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My CPU speed seems stuck.

T

TheKidGui

n00b
Joined
Jun 16, 2014
Messages
11
So, I bought a new laptop and recently I've started to notice that my CPU speed doesn't change at all, it keeps on 1.45 Ghz all the time, even when I'm running something heavy (in my case, Watch_Dogs on Ultra settings).
I've already tried to fix it myself, but I'm not really good with hardware stuff, or BIOS stuff. (altough I can still follow the directions someone gives me, of course)

My CPU is a Intel i7 4710MQ @2.5Ghz with Turbo Boost to 3.5Ghz. I have windows 8.1 Pro.

In task manager it doesn't change from 1.45Ghz, and from Speccy and CPU-Z doesn't change from 1496,4 MHz from all cores. Multiplier is also x15 always.
I've checked the power settings too, High performance, and in advanced settings all things CPU related are 100% when plugged.
Intel Turbo Boost Monitor doesn't work as well, the bar doesn't go up after a certain point. (and it says that power saving is on even when it isn't, I think the monitor doesn't work that well on Windows 8.1)
 
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What's the laptop? Have you checked for manufacturer bios (or other, perhaps drivers) updates that could address this?
 
Some laptops have weird problems like this. The bios does not correctly setup the register that controls the maximum multiplier. While you are waiting for an updated bios to be released, try running ThrottleStop from TechPowerUp.

http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/2288/throttlestop-6-00/

You can use this program to directly access the multiplier register and get your CPU running at full speed.

Version 7 has a few more features for the newer Intel CPUs like overclocking and core voltage adjustment. Give me a minute and I will post a screen shot that shows how to set it up to correct the problem you are having. Send me a message if you would like to download the latest beta version.

SJGIPn6.png


The Intel gadget seems to work OK on my overclocked 4700MQ in Windows 8.1. Not sure who started the rumor that it doesn't work anymore.

http://i.imgur.com/q2iQhgO.png

And here's a look at some of the new options available in version 7.

http://i.imgur.com/iBqH1uX.png
 
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Throttlestop works as a temporary fix, thank you.. I've noticed a lot of people have this problem, I wonder how this is solved.
It's definetly a multiplier problem, after using TS, happens the same thing, but this time with 3.4Ghz (I guess that's good?).
 
Check your power settings within windows. I think Windows throttles that stuff as well. Make sure CPU performance in "maximum" and stuff like that.
 
Cali3350 said:
Check your power settings within windows. I think Windows throttles that stuff as well. Make sure CPU performance in "maximum" and stuff like that.
Click to expand...

I've already done that, everything is at maximum performance, even with the power cable is off.
 
This "problem" has happened to lots of different computers over the years. Laptops and desktops. Sometimes the problem is random and it might only happen occasionally when you boot up. Other times it happens all the time when you boot up. The problem is in the bios. The manufacturer of your laptop needs to update the bios to permanently correct this. Sadly, sometimes problems like this are never fully resolved. In situations like that, ThrottleStop is not a temporary fix, it is the only solution so you can run your laptop at its Intel rated speed. It's either that or return your laptop for a refund.

It's definetly a multiplier problem, after using TS, happens the same thing, but this time with 3.4Ghz
Click to expand...

In an Intel CPU, the multiplier can be constantly varying hundreds of times a second based mostly on how many cores are active. If you click on the ThrottleStop - TRL button it will show you the maximum multiplier available based on how many cores are active.

As more cores become active, the maximum multiplier decreases. If a task is not overly multi-threaded then cores can go back into one of the low power C States which allows the remaining core or cores to speed up and use the maximum multiplier. This is happening constantly. ThrottleStop reports how much time your cores are spending in various C States so you can check to make sure your CPU is working correctly.

