running at 2400 & x9 continually?

According to CPU-z, which has always been accurate with my P4 3.6 and other CPUs, it's not running where it should be, until I open a prog... then it raises but drops again. Never seen this happen.

Yeah, I've always gotten great feedback, info and help here, so I'm hoping someone can help me out with this as well... weird situation, and it seems like I'm not even getting full power just running this thing stock.

When opening multiple progs, such as Photoshop etc., while having other things running, I should not be lagging like this. Sometimes it does, sometimes not... but between the readings I'm getting and not totally seeing performance improvement with multi-tasking (which I was assured I would, even not OC'd) I'm a bit concerned here...

Again, any further help/info is greatly appreciated.

Edit: an example - was just testing this so was running AdAware (spyware scanner) and went around open different progs, and I'm getting the same lag I had with the P4, at least with some things. \

No particular speed-up with loading maps in game (like in F.E.A.R.) which I've heard virtually everyone say they've had happen with this CPU, that is sped things up with loading times at least. Though some in-game performance seems a little better. I don't get it.

Still same readings as well... jump up for a minute in CPU-z, then back down.

I'm totally lost with this and gotta get this thing at least running 100% as it should be stock.

 

[jws2346]

Man, this is a time for the "super guru of computers" to answer, which I am definitely not. I have a AW9D-MAX mobo with the multipler thing and I thought that setting it to 9 over road any "Speedstep" program. As far as temps go, I think I would trust the BIOS readings as being the most accurate if you're not using "Core Temp" or T.A.T. (I think they measure the cpu temps of the C2D's at the hottest part of the chip) Like I said "Good luck" and please post your results. (it helps us "newbs" out)

 

[v0rtic3s]

Yeah, no kidding... lol.

Well, it wasn't my CPU core temp that was an issue, but the temp of my GPU.

Figured it out:

To all Intel "Bad Axe" users: if you have a fan on your GPU sink, do not plug it into the board! It slows down the fan. Instead, plug it into your other case fans.

As soon as I did that... thank the computer gods... my GPU temps are now back to normal, according to ATi-Tool, so the fan must now be running at normal speed.

Whew.

But... as for anything else... I don't understand why I'm getting the readings from CPU-z showing the CPU Core Speed jumping from 2400 down to 1600, and only back up when progs are being opened, and the same for the multiplier, which follows suit: core speed @ 1600 = x6 multiplier; core speed @ 2400 = x9 multiplier.

I'm sure there is someone here who knows why this would be happening, and if it's something to worry about in terms of the CPU actually being utilized to it's full potential, or if something is off.

There are some definitely computer gurus here, so I (and I'm sure others who I'm sure are/have experience this) would love to hear from you!

Cheers.

P.S.
Also, I'm noticing in Task Manager that when opening big progs like Photoshop, my CPU usage jumps to 80% (or even some small progs seem to use way more usage then they should with dual cores)... please tell me it's because Task Manager is only reading one core, and that this entire dual-core CPU is not doing that (both cores being used to that extent)...?

This still happening... with dual cores? Eh, I'm lost.

 

[v0rtic3s]

Well, another part of the problem may have been solved.

I think that latest version of CPU-z (for those who use it, and perhaps run a similar set-up) is off.

Used an older version, and it's reading normal: 2400 core speed and x9 multiplier for the E6600 C2D.

Just in case anyone uses CPU-z, so you're aware.

Like you said, I try to "give back" if I find any problems, and I think this is one.

CPU-z v.130 and v.137 reads properly. They both read exactly the same, which tells me that it's the latest version (v.4) of the prog that's got to be reading wrong (I'd think and hope), and I'm actually running how I should be.

Just for whom ever would like to know.

 

[Crosshairs]

There is another thread on here somewhere about someone else having the same problem.....they came up with the same conclusion you did


EDIT: Here it is

 

[SuperKeijo]

The cpu throttles to a multiplier of 6 when it's idling. When you actually stress the thing multiplier will jump to 9. You don't need to disable speedstep or eist of whatever it's been called in your bios. Just leave it be. Your cpu is at its full potential regardless of the multiplier changing, it's just to keep it cool and consume less energy. People allways seem to recommend turning those settings of but I don't see the reason to at all..

 

[LhasaCM]

The cpu throttles to a multiplier of 6 when it's idling. When you actually stress the thing multiplier will jump to 9. You don't need to disable speedstep or eist of whatever it's been called in your bios. Just leave it be. Your cpu is at its full potential regardless of the multiplier changing, it's just to keep it cool and consume less energy. People allways seem to recommend turning those settings of but I don't see the reason to at all..

Well...the only reasons I can see keeping it off is if you use your PC for folding/some other distributed task so that it is never really idling, or if you've bumped the voltage up and are running something other than "auto" Speedstep/EIST/whatever it's called on your board saves power by reducing the multiplier and cutting back on voltage. If your PC's never idling, then there's no need to have it enabled, and if you've manually set the voltage for the CPU, I don't know if there's any real savings (i.e., if it wil override the manually set voltage). In those cases - I see it the same as disabling the serial/parallel ports if you're not using them: might as well turn off what you don't need

 

[v0rtic3s]

There is another thread on here somewhere about someone else having the same problem.....they came up with the same conclusion you did


EDIT: Here it is

Thanks!

Where is C1E in the BIOS? Cannot find it to turn it off. I'm using the "Bad Axe" and have EIST off, but cant find it. Can it be called something else? I've checked under every option and cant find it. What is C1E?

Also, if the latest version of CPU-z is meant to show throttling, than do we assume it's right or wrong that the E6600 is not always running a "full capacity"? Like most others posting about it, that's what I want and need to be sure of, though older versions of CPU-z are showing that it is.

 

[v0rtic3s]

Where is C1E in the BIOS?

Anyone? I cant find it anywhere.
Under a different name?

 

[LhasaCM]

Where is C1E in the BIOS?

Anyone? I cant find it anywhere.
Under a different name?

On my 965P-DS3 it's called "CPU Enhanced Halt"

 

[LhasaCM]

Thanks!

Where is C1E in the BIOS? Cannot find it to turn it off. I'm using the "Bad Axe" and have EIST off, but cant find it. Can it be called something else? I've checked under every option and cant find it. What is C1E?

Also, if the latest version of CPU-z is meant to show throttling, than do we assume it's right or wrong that the E6600 is not always running a "full capacity"? Like most others posting about it, that's what I want and need to be sure of, though older versions of CPU-z are showing that it is.

Older versions of CPU-z ignored the throttling feature. If it's enabled in the BIOS, then it should be showing it bouncing between the minimum and maximum (or whatever you've set) multiplier, because that's what it's doing

 

[v0rtic3s]

Right, but that's exactly what I'm trying to disable (the throttling feature) ...I just cant find the correct setting, because I cant find anything called C1E.

I want it off so the CPU is not throttling back-and-forth.

Edit: Only thing able to find similar is "Enhance Power Slope" which sends more "juice" to the CPU, but that's disabled and not related, I would think.