Weird behavior of the CPU

marche1990 · 07-31-2008, 10:36 AM

Hi everyone
lately I have had some troubles with my laptop, specifically the cpu speed. I don't know why when the computer is working the cpu throttle gets to really low speeds (once the speed was 350 Mhz

) but when I don't have any program running it gets to the normal speed (2.92 Ghz). Normally what happens is that I start to do something (let's say, youtube) I can watch a video normally for 5 minutes, after that it gets really slow because the cpu speed drops, I stop to do what I was doing for 2 or 3 minutes and the speed returns to normal, and the cycle repeats. at first I thought that it was the SpeedStep, however I don't think that it is, because the behavior is exactly the oposite from what it does, and I have tried to disable it in the power management switching the laptop to Home/Office. Can it be because of the temperature? normally the processor works in the range of 65-70 °C, or what can it be?

here are the specifications from my laptop: Sony VAIO model PCG-K33F, Celeron D processor @ 2.93 Ghz, 512 of ram memory (64 Shared with the GPU) Ati Radeon IGP 345M.
If you need more info ask for it please

**TriggerFinger** · 07-31-2008, 11:25 AM

Try the steps here first:

Is your PC running slow...?

marche1990 · 07-31-2008, 11:37 AM

I did that already, that's why I am asking Dx
actually I restored it a week ago because of the same trouble but there was no change, even after doing that

**TriggerFinger** · 07-31-2008, 11:45 AM

So it is safe to assume you have run the clean up of temp files, and also have physically cleaned the vents/heatsink. Btw, the temps you posted previously are still on the high side. But since you said you have followed the instructions on the link, this could mean you may need to reapply the thermal compound or clean the laptop from the inside.

Run Memtest86+ to test your RAM and also run HDD diagnostic utility to test your drive... if you have not done so yet. If you did, run CHKDSK /R using an XP install CD (if you are using XP).

If you pass all the tests above, connect your laptop WIRED (DO NOT USE WIRELESS) to the internet and use a linux live CD (try PCLinuxOS). Since this is a live CD you do not have to install anything on your hard drive. Boot with the PCLinuxOS live CD and go to YouTube and see if it slows down after 5mins as you have previously experienced.

Post back what you find out.

marche1990 · 08-01-2008, 09:58 AM

Results Memtest86+: Pass complete, no errors
HDD utility (Hitachi HDD): No problems were found
CHKDSK /R: Run w/o problems found
Linux LiveCd (Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04): ran really weird, at first I tried youtube, played fine for like 7 minutes and after that the laptop freezed. then i rebooted it and downloaded something, but it was really slow while doing that. Is ubuntu suposed to be really slow in it's live cd form? I tested with it because I was planning to change the OS and downloaded it, but i'm still not sure about it, and besides, the download of the pclinuxos was really slow...
anyway, it's weird, because after going back to xp the laptop seems to have stabilized, the speed keeps constant and I can run programs normally, checked the processor speed, that was the thing that was failing and seems to have the normal speed again (sometimes changing between 2.5 and 2.9 ghz but in rare occasions and nothing that affects the normal use like before). I will keep testing it to see if the pc has really went back to normal or if it is temporal. if anything comes up I will post again in this thread
tnx for your help

**TriggerFinger** · 08-01-2008, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marche1990

Results Memtest86+: Pass complete, no errors
HDD utility (Hitachi HDD): No problems were found
CHKDSK /R: Run w/o problems found
Linux LiveCd (Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04): ran really weird, at first I tried youtube, played fine for like 7 minutes and after that the laptop freezed. then i rebooted it and downloaded something, but it was really slow while doing that. Is ubuntu suposed to be really slow in it's live cd form? -- yes because it is running from RAM and the CD drive and I think you only have 512MB of RAM (as per your first post in this thread).