When not overclocking, your maximum multiplier is 35. Even when running a single threaded task, you will not be seeing that multiplier in ThrottleStop because Windows typically has 1000 threads running in the background which continuously are waking up additional cores. More active cores, multiplier drops. When your computer is mostly idle, try running the TS Bench. Select 1 Thread for this test and then select the short 32M test. If you do not have a lot of background junk running on your computer you should be seeing very close to the maximum multiplier during this test. The multiplier should be varying during this test. Some software, including Windows, might make you think your multiplier is stuck but when your CPU is working correctly, the multiplier will be very dynamic when your CPU is partially loaded.

Make sure EIST - SpeedStep are enabled in the bios. Some desktop enthusiasts like to turn this off but there is no reason to do this, especially in a laptop. Why not post a screen shot during your single thread test so everyone can see that your laptop is running over 100% faster than what the manufacturer shipped you. www.imgur.com is a good site for free image hosting. :)
 
Thank you unclewebb! :)
I've been in the BIOS, EIST is enabled.
I'll post the screen shot when I can, probably today.

Here's the image from during the test
t5JoLG9.png


And after the test
vRlkTWu.png


(I don't understand a lot of this, and I definitely can't read that data LOL)
I think I should say that I used TS and used it for my cpu to stay at 2.5Ghz all time instead of that 1.4Ghz (so, my multiplier doesn't vary, so I put it at 25 instead of 15 like I had before)
And the CPU speed didn't vary during the test, just stayed the same like always.
Oh and if you notice that TS is turned off, I did it with it turned on and off, and the results were the same.
 
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Look at the screen shot I posted. Set Multiplier is checked and set to 35T. ThrottleStop is also turned on. These are the basics for ThrottleStop to work correctly. Make sure ThrottleStop is set up like this when posting screen shots. It makes it a lot easier for me to troubleshoot what your problem is.

I think you also have a second problem that is completely unrelated to the first problem. Can you open and post a screen shot of the TPL window?

The default multiplier for a Core i7-4710MQ is 25. It needs Turbo Boost to be working correctly for it to go higher than this. Your screen shot shows that TDP Throttle is active even when your CPU is idle. That is not right. It looks like your laptop manufacturer might have accidentally set the turbo power limit to zero. A 4710MQ is a 47 Watt CPU. The long term turbo power limit is supposed to be set to 47W and the short term limit is usually up around 58W. Setting this power limit to zero or to a very low number will completely disable turbo boost and will prevent your CPU from running at its full Intel rated speed

Whoever wrote your bios has some explaining to do.
 
unclewebb said:
Look at the screen shot I posted. Set Multiplier is checked and set to 35T. ThrottleStop is also turned on. These are the basics for ThrottleStop to work correctly. Make sure ThrottleStop is set up like this when posting screen shots. It makes it a lot easier for me to troubleshoot what your problem is.

I think you also have a second problem that is completely unrelated to the first problem. Can you open and post a screen shot of the TPL window?

The default multiplier for a Core i7-4710MQ is 25. It needs Turbo Boost to be working correctly for it to go higher than this. Your screen shot shows that TDP Throttle is active even when your CPU is idle. That is not right. It looks like your laptop manufacturer might have accidentally set the turbo power limit to zero. A 4710MQ is a 47 Watt CPU. The long term turbo power limit is supposed to be set to 47W and the short term limit is usually up around 58W. Setting this power limit to zero or to a very low number will completely disable turbo boost and will prevent your CPU from running at its full Intel rated speed

Whoever wrote your bios has some explaining to do.
Click to expand...

Yeah I know... I'll post the pics when I get home.
I just put it like this because when I first used my TS i put it like you said, and when i turned it off the CPU speed stayed at contant 3.5 Ghz .. So I turned TS back on and put the multiplier at 25, setting the CPU speed to 2.5Ghz. When I turn off TS, the CPU speed stays the same with or without TS. So right now it's like TS is just a tool for setting my contant CPU speed, doesn't even have to be turned on.
So in summary:
- my pc was at contant 1.4Ghz, never down, never up.
- I turned TS as you said (35T) and CPU goes up to 3.5Ghz.
- Turned off TS, CPU stays at 3.5Ghz, never up, never down.
- Turned on TS, set it to 25, setting the CPU at 2.5Ghz
- Turned off TS, CPU stays at 2.5Ghz, never up, never down.

