Old CPU doesn't run at full speed.

[alexs96]

Hi guys. My brother has an old computer (Intel Core Duo e6600 2.4 ghz, 4gb ram (only 3 usable) and a GT430 on a GA-VM900M motherboard. The problem is that the CPU isn't running at his full capacity, it's only using 1.6 ghz. I checked the bios for the cpu settings, it's the lattest bios version (from 11 years ago lol) but i can't find anywhere cpu or even another settings like ram frequency or latency. I don't know what to do to fix it. I don't know if this matter but the computer has a dual channel memory (2x2 gb ram) and a few months ago, one stick of memory got broken and he has to replace it. He searched almost two weeks for another memory because it was hard to find such an old memory ddr2 800mhz. Since then the cpu core speed went from 2.4 ghz to 1.6 ghz (I guessed because it wasn't enough ram so the core speed got lowerred) Even if he replaced it, it's still the same today. He need this computer for work and for his daily activities at least one or two months until he can afford a new one (the prices for components are very high in this moment of the year in my country). Is there any option to restore the old core speed, because know it's working slowly. I know it's doesn't sound a big deal but you can see a pretty big difference sometimes when you use the computer on the internet, watching movies, working and things like that. I'm sorry for my English but I'm not a native English speaker.
Here a screenshot: https://imgur.com/a/UqFyV

 

[Barty1884]

Are you monitoring under load? The CPU clocks should 'ramp up' as/when required.

1.6GHz is typical of 'speed step', an energy saving feature. The CPU should still hit 2.4GHz when under load....

 

[alexs96]

It is still the same core speed even if I start playing a game or using another app. It doesn't ramp up. Do you think that a power saving option is active and it's lowering his speed and his power consumption?

 

[Barty1884]

Given it's not "ramping up", I'd be surprised if it's a power-saving feature; although ensure you're using the "high performance" power plan inside Windows and not some 'balanced' or 'power saver' option.

How are temperatures? Throttling would also keep clock speed low - although likely not a consistent 1.6GHz.

 

[alexs96]

I switched from balanced to high performance plan. I didn't expect it to be so easy. Thank you very much for your help!