I tested with it because I was planning to change the OS and downloaded it, but i'm still not sure about it, and besides, the download of the pclinuxos was really slow... -- may be that depends on the internet connection. I tried it recently and it is not slow to say the least (well it is not blazing fast either).
anyway, it's weird, because after going back to xp the laptop seems to have stabilized, the speed keeps constant and I can run programs normally, checked the processor speed, that was the thing that was failing and seems to have the normal speed again (sometimes changing between 2.5 and 2.9 ghz but in rare occasions and nothing that affects the normal use like before). I will keep testing it to see if the pc has really went back to normal or if it is temporal. if anything comes up I will post again in this thread
tnx for your help

marche1990 · 08-22-2008, 08:40 AM

I lol'd, the "solution" was temporal, and now is worse, almost always the speed is in the 350mhz or so, I ran again the programas that triggerfinger told me and still founds no problems... what do you think it can be... I think that making a clean instalation of the SO can fix it, but what do you think, it's worth the try?

**TriggerFinger** · 08-22-2008, 07:00 PM

Yeah I think a reinstall would help.

marche1990 · 08-23-2008, 10:19 PM

damn.... it didn't help, althought I upgraded it from xp home to pro (i feel it a little bit faster, but i think that that is because i erased all the sony stuff, besides the drivers), so maybe its the processor the one with troubles. what do you suggest, besides buying a new lap? T.T, a call to sony support (something tells me that this option will cost me...)? a processor change? if so, what tipe of processor do this kind of laptop support. the processor is a celeron D socket 478 if anything.

**TriggerFinger** · 08-24-2008, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marche1990

damn.... it didn't help, althought I upgraded it from xp home to pro (i feel it a little bit faster, but i think that that is because i erased all the sony stuff, besides the drivers), so maybe its the processor the one with troubles. what do you suggest, besides buying a new lap? T.T, a call to sony support (something tells me that this option will cost me...)? a processor change? if so, what tipe of processor do this kind of laptop support. the processor is a celeron D socket 478 if anything.

Try reseating the CPU or replace it with the same kind/type (see label on CPU). Upgrading it will just add to the complication.

marche1990 · 08-24-2008, 01:49 PM

ok, a n00b question, how do I reset the cpu? xD is there a special way because of the brand or something like that?

**TriggerFinger** · 08-24-2008, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marche1990

ok, a n00b question, how do I reset the cpu? xD is there a special way because of the brand or something like that?

That is NOT a n00b question after all. In fact that is one of the hardest questions asked in the forum. Reason behind is.. you need a service manual to open up the laptop. Each brand/model has a certain way of disassembly. Try Google... if you can find one for free. Unlike IBM, HP/Compaq and DELL, Sony (AFAIK) do not make this publicly available.

marche1990 · 08-26-2008, 06:19 PM

damn sony... I couldn't find anything...
guess I will have to take it to a service center after all ¬¬
anyway, tnx for helping me out

07-31-2008, 10:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
marche1990 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 7 OS: WinXP SP2	Weird behavior of the CPU Hi everyone lately I have had some troubles with my laptop, specifically the cpu speed. I don't know why when the computer is working the cpu throttle gets to really low speeds (once the speed was 350 Mhz ) but when I don't have any program running it gets to the normal speed (2.92 Ghz). Normally what happens is that I start to do something (let's say, youtube) I can watch a video normally for 5 minutes, after that it gets really slow because the cpu speed drops, I stop to do what I was doing for 2 or 3 minutes and the speed returns to normal, and the cycle repeats. at first I thought that it was the SpeedStep, however I don't think that it is, because the behavior is exactly the oposite from what it does, and I have tried to disable it in the power management switching the laptop to Home/Office. Can it be because of the temperature? normally the processor works in the range of 65-70 °C, or what can it be? here are the specifications from my laptop: Sony VAIO model PCG-K33F, Celeron D processor @ 2.93 Ghz, 512 of ram memory (64 Shared with the GPU) Ati Radeon IGP 345M. If you need more info ask for it please

07-31-2008, 11:25 AM	#2 (permalink)
TriggerFinger Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: USA Posts: 11,159 OS: Windows 7 Beta, Vista SP1, XP SP3, PCLinuxOS2007	Re: Weird behavior of the CPU Try the steps here first: Is your PC running slow...? __________________ DBAN - Memtest86+ - BartPE - Linux LiveCD - ImgBurn - HDD Diags - Everest HOW TO BURN AN ISO FILE

07-31-2008, 11:37 AM	#3 (permalink)
marche1990 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 7 OS: WinXP SP2	Re: Weird behavior of the CPU I did that already, that's why I am asking Dx actually I restored it a week ago because of the same trouble but there was no change, even after doing that

