Laptop CPU usage much lower than base speed

iamtowbee · Oct 14, 2019

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 · Oct 14, 2019

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 · Oct 14, 2019

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 · Oct 14, 2019

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 · Oct 14, 2019

GorbazTheDragon said:
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 · Oct 14, 2019

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 · Oct 14, 2019

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 · Oct 14, 2019

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 · Oct 14, 2019

Oh no.. not good

TheMadDutchDude · Oct 14, 2019

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

iamtowbee · Oct 14, 2019

It's not, man

TheMadDutchDude · Oct 14, 2019

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

jsfitz54 · Oct 14, 2019

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 · Oct 14, 2019

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 · Oct 14, 2019

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

Run the service tag # on the HP website.

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

It should ramp up as heat and usage increase.

iamtowbee said:
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 · Oct 14, 2019

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

jsfitz54 · Oct 14, 2019

iamtowbee said:
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 · Oct 15, 2019

iamtowbee said:
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 · Oct 15, 2019

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 · Oct 15, 2019

Zach_01 said:
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

jsfitz54 said:
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.

eidairaman1 said:
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 · Oct 15, 2019

iamtowbee said:
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 · Oct 15, 2019

That's the thermal paste right?

Mussels · Oct 15, 2019

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

its goop that transfers heat from the CPU to the heatsink

Zach_01 · Oct 15, 2019

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 · Oct 15, 2019

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

System Name	HP ENVY 15 TS
Processor	Intel Core i7-4702MQ @ 2.2GHz
Memory	8.0 GB DDR3
Video Card(s)	NVIDIA GeForce GT750M (4GB VRAM)
Storage	ST1000LM014-1EJ164-SSHD 932 GB

System Name	PC on since Aug 2019, 1st CPU R5 3600 + ASUS ROG RX580 8GB >> MSI Gaming X RX5700XT (Jan 2020)
Processor	Ryzen 9 5900X (July 2022), 150W PPT limit, 79C temp limit, CO -9~14
Motherboard	Gigabyte X570 Aorus Pro (Rev1.0), BIOS F37h, AGESA V2 1.2.0.B
Cooling	Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420mm Rev7 with off center mount for Ryzen, TIM: Kryonaut
Memory	2x16GB G.Skill Trident Z Neo GTZN (July 2022) 3600MHz 1.42V CL16-16-16-16-32-48 1T, tRFC:288, B-die
Video Card(s)	Sapphire Nitro+ RX 7900XTX (Dec 2023) 314~465W (387W current) PowerLimit, 1060mV, Adrenalin v24.3.1
Storage	Samsung NVMe: 980Pro 1TB(OS 2022), 970Pro 512GB(2019) / SATA-III: 850Pro 1TB(2015) 860Evo 1TB(2020)
Display(s)	Dell Alienware AW3423DW 34" QD-OLED curved (1800R), 3440x1440 144Hz (max 175Hz) HDR1000, VRR on
Case	None... naked on desk
Audio Device(s)	Astro A50 headset
Power Supply	Corsair HX750i, 80+ Platinum, 93% (250~700W), modular, single/dual rail (switch)
Mouse	Logitech MX Master (Gen1)
Keyboard	Logitech G15 (Gen2) w/ LCDSirReal applet
Software	Windows 11 Home 64bit (v23H2, OSB 22631.3155)

System Name	HP ENVY 15 TS
Processor	Intel Core i7-4702MQ @ 2.2GHz
Memory	8.0 GB DDR3
Video Card(s)	NVIDIA GeForce GT750M (4GB VRAM)
Storage	ST1000LM014-1EJ164-SSHD 932 GB

System Name	Indis the Fair (cursed edition)
Processor	11900k 5.1/4.9 undervolted.
Motherboard	MSI Z590 Unify-X
Cooling	Heatkiller VI Pro, VPP755 V.3, XSPC TX360 slim radiator, 3xA12x25, 4x Arctic P14 case fans
Memory	G.Skill Ripjaws V 2x16GB 4000 16-19-19 (b-die@3600 14-14-14 1.45v)
Video Card(s)	EVGA 2080 Super Hybrid (T30-120 fan)
Storage	970EVO 1TB, 660p 1TB, WD Blue 3D 1TB, Sandisk Ultra 3D 2TB
Display(s)	BenQ XL2546K, Dell P2417H
Case	FD Define 7
Audio Device(s)	DT770 Pro, Topping A50, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Røde VXLR+, Modmic 5
Power Supply	Seasonic 860w Platinum
Mouse	Razer Viper Mini, Odin Infinity mousepad
Keyboard	GMMK Fullsize v2 (Boba U4Ts)
Software	Win10 x64/Win7 x64/Ubuntu

System Name	HP ENVY 15 TS
Processor	Intel Core i7-4702MQ @ 2.2GHz
Memory	8.0 GB DDR3
Video Card(s)	NVIDIA GeForce GT750M (4GB VRAM)
Storage	ST1000LM014-1EJ164-SSHD 932 GB

Laptop CPU usage much lower than base speed

iamtowbee

Zach_01

iamtowbee

GorbazTheDragon

iamtowbee

Frick

Fishfaced Nincompoop

iamtowbee

jsfitz54

iamtowbee

Attachments

TheMadDutchDude

iamtowbee

TheMadDutchDude

jsfitz54

Intel® Processor Diagnostic Tool

iamtowbee

jsfitz54

iamtowbee

jsfitz54

Replacement programs and product recalls

Zach_01

eidairaman1

The Exiled Airman

iamtowbee

Replacement programs and product recalls

eidairaman1

The Exiled Airman

iamtowbee

Mussels

Freshwater Moderator

Zach_01

R0H1T

System Name	Black MC in Tokyo
Processor	Ryzen 5 5600
Motherboard	Asrock B450M-HDV
Cooling	Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2
Memory	2 x 16GB Kingston Fury 3400mhz
Video Card(s)	XFX 6950XT Speedster MERC 319
Storage	Kingston A400 240GB \| WD Black SN750 2TB \|WD Blue 1TB x 2 \| Toshiba P300 2TB \| Seagate Expansion 8TB
Display(s)	Samsung U32J590U 4K + BenQ GL2450HT 1080p
Case	Fractal Design Define R4
Audio Device(s)	Line6 UX1 + some headphones, Nektar SE61 keyboard
Power Supply	Corsair RM850x v3
Mouse	Logitech G602
Keyboard	Cherry MX Board 1.0 TKL Brown
VR HMD	Acer Mixed Reality Headset
Software	Windows 10 Pro
Benchmark Scores	Rimworld 4K ready!

Processor	Intel i7 970 // Intel i7 2600K
Motherboard	Asus Rampage III Formula // Asus P8P67 Deluxe
Cooling	Zalman CNPS9900MaxB // Zalman CNPS11X
Memory	GSkill 2133 12GB // Corsair V 2400 32GB
Video Card(s)	ASUS GTX1080 // MSI GTX1070
Storage	Samsung 870EVO // Samsung 840P
Display(s)	HP w2207h
Case	CoolerMaster Stacker 830se // Lian Li PC-9F
Audio Device(s)	onboard
Power Supply	Seasonic X 850w Gold // EVGA 850w G2
Mouse	Logitech G502SE HERO, G9
Keyboard	Dell
Software	W10 Pro 22H2

System Name	PCGOD
Processor	AMD FX 8350@ 5.0GHz
Motherboard	Asus TUF 990FX Sabertooth R2 2901 Bios
Cooling	Scythe Ashura, 2×BitFenix 230mm Spectre Pro LED (Blue,Green), 2x BitFenix 140mm Spectre Pro LED
Memory	16 GB Gskill Ripjaws X 2133 (2400 OC, 10-10-12-20-20, 1T, 1.65V)
Video Card(s)	AMD Radeon 290 Sapphire Vapor-X
Storage	Samsung 840 Pro 256GB, WD Velociraptor 1TB
Display(s)	NEC Multisync LCD 1700V (Display Port Adapter)
Case	AeroCool Xpredator Evil Blue Edition
Audio Device(s)	Creative Labs Sound Blaster ZxR
Power Supply	Seasonic 1250 XM2 Series (XP3)
Mouse	Roccat Kone XTD
Keyboard	Roccat Ryos MK Pro
Software	Windows 7 Pro 64

System Name	Rainbow Sparkles (Power efficient, <350W gaming load)
Processor	Ryzen R7 5800x3D (Undervolted, 4.45GHz all core)
Motherboard	Asus x570-F (BIOS Modded)
Cooling	Alphacool Apex UV - Alphacool Eisblock XPX