I5-2520M Running at low MHz

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fizix610

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Mar 3, 2008
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I just got a new laptop at work (Dell E6420) and it seems as if the CPU never reaches its peak frequency. I've run IntelBurnTest to put it under full load while running TMonitor x64 and both cores never exceed 1796.2MHz. Sysinfo shows this proc as a 2.5GHz processor and Intel's site states that it can go to 3.2GHz with speed boost. Does anybody have any ideas why it might be running slower than expected? I know it's not a thermal issue as the temp is hovering around 66C under full load.

PS: I updated the firmware and chipset drivers but I'm still having the same issue. I also noticed this error in the event log for all 4 cores:

The speed of processor 0 in group 0 is being limited by system firmware. The processor has been in this reduced performance state for 71 seconds since the last report.
 
Solution
Raiddinn
Well, it does appear to be a thermal setting. Maybe it needs to be that low for when someone is sitting there with the laptop on their actual lap so they don't get burned by it.

It could also perhaps be related to how much heat that the exhaust system in the laptop can push out of it.

It is quite possible that running it in this mode will reduce its life expectancy.
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It is probably a DELL thing.

DELL likes to put stupid restrictions into their OEM hardware.

For instance, PCIE slots are supposed to be able to give 75w to expansion cards, but DELL often constructs them to be able to give only 25w to the expansion cards.

DELL cases are also using a non-standard form factor sometimes, just so people can't put non-dell PSUs in their PCs as well.

As far as I can tell, there is no good reason for these restrictions other than to help lock people into more DELL products.

It could just be that DELL doesn't want you to go higher than 1.8 GHZ, regardless of what the chip can normally perform at.
 
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Raiddinn: I don't believe that's the case because none of my co-workers are getting event log errors and they have the same laptop. I also can't fathom why Dell would purposely reduce the CPU speed. They'd have nothing to gain from it.
 
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Yes. I've even tried plugging it in outside the docking station but I still get the same event log errors.
 
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Use a 90w+ power supply. The 60w one restricts the cpu speed so that it can actually charge the battery other wise it would drain while you are charging it. I beleive theres an option in the bios to allow full power while on a insuffcient charger.
 
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I'm using a 90W outside the docking station and a 130W in the docking station.
 
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I believe I've fixed the issue. I changed the "Thermal Mode" when plugged in to "Ultra Performance." Now when I run the load test it'll clock up 2.5GHz and even 3.0GHz when speed boost kicks in. I still don't understand why the default thermal profile would limit the performance of the machine even when it's plugged in.
 
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Well, it does appear to be a thermal setting. Maybe it needs to be that low for when someone is sitting there with the laptop on their actual lap so they don't get burned by it.

It could also perhaps be related to how much heat that the exhaust system in the laptop can push out of it.

It is quite possible that running it in this mode will reduce its life expectancy.
 
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Solution


It shouldn't be my problem if Dell didn't properly design the laptop. If it can't dissipate the heat from the processor they installed, they should have used a different processor or redesigned the thermal system. It's akin to a car making saying their car has 500 horsepower but in reality it can only put out 300 horsepower unless you drive in climates colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In short, I'm glad it has a 3 year warranty!
 
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I agree, it really shouldn't be your problem. I was just attempting to explain what their thought process could potentially have been. Not saying that I particularly agree with it.

I have a business degree, so I can kinda get into their heads a little bit on this.

They obviously want to be able to put out a price competitive product and they are incentivized to cut corners when possible in order to save money and allow them to sell their PC for a cheaper amount while keeping the same profits. Doing this generally leads to more sales in the marketplace and more profits for DELL.

Generally speaking, if they think you won't notice when they cut the corner, its in their interest to cut that corner.

They probably figured only some very low single digits percent of people would notice if they scaled back the installed 2520m and it could save them money both from having to design a better cooling system and having to sacrifice profits if they installed a better one for the same selling price.

It could also save some potential lawsuits from the same sort of people that pour coffee on themselves and say they didn't know it was hot, an added plus.

You are also right that people would complain all over the place if you had to live somewhere cold to "unlock" the extra 200 horsepower in your engine. However, car makers are guilty of a similar thing, shorting you on horsepower in general because they think you won't notice.

Honda could be putting their 2.2 liter 245 horsepower S2000 engine (F20C, I think) into Honda Civics for not much more added expense, but they don't. It would double the Civic's horsepower to do so, but they probably think you just don't care enough if you are buying an entry level car and if it saves them a few $ and allows them to sell the car for cheaper in the market, the increased sales will probably make up for the people complaining their horsepower sucks.

People all over the world have pretty much proven pretty well that the primary factor in their buying decisions almost 100% of the time is price. If it can be had for cheaper even if it has to be sucker, then so be it.

People are always concerned about the price of things and not the value of things.
 
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I agree with your assertion. Also, I haven't taken into account the fact that my company has put their own image on the laptop. It's possible that the Dell stock image defaults to maximum power when plugged in and that my company changed the setting on their image.
 
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That is also possible, but you said it wasn't working like that on your co-worker's PCs.

If it was specific to your company's image, then it should be the same on all of them.

I am more inclined to believe that someone else had it before you and changed the setting based on their personal preference, then the laptop got handed off to you without being wiped and reinstalled.
 
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