[ddvlad]

Hello,

I have a Core 2 Duo at 2x2.40 GHz, but when I click Properties on Computer, it says:

Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40 GHz 900MHz

What is the explanation for the second number? I hope it's not a problem with my processor. A friend suggested a BIOS update for the Abit AB 9 Pro motherboard. Would this solve the problem?

Note that Device Manager correctly reports two 2.40 GHz processors.

-Vlad

[loserOlimbs]

The 900MHZ is your front side bus, or the speed your RAM communicates with your CPU.

[ddvlad]

Wait a minute, I'm confused...

The FSB should be 1066 MHz (reference http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...icroprocessors model E6600). And the memory is dual-channel and runs at 667 MHz. Your numbers don't quite add up.

Now, I've started CPU-z and it shows a CPU speed of 1632 MHz, with a multiplier of x6. My model number runs at multiplier x9 by default (again, the Wikipedia page). The memory is all right at 340 MHz.

However, surfing around on Wikipedia I also found out about http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpeedStep , which apparently reduces CPU speed when it is not in use. Can this be the issue?

I apologize for being stubborn or disrespectful, but I assure you that my sole intention is to understand why I run into this (apparent or not) anomaly.

-Vlad

[loserOlimbs]

If you boot into the BIOS, you should be able to disable speedstep there.

Start Windows after saving changes and see what the FSB is posted as then.

Usually speed step will downclock the CPU, BUT at speed stepping 4 it looks like we get 900Mhz...

[ddvlad]

Ok, I updated the BIOS and now the second number is 2.45 GHz. CPU-z is still reporting a multiplier of x6 (even when EIST is disabled), but that is a non-issue. It occasionally climbs to x9 for very brief moments. All I wanted to know is the reason, and I think I understand.

Turns out that Abit AB9 Pro is great in the reviews, but I had two problems with it in the 3 days since I bought the system: first it was the ``infamous'' (or so they call it) 2A error when booting a Core 2 Duo, now it's the `` Disable EIST'' function not working correctly in older versions.

-Vlad