But when I get home I'll post the screens you asked me.

Edit: I just noticed that when I turn my PC the CPU goes back to 1.4Ghz
 
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There is a register in the Intel CPUs that lets software control the maximum multiplier or the maximum speed. The Set Multiplier feature in ThrottleStop writes information directly to this register so you can control your CPU. When you click on Turn Off, ThrottleStop does not reset your CPU. It leaves this control register at whatever value you last set it to.

Your During Test pic above shows that ThrottleStop has your CPU running exactly like a Core i7-4710MQ should be running. A reported multiplier of 34.95 is exactly what you should be seeing. This means your CPU is spending the majority of the time using the 35 multiplier during this test. Windows occasionally needs to wake up an additional core or cores which immediately reduces the maximum multiplier. That's why you don't see the full 35.00 multiplier during this test.

You keep saying things like your CPU is stuck but that's not what I am seeing. Instead of running the 1 Thread TS Bench test, try running 2 Threads, 4 Threads and then 8 Threads. Your CPU multiplier is not stuck. As more cores become active, your maximum multiplier will automatically decrease. You can look in the TRL Window to see what your CPU is rated at. I think it is

1 Core - 35
2 Cores - 34
3 Cores - 33
4 Cores - 33

These are the maximum multipliers. If your CPU tries to exceed the 47 Watt TDP power limit, the CPU will slow down to stay under the 47 Watt limit.

Can you post a screen shot of the C State window? This will show if the bios set this up correctly. When your CPU is idle, it should be spending the majority of its time in one of the deeper C States to reduce power consumption and heat.

I am not sure why your CPU has the TDP Throttle activated. My 4700MQ only lights that up when it reaches the TDP Power Limit.

Anyway, with ThrottleStop, your CPU can be set up to run exactly as it is supposed to run. The problem is in the IA32_PERF_CTL register located at 0x199. The bios guys need to fix that.

Edit - The last thing I noticed is that the VID voltage for your CPU is much higher compared to my 4700MQ when they are running at the same speed. That's not good either. That creates extra heat and drains the battery quicker when running on battery power. It can also limit the speed of your CPU if it reaches the 47 Watt TDP limit sooner.
 
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unclewebb said:
There is a register in the Intel CPUs that lets software control the maximum multiplier or the maximum speed. The Set Multiplier feature in ThrottleStop writes information directly to this register so you can control your CPU. When you click on Turn Off, ThrottleStop does not reset your CPU. It leaves this control register at whatever value you last set it to.

Your During Test pic above shows that ThrottleStop has your CPU running exactly like a Core i7-4710MQ should be running. A reported multiplier of 34.95 is exactly what you should be seeing. This means your CPU is spending the majority of the time using the 35 multiplier during this test. Windows occasionally needs to wake up an additional core or cores which immediately reduces the maximum multiplier. That's why you don't see the full 35.00 multiplier during this test.

You keep saying things like your CPU is stuck but that's not what I am seeing. Instead of running the 1 Thread TS Bench test, try running 2 Threads, 4 Threads and then 8 Threads. Your CPU multiplier is not stuck. As more cores become active, your maximum multiplier will automatically decrease. You can look in the TRL Window to see what your CPU is rated at. I think it is

1 Core - 35
2 Cores - 34
3 Cores - 33
4 Cores - 33

These are the maximum multipliers. If your CPU tries to exceed the 47 Watt TDP power limit, the CPU will slow down to stay under the 47 Watt limit.

Can you post a screen shot of the C State window? This will show if the bios set this up correctly. When your CPU is idle, it should be spending the majority of its time in one of the deeper C States to reduce power consumption and heat.

I am not sure why your CPU has the TDP Throttle activated. My 4700MQ only lights that up when it reaches the TDP Power Limit.

Anyway, with ThrottleStop, your CPU can be set up to run exactly as it is supposed to run. The problem is in the IA32_PERF_CTL register located at 0x199. The bios guys need to fix that.

Edit - The last thing I noticed is that the VID voltage for your CPU is much higher compared to my 4700MQ when they are running at the same speed. That's not good either. That creates extra heat and drains the battery quicker when running on battery power. It can also limit the speed of your CPU if it reaches the 47 Watt TDP limit sooner.
Click to expand...

Bingo. You got the Cores completely right! So this problem can only be solved by my who wrote my BIOS?
Here's the Cstate window, I'll post the tests later today.

eQ0fNEq.png


Thanks again unclewebb for putting so much time in this!
 
And here's the tests:

2 Threads

During

vhFtxu5.png


After

hYYOzFY.png



4 Threads

During

4En9GZr.png


After

qClA10S.png



8 Threads

During

ONnfn32.png


After

0Qedjg9.png
 
Your 8 Thread TS Bench test shows a multiplier of 31 (30.99). When all 4 cores are active, you should be seeing your maximum 4 core multiplier which is 33. Your CPU is throttling a little bit but not too sure why. Your core temperatures are fine and your 47 Watt CPU is only at 38 Watts so there is no reason that it should be throttling.

Does the 8 Thread test start out at the 33 multiplier and then drop down to 31? If this is the case you can try going into the TPL window and increase the Long term power limit to see if that makes any difference. Instead of 47W you could try 50 or 55 in that box. Most laptops lock these values but luckily your bios has left these values unlocked.

ThrottleStop 7.00 allows you to overclock the Haswell CPUs as well as decrease the core voltage. This can significantly reduce heat and also allows these CPUs to run a little faster since they are running at a lower TDP.

http://i.imgur.com/TIYpVY8.png

The other thing I noticed about your laptop is the manufacturer seems to have disabled the deeper low power package C States. The individual cores of the Intel CPUs can go into low power C States like C7. When all of the Cores are in one of these C States, then the entire package can also drop down to the same C State for further power savings. It uses the C2 package C State when idle but it is not using the C3 or C6 or C7 package C State. When you unplug your laptop, it would be nice if it switched and started using some of the deeper package C States to save power.

The VID voltage curve for your CPU is very unusual. When lightly loaded the VID is very high. The voltage is high when it doesn't need to be and then as the CPU load increases, it drops down significantly. This increases power consumption when lightly loaded or on battery power. The voltage curve for my 4700MQ is very flat whether 1, 2, 3 or all 4 cores are loaded. You can also see in my screen shot how little VID voltage is needed to run 8 threads reliably at full load during this test.

If you ever want to get into the deep end of the pool, you can also use Intel XTU to play around with your voltages.

The good thing I see is during that test, your core temperatures are great. You have lots of thermal headroom so when you are 3D gaming and your GPU is pumping additional heat into your laptop, it should be able to handle that without any problems.
 
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I won't mess around much, I've already talked to my pc manufacturer and I'll see that the problem is fixed next monday (I hope...).
My computer is "custom made", and I asked for thermal optimization, that's the the core temperatures are so low :)

Anyway, thanks a lot unclewebb, you've helped a lot! I'll be sure to ask my manufacturer thinks of doing about this and possibly explaining what he did, so I can put it here in the post so that other people who have this problem can solve it themselves.
 
So.. Yeah. I had this little software that controls the computer performance (it came with the pc), and I had it in "entertainment" mode. This actually was keeping my CPU at lower levels. Now I just choose "Performance" and it goes up to 3.5, and varies. So to people who have it "stuck" like I had, check every single thing (your energy mode, and those advanced options), and check if you have any software that can alter that.
 
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