XP2400+ Mobile Core Speed Too Low

[BigBlue66]

Hey Gang,

Well since I'm keeping the books for three different companies, it was decided I should have a notebook so I could have all my info at my fingertips when we're having meetings, etc.

So I ordered an HP Pavillion notebook, ze4400 series. Started out with a basic system, then upgraded the processor to the 2400+, upgraded the RAM to 512mb, harddrive to 40Gb, etc.

Now, it's my understanding that the mobile XP 2400+ should run at 2.0GHz. However, the system is reporting it as only running at 1,788Mhz. The system bus is 298Mhz doubled to 596Mhz. Aida32 says the processor is running at 1,788Mhz (596Mhz x 3)????

What gives? And of course, since it's an HP, the BIOS is crippled to the point that I can't even make any changes to the FSB. Also, since it's an HP, I really don't have any idea what kind of motherboard it has, except I think it has an Ali chipset.

Should I send this thing back and request that they fix it so it runs at 2.0GHz???

TIA.

[BigBlue66]

OK, maybe I'm jumping the gun here. The above numbers are being reported by AIDA32 under the Motherboard section for CPU and CPUID. Note that I probably need to update AIDA32 because I installed from an older file I had lying around. The CPUID correctly identifies the processor as the XP 2400+.

So if I run the CPUID option under the File menu of AIDA32, here's what I get:

Internal Clock = 1,135.66 Mhz
External Clock = 189.28 Mhz
Multiplier = 6
Bus = DDR

So if the bus is DDR, then the processor is really running at 1,135 x 2 = 2,270 Mhz???? Huh? I am so confused.

What say you guys?

[Steve]

I'm not much of an AMD kinda guy but maybe they gave you a 2200+ or one of the other chips...

[saphalline]

It looks like Aida32 is thoroughly confused by that mobile AMD chip! :p

Here's my question: are you running these speed checks when the notebook is using the battery or plugged into the wall? All modern mobile chips are designed to throttle down to lower speeds on battery power. The less programs that are running, the lower the speed.

[Mark Miller]

Saph's 100 per cent correct. I have a new x1000 centrino from Compaq, it's a 1.3 ghs [which is like 2-2200 p4] and sometimes when I am on battery the speed drops as low as 400mhz. depends on what's running
The Z you got from HP got good write ups, enjoy and don't worry.
Mark:)

[BigBlue66]

Saphalline, thanks and I wish it were that simple, but alas, the notebook is running on AC power with a fully charged battery. And I assume you meant, the more programs that are running, the lower the speed?

Steve, that was my first thought too, was that they gave me an XP 2200+ which I believe is supposed to run at 1.8GHz. But still, the processor is supposedly recognized correctly as an XP 2400+.

Too bad notebooks are such a pain to work on, otherwise I'd take that puppy apart and check for myself. But then I run the risk of voiding the warranty I reckon.

Mark, thanks for the info. Overall I'm pretty satisfied with the machine, but this processor thing is really bugging the H outta me.

Not to discount the help I've received so far guys, but where's RD?? Maybe he can shed some light. Or, IISBOB?? You guys have any idea? MJC?? Where's the BALD GUY??

[mjc]

I wish I had a little more time with notebooks....

I would go with the Aida update.

There is one thing I did learn when playing with these (Aida and Sandra) on an HP desktop...they don't always tell the truth, no matter what you do, because of what HP does to the BIOS.....

[pave_spectre]

HERE (http://forums.itrc.hp.com/cm/QuestionAnswer/1,,0x731fb941255cd71190080090279cd0f9,00.html) is a similar issue for you.

the 2400+ and 2600+ both have increased L2 cache over the 2200+, however the 2200+ and 2400+ are both rated at 1.8GHz.

[BigBlue66]

OK, thanks Pave, that clears things up a bit. But, why does Newegg and other online vendors advertise the XP 2400+ Mobile as running at 2.0GHz?

And thanks for the quote. I do notice that the L2 cache is being reported as 512mb.

I'm gonna try some of those programs linked to in that thread and also update AIDA32. Will also take a look at the power management settings.

Thanks guys!!!! I know I can always get some intelligent help around here. :D