07-31-2008, 11:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
TriggerFinger Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: USA Posts: 11,159 OS: Windows 7 Beta, Vista SP1, XP SP3, PCLinuxOS2007	Re: Weird behavior of the CPU So it is safe to assume you have run the clean up of temp files, and also have physically cleaned the vents/heatsink. Btw, the temps you posted previously are still on the high side. But since you said you have followed the instructions on the link, this could mean you may need to reapply the thermal compound or clean the laptop from the inside. Run Memtest86+ to test your RAM and also run HDD diagnostic utility to test your drive... if you have not done so yet. If you did, run CHKDSK /R using an XP install CD (if you are using XP). If you pass all the tests above, connect your laptop WIRED (DO NOT USE WIRELESS) to the internet and use a linux live CD (try PCLinuxOS). Since this is a live CD you do not have to install anything on your hard drive. Boot with the PCLinuxOS live CD and go to YouTube and see if it slows down after 5mins as you have previously experienced. Post back what you find out. __________________ DBAN - Memtest86+ - BartPE - Linux LiveCD - ImgBurn - HDD Diags - Everest HOW TO BURN AN ISO FILE Last edited by TriggerFinger; 07-31-2008 at 11:46 AM.

08-01-2008, 09:58 AM	#5 (permalink)
marche1990 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 7 OS: WinXP SP2	Re: Weird behavior of the CPU Results Memtest86+: Pass complete, no errors HDD utility (Hitachi HDD): No problems were found CHKDSK /R: Run w/o problems found Linux LiveCd (Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04): ran really weird, at first I tried youtube, played fine for like 7 minutes and after that the laptop freezed. then i rebooted it and downloaded something, but it was really slow while doing that. Is ubuntu suposed to be really slow in it's live cd form? I tested with it because I was planning to change the OS and downloaded it, but i'm still not sure about it, and besides, the download of the pclinuxos was really slow... anyway, it's weird, because after going back to xp the laptop seems to have stabilized, the speed keeps constant and I can run programs normally, checked the processor speed, that was the thing that was failing and seems to have the normal speed again (sometimes changing between 2.5 and 2.9 ghz but in rare occasions and nothing that affects the normal use like before). I will keep testing it to see if the pc has really went back to normal or if it is temporal. if anything comes up I will post again in this thread tnx for your help

08-22-2008, 08:40 AM	#7 (permalink)
marche1990 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 7 OS: WinXP SP2	Re: Weird behavior of the CPU I lol'd, the "solution" was temporal, and now is worse, almost always the speed is in the 350mhz or so, I ran again the programas that triggerfinger told me and still founds no problems... what do you think it can be... I think that making a clean instalation of the SO can fix it, but what do you think, it's worth the try?

08-22-2008, 07:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
TriggerFinger Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: USA Posts: 11,159 OS: Windows 7 Beta, Vista SP1, XP SP3, PCLinuxOS2007	Re: Weird behavior of the CPU Yeah I think a reinstall would help. __________________ DBAN - Memtest86+ - BartPE - Linux LiveCD - ImgBurn - HDD Diags - Everest HOW TO BURN AN ISO FILE

08-23-2008, 10:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
marche1990 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 7 OS: WinXP SP2	Re: Weird behavior of the CPU damn.... it didn't help, althought I upgraded it from xp home to pro (i feel it a little bit faster, but i think that that is because i erased all the sony stuff, besides the drivers), so maybe its the processor the one with troubles. what do you suggest, besides buying a new lap? T.T, a call to sony support (something tells me that this option will cost me...)? a processor change? if so, what tipe of processor do this kind of laptop support. the processor is a celeron D socket 478 if anything.

08-24-2008, 01:49 PM	#11 (permalink)
marche1990 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 7 OS: WinXP SP2	Re: Weird behavior of the CPU ok, a n00b question, how do I reset the cpu? xD is there a special way because of the brand or something like that?

08-26-2008, 06:19 PM	#13 (permalink)
marche1990 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 7 OS: WinXP SP2	Re: Weird behavior of the CPU damn sony... I couldn't find anything... guess I will have to take it to a service center after all ¬¬ anyway, tnx for helping me out