Laptop CPU usage much lower than base speed

[iamtowbee]

Hi everyone. I discovered an issue with my Envy 15 Win10 laptop. I was trying to play Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 and I couldn't get the CPU speed to go past 0.8 GHz. This led to a lot of lag and audio stuttering. At first, I thought it was the game since a lot of users have had issues with PES (from 17 to 19, I think) in the past.

Then I opened game bar and it turns out the CPU speed is the issue. I monitored it for more than an hour and not once did it go above 0.9 GHz. Yes, I also switched to high-performance power mode and ran the game—no difference.

I also tried PES 17 and it was all smooth sailing until I switched to 1920x1080 (PC's native resolution) because the other res made the game blurry... again lag and stuttering.

Please help me out guys. Why is the CPU clock speed stuck at <1GHz even when running intensive games; PES 17 and 19, Watch Dogs 2 all have the same CPU ish, making them lag.

When I have an i7-4702MQ with a base clock of 2.2GHz? What am I missing?

 

[Zach_01]

How about the cooling of the CPU? Can you check to see if the fan is working? Can you hear the fan? Have you check the temperature?
You can use HWiNFO64 (load sensors only) to see what is going on.

 

[iamtowbee]

The fan works normally, it seems. It runs slightly warm on normal usage and only heats up on CPU intensive software. Or should I post detailed temp info? I'll try out the software tonight and post feedback. Thanks

 

[GorbazTheDragon]

The CPU throttling to .8GHz is a sign of aggressive throttling on intel parts. If it's CPU temperature related you will generally see graduated reduction in clocks to maintain below Tjmax.

In this case I would guess it is either directed by the OS or the motherboard of the laptop. Causes can be BIOS (not CPU) power limits, board component temperature limits, among others...

 

[iamtowbee]

The CPU throttling to .8GHz is a sign of aggressive throttling on intel parts. If it's CPU temperature related you will generally see graduated reduction in clocks to maintain below Tjmax.

In this case I would guess it is either directed by the OS or the motherboard of the laptop. Causes can be BIOS (not CPU) power limits, board component temperature limits, among others...

Geez.. Is there any way to narrow down the underlying cause(s)?

 

[Frick]

What's the exact model? Have you noticed the problem before? A 800Mhz speed would mean sluggishness in even web browsing. What are your temps like?

 

[iamtowbee]

HP ENVY TS 15-j132na. I just got it (fairly new) and so I haven't paid much attention. Although I can confirm that at 0.79GHz, normal tasks run fine (playing video, running minor software) but PES 19 stutters badly. Players skating all over the pitch OMG

Edit:
Just installed HWinfo now and I'm monitoring the temp under CPU load. Will get back soon

 

[jsfitz54]

Have you done these from the main page: https://support.hp.com/us-en/driver...j100-notebook-pc-series/5401191/model/7399045

Open all	Version	File size	Release date

Firmware (1)
recommended

Seagate Hard Drive ST1000LM024/ST750LM022 Firmware Update

2BA30002 v2 Rev.A

45.2 MB

Sep 8, 2016

Download

BIOS (1)

HP Notebook System BIOS Update (Intel Processors)

F.72 Rev.A

12.4 MB

Jun 28, 2018

Download

 

[iamtowbee]

Oh no.. not good

 

[TheMadDutchDude]

There’s your issue. Thermal limited. If it’s new, take it back under warranty.

 

[iamtowbee]

It's not, man

 

[TheMadDutchDude]

Time to take it apart and reapply thermal paste. That’s probably the issue.

 

[jsfitz54]

CPU according to HWINFO is i7-4702MQ. Bios is from June 2018 and hard drive Firmware is from Sept. 2016.

Is that the original CPU or was it user upgraded? Fan is not running or loaded with dust or CPU needs to be re-pasted or if the CPU was replaced perhaps the cooling block was not screwed down correctly or screws were stripped?

It would seem that if all updates are applied then it's the fan or the CPU needs to be re-pasted. If there are thermal pads being used or are torn, extreme care is required. Don't mix pads and thermal grease together. Pads may need replacement and thickness needs to be measured.

Edit: 2 extra Intel links: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/24075/Intel-Extreme-Tuning-Utility-Intel-XTU-

Intel® Processor Diagnostic Tool

This download record installs the Intel® Processor Diagnostic Tool release 4.1.7.39, which is compatible with multiprocessor systems.

downloadcenter.intel.com

 

[iamtowbee]

TBH it was bought refurbished but I believe the CPU is i7-4702MQ from factory. Is there any way to know if the CPU was replaced? The fan is running but making a loud noise when running intensive software. I'll check all updates tonight even though I'm on Win10 1903

 

[jsfitz54]

Is there any way to know if the CPU was replaced?

Run the service tag # on the HP website.

The fan is running but making a loud noise when running intensive software.

It should ramp up as heat and usage increase.

I'll check all updates tonight even though I'm on Win10 1903

Check the HP website as well as Windows. Older motherboards almost never have the bios upgraded in my experience, so if it's not the most current, then update.
Check the other items on the HP download page.

 

[iamtowbee]

Is this correct? https://support.hp.com/us-en/warran...k-pc-series/5401191/model/7399045?sku=K1X02EA

 

[jsfitz54]

Is this correct? https://support.hp.com/us-en/warran...k-pc-series/5401191/model/7399045?sku=K1X02EA

For warranty.^

You want this: https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/laptops

You should also see about laptop battery recall and bad power adapter recalls: https://batteryprogram687.ext.hp.com/

Program Summary

Replacement programs and product recalls

Current product replacement and recall programs for affected Hewlett-Packard and Compaq products.

www8.hp.com

 

[Zach_01]

TBH it was bought refurbished but I believe the CPU is i7-4702MQ from factory. Is there any way to know if the CPU was replaced? The fan is running but making a loud noise when running intensive software. I'll check all updates tonight even though I'm on Win10 1903

According to HP the i7-4702MQ is the original CPU of that model. But since its refurbished maybe at some point they remove the CPU to repaste it and/or clean the heatsink and fan. Maybe the re-intallation wasnt as it should. You say you can hear the fan but does it push out hot air? While at 70~100C the exaust air must be a lot... and very hot.

 

[eidairaman1]

Dust, bad heatsink compound, physical size cooling and ambient temps are all a major factor in a cpu being able to run at performance level desired

 

[iamtowbee]

According to HP the i7-4702MQ is the original CPU of that model. But since its refurbished maybe at some point they remove the CPU to repaste it and/or clean the heatsink and fan. Maybe the re-intallation wasnt as it should. You say you can hear the fan but does it push out hot air? While at 70~100C the exaust air must be a lot... and very hot.

You're spot on.. at high temps, the fan is noisy but not enough hot air is being pushed out imho. I have to place my hand next to the vent to feel the hot air

For warranty.^

You want this: https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/laptops

You should also see about laptop battery recall and bad power adapter recalls: https://batteryprogram687.ext.hp.com/

Program Summary

Replacement programs and product recalls

Current product replacement and recall programs for affected Hewlett-Packard and Compaq products.

www8.hp.com

I've checked the driver download page and gotten the hard disk firmware update (I already updated the BIOS). Also, AC power cord checks out although I haven't checked for battery.

Dust, bad heatsink compound, physical size cooling and ambient temps are all a major factor in a cpu being able to run at performance level desired

Mm I might have to open it up myself then. What's "bad heatsink compound" please?

 

[eidairaman1]

You're spot on.. at high temps, the fan is noisy but not enough hot air is being pushed out imho. I have to place my hand next to the vent to feel the hot air


I've checked the driver download page and gotten the hard disk firmware update (I already updated the BIOS). Also, AC power cord checks out although I haven't checked for battery.



Mm I might have to open it up myself then. What's "bad heatsink compound" please?

Thermal interface compound

 

[iamtowbee]

That's the thermal paste right?

 

[Mussels]

thermal paste, compound, TIM, lots of names for the same thing

its goop that transfers heat from the CPU to the heatsink

 

[Zach_01]

If it lacks air flow, most likely there is a little carpet of dust build in there blocking the air through the heatsink.
Should check it, and hopefully that would be the end of the problem. Just clean the heatsink if its overdusted and try to work the laptop before you start removing things to repaste.

 

[R0H1T]

Also if it hasn't been mentioned before, use Throttlestop