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General discussion

Why does my 3.2GHz Pentium 4 after install read as a ~1595

by redvoodoo001 Aug 24, 2010 10:06AM PDT

I'm upgrading my slow and dirt computer at work and I just replaced the socket 478 Pentium 4 running at 2.2GHz with one running at 3.20GHz.

The problem is that after installing the new P4, when I open the System Information Window, the Systems Summary page displays:
Processor x86 family 15 model 2 stepping 9 GenuineIntel ~1595Mhz.
Basically telling me that I have a 1.6GHz processor. I read the label on the processors heat exchange plate correctly and it said 3.20,512,800 I assume for 3.20GHz with 512kb cache with a 800MHz FSB.

The really weird thing is when I activate the DirectX Diagnostic Tool,
The system tab tells me:
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.20GHz
Telling me that I do have a 3.20GHz P4 under the hood,

Is my system acting Bipolar on me or what???

I'm running Windows XP Professional on a Dell Dimension 2400

I know this is ridiculous to be screwing around with a 7 year old computer like this, but it's all I've got here, so I have to work with it...

Thanks.

Discussion is locked

2 Posts
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your bios may need to be updated
by ramarc Aug 24, 2010 11:55AM PDT

sounds like you're not running at 800mhz fsb. you could try entering the bios and setting 800mhz manually.

also, if the mobo can't run at 800mhz, it may drop back to a "fail-safe" 400mhz fsb (causing your 3200mhz processor to run at 1600mhz).

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Bios update
by Willy Aug 25, 2010 2:39AM PDT

The Dell bios would need updating, because as the pother poster offered it maybe outdated. The latest release of the Dell bios for that model# will recognize the latest releases of cpus and/or what it will support. The other side, is that Dell system maybe be capable even with a bios update to handle the new cpu. On top of all this the cpu cooling apparatus is very limited if and when the new is accepted and runs at 3.2mhz, as the original setup was for slower CPU. that's important as another issue to address. Regardless, the new cpu needs to have the bios accept it and the 400/800 FSB will assign it to be run at its current acknowledged rates. Dell being an OEM system tends to play on the safe side and doesn't expand too much for cpu upgrades as explained above, it maybe still limited, though you certainly can try.

Also, to better ID the cpu, use the Intel chip ID and/or the stock# noted on the chip itself. That way, you can readily refer to true numbers when visiting the Intel support website and review the specs, etc..

When doing the bios update be 100% sure you're ready to proceed. This is a serious update and if done wrong or incomplete can make a brick of the system.

tada ------Willy Happy

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