Is my CPU FRIED???????? :( Please have a look at this!

Hi all...So I've let my laptop overheat several times, and all of a sudden, I found it to be slow! As molasses. I ran some utilities (PC Doctor 5 which ships with all IBM/Lenovo Thinkpads), and that gave it a passing grade!

So I run my trust tool "PC Wizard", and even when I have it plugged in, turn the battery scheme to "Maximum Performance", PC Wizard only ever displays 997.45MHz anymore. No more 2.33GHz, which is what my T7600 runs at. I turned OFF the Enhanced SpeedStep in the BIOS, and also attempted a few other workarounds but it won't budge.

Is it normal for a CPU to still work at a MUCH lower speed after it overheats a few times??? I'm typing on it now, and everything works great, except (or so I think) the CPU...Hmmm...

Is it possible I just need to reinstall Vista, which I've been wanting to do for about a month now, but haven't had the time to deal with it!??

Is there a way to determine the speed of the CPU, and do you guys have any advice for me for any and/or all of the above??

Thanks guys!!!!!!! I need to get a new T7600 ASAP! *IF* it really IS the CPU, that is!

Thanks for your help!

 

You need to turn Speedstep back on or the CPU will only run at a "safe" lower speed.

 

Well it isn't fried (if it was you wouldn't have been able to boot). Max Performance does not necessarily means max clock speed, for whatever reason. On my X61 despite my C2D rated for 1.8Ghz, it only ever reach (or at least reported) 1.1Ghz even when set to 'Maximum Performance'. I have to force it to 1.8Ghz through Crystal CPU ID. Bizarre.

 

When checking the speed of the current CPU speed, after set the power option to "always on" or "maximum performance", you need to right click on the "My computer" icon again and select properties, you will need to restart this PC properties windows again to show the updated CPU info.

I have seen semi faulty CPU runs at slower speed due to the overheated problem on the desktop PC.
I would suggest you use the "CPU-z" freeware to test the CPU and see your CPU info.

Also, reset the laptop will be a good help as well.
Here is how to reset the laptop system:
(unplug all removable devices including the KB/Mouse, PC cards, Battery and AC adapter, then holding down the laptop power button over 10 seconds and press a few times as well.

This will discharge the whole laptop with the static and reset the Laptop.

Connect ONLY AC adapter and see if you can see the CPU running at top speed.

Hope you find this info helpful and enjoy your stay in this forum!
Have a nice day.
Bill

 

Well, with EIST either on or off, you can force a particular multiplier through RMClock or CrystalCPUID....

Leave EIST on, and whenever you start a CPU-intensive task, the multiplier and voltage will rise to the max themselves....(You can run Orthos/Prime95 to verify this)

 

Wow...interesting...and thanks everyone! I turned SpeedStep back on, and sure enough, it jumps between 1GHz, and 2.33GHz again. HOWEVER! Not NEARLY as frequently!

I did the removing the battery, holding down the power button, etc. On AC ONLY, it still does the same thing...Thanks Bill for that info!

I had NEVER heard of this before, and I was surprised to see all these responses! I don't understand why it would not work "as well" anymore. At least it's not totally fried, as Xseries said, since it at least works somewhat.

Still, though, is this a common thing to have happen after a while?? I have Vista 64-bit installed, and this installation is now a year old, so maybe I should re-install the OS??

I would be disappointed if I had to install once every six months just because of things like that. However, I wouldn't mind at the same time, as I usually do that due to lots of experimenting anyway lol...

I use PCWizard 2008 1.86, so I can monitor the temps and the speed of the CPU. I have been running it at over 80 degrees C when watching the CPU, and GPU-intensive Bluray movies that I have, and I need to do what? Force the CPU higher?? Hmmm...

Having said all of that, any additional advice?? For example, would a reinstallation help, do you think??

Thanks again for your time and excellence! Awesome!!

 

Don't bother about it. That's how EIST works. It'll use the full CPU frequency only when it needs to, otherwise the CPU will remain downclocked.

However, you can fix the highest multiplier using RMClock. Do this only when plugged in.

Reinstallation is unnecessary. You can undervolt the CPU, which will reduce load temps.

 

I see no reason to think a Vista reinstall would be helpful in anyway for your situation as described. On the contrary if Vista wants to bog I would think would more likely stress CPU more.

I am not sure from what you have said If you even have a problem. Run wPrime is your time comparable to other T7600? Run SiSoft Sandra two CPU benchmarks for CPU, how does yours compare to the other listed benchmarks.

Remember your first attempt at increasing the clock speed did the opposite? So consider how you are evaluating the entire situation.

Also someone correct me if I am wrong. Intel's are designed to shutdown prior to damage from a single isolated heat issue. Of course repeated operation of any CPU at higher temperatures will shorten lifespan of CPU or for that matter any IC. But what from 10 years to 5? 20 years to 10? Not what you describe.

Good luck and hope CPU is really fine.

 

Your CPU is probably okay. The CPU is designed to downclock when it reaches a certain temperature to prevent the cpu from hardware damage from too much heat.

I believe your CPU is still overheating causing the downclock. Keep a track of your temperatures using HWMonitor.

Also try:
- Clean the fans
- Apply new thermal paste
- Undervolt

 

if you dont want that T7600 anymore, you could sell it to me

yeah, its just speedstep kicking in

K-TRON