Question What should the speed variation be between cores on Core 2 Quad Q6600

Apr 7, 2019
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I pulled a dual core E5200 @ 2.50GHz( 1x 2126.80MHz + 1x 2061.07MHz ) from my optiplex 360. I then installed a used Q6600 @ 2.40GHz that I purchased. Readings are :
0- 2031.05 MHz
1- 2135.81 MHz
2- 2195.40 MHz
3- 1693.53 MHz

What might the reason be for that much variance on the low side for core # 4 ?
 
Apr 7, 2019
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This was under a hardinfo benchmark test. If I could attach a PDF it would show that thoughout the test that core stayed consistently lower.
 

clutchc

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It could still be the lesser used core. Or a bad core. The CPU is used I presume, and has been an OC'ing favorite back in its day.
Check the core clocks running P95 or IBT. That should run all cores at their full clock speed. If the one core is still low, I'd have to assume it is failing.
 
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Apr 7, 2019
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@clutchc , Spot on ! Thanks! running P95 and all cores the same speed with very minute diff. You mentioned that "The CPU ..... has been an OC'ing favorite back in its day. " Where would be a good place to find some guidelines and procedures for doing a bit of OCing within a relatively safe zone on this cpu with this stock optiplex 360 environment?
Thanks
 

clutchc

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Yes, it was an overclocking favorite... back in its day, but that day was before Intel offered unlocked clock multipliers on their later "K" CPUs. Nevertheless, it can still OC well with just the BCLK. Just google "overclocking the C2Q Q6600". There should still be plenty of pages that haven't been taken down yet.