Check speedstep? Is yours working?

[GBS]

Hi
Further to my last related post. I have found out that some models of the K series might have a problem with their Speedstep. As shown on the knowledge base below:
Before I start messing around with my BIOS, I would like to know if anyone else has had this problem, and if so how can you check if your laptop is affected? thanks GBS

Intel® SpeedStep® does not work properly after upgrading to Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).

Solution:

Affected models:

PCG-K115Z PCG-K195HP PCG-K115B PCG-K115M PCG-K115S PCG-K195BP

To resolve this issue, download and install the latest BIOS Upgrade utility. To obtain this update, please visit the Drivers and Patches download section on the VAIO-Link Web site and select your relevant model from the drop-down list

[GBS]

Hi

Just incase someone is interested in this thread - if this issue affects their laptop.
I have not yet worked out how to check if speedstep is working properly. No real help at Intel, (that I could find).

So now I have installed the latest BIOS (R0110X1), thankfully with no problems, so hopefully I will notice some change in processor speed dependent on workload???

Anyway, I have learnt a lot doing it.
Have Fun.

[GBS]

Hi

I now know that my K115Z did have the above problem. I can now see Speedstep working. The processor speed drops to 1.6 GHz when things are simple, then it jumps to 3.06GHz when thinking hard.

Interestingly, the processor now spends a lot more time 5 degrees cooler, so this must be better for it. It also runs quieter as the fan isn't spending the whole time flat out pumping air!!
I am using MobileMeter to measure temp and frequency.

I am interested to know if anyone else has had this problem.
Remember, VAIO power management must be enabled and the CPU must be set to adaptive for this to work, so check those first.

A very interesting learning experience for the weekend, it will be nice to go back to work for a rest tomorrow.

Have Fun
GBS

[SteveBrookes]

There is a quick way to check your speed step is working. Make a 'bat' file, call it some thing like cputest.bat. The simply put the following text in the bat file.

:start
goto start

If you monitor you cpu speed ( look at 'my computer - properties or install and use RMClock ). Then run this bat file and it will max the cpu. If your notebook is going to step up it will do when you run the bat file.

I found that when running the Vaio power management in SP2 my cpu would not step. I turned of the power management and tried again and bingo - full speed. I will try the bios update and see if the sony power management is working.

regards
Steve

[pixeldude]

My K215Z has a small bug ... i usualy use the power management for Battery Life even if I have the power adapter plugged in.. and the frequency jumps sometimes to 3.06Ghz this should not happend! It should stay at 1.6Ghz.. If I use adaptive it should jump to diffrent frequencies depending of the need. Anyway, I am curious if someone has this bug too or if someone knows how to fix this? I repeat this happends rarely and i fix this by restarting my computer or by changeing from Batery Life to Performance and then back to Battery Life.

Thanks