AMD Cool & Quiet

[D-Dan]

I have an odd phenomenon that I'd like to be enlightened on, if anyone has experienced the same and solved it.

Since I changed the processor on my MB, with AMD Cool & Quiet set in BIOS and Windows power management set, I've noticed that, until I run CPUID, cool and quiet doesn't seem to work. I use speedfan to constantly display the temp in the sys tray, and after boot it will sit there at around 30 - 35C (*depending on ambient temp). However, as soon as I fire up CPUID, while the program is loading, the temp drops 10C.

It's as though the CPU says "Oh hell - he's watching me - I better drop my temps quick".

Once CPUID has loaded, I can quit it and the temps remain controlled, until the next boot.

Now, as far as I know, CPUID just reports, and doesn't change, so assuming my CPU isn't running scared when it detects CPUID, what's going on?

Steve

[Simon]

Sorry, I haven't a clue, Steve.   

[Cookiemonster]

Me neither....

[Rik]

The only thing I can come up with, and it's completely off the wall, is that the sensors are using binary-coded decimal, and CPUID puts a mask on one bit.

See, I told you it was a rubbish idea.

[Sebby]

It's probably that you haven't installed the AMD driver (the Windows one is no good). It's necessary for Cool'n'Quiet to work.

Also, which power profile do you have Windows set to use? It must be Minimal Power Management.

[D-Dan]

I have the latest AMD drivers - and windows power management at minimal.

It just strikes me odd that the CPU seems to go running scared when CPUID is loading - and not before.

Very strange

[Sebby]

That is very strange, Dan. And you have the MS Hotfix?

[Steve]

Since everything seems to be setup correctly i.e amd driver and windows power management I wonder is your MB bios uptodate for the new processor that you have installed.

[Sebby]

Yep, I did think it might be the BIOS.

[mrapoc]

Different programs tend to read different sensors so starting that up may affect the other. Just read the highest value and ul be fine lol

[D-Dan]

Yes - hotfix installed and the BIOS fully supports the processor (according to the ABIT website - I checked before I spent money).

I could take the highest value, but I know cool & quiet is failing. Fire up Windows properties and it reports my CPU running at 3.2 Ghz, with a core temp of 32C.

Now - wait one sec........

OK - just ran and closed cpuz - speed 1Ghz and temp down to 25C

Now I know 32C isn't too high, and that under load C&C will ramp the speed back up (with the corresponding temp increase), but that's the whole point of Cool & Quiet.

Maybe it's time to ask AMD.

Steve

[Sebby]

I can't think of anything else. I haven't done anything that you haven't done and mine is working perfectly, as far as I can tell.

[Niall]

I know exactly what it is; paranoia. Now go outside and play!

[D-Dan]

LOl- go outside and play. If I dare to venture outside - - someone will find me and ask me to fix exactly this problem for them.

I've never been beat by a PC before - I don't intend to start now.

[Rik]

You'd prefer we send Jill round?? 

[D-Dan]

LOL - it would make a change from heating engineers, joiners (and just tonight, a locksmith since I left my keys at work with the MD 150 miles away and no way to get in).

Come to think of it - I'm having a pretty bad run - sure - send her round lol

Steve

[Sebby]

Things can only get better.

[Rik]

That's what Tony Blair said.

[Sebby]

[Sebby]

Dan, did you get this sorted? I just found this utility on the AMD site that will show you the current frequency, etc, just in case Windows is misreporting it.