why the hell does my cpu multiplier keep changing?

[Adam K]

i have a c2d 6300.

i have clocked it to 2.53ghz.

when i run cpu-z i can see my multiplier and it keeps changing between 6 and 7, so sometimes the processor is running at 2.16ghz, and then it jumps up to 2.52ghz, and then drops down again.

anyone got any clues?

 

[UncleGrumpy]

Could it be like the one in my laptop, ie. it uses maximum shove when needed but slows down when it doesn't?

 

[Adam K]

Could it be like the one in my laptop, ie. it uses maximum shove when needed but slows down when it doesn't?

i can only assume you are right, cos i just ran a stress test on the cpu and while the test is running the multiplier sticks at 7 and then when i stop the test the multiplier drops down to 6 again.

 

[Griff]

Have you got Speedstep turned on in the Bios?

 

[Mike_182]

Yep, sounds like Speedstep - very good technology for desktops but if you're clocking I'd avoid it because it may dump either the peak or idle CPU speed at a bad number causing transport timing issues with the memory (as ideally you want all bus speeds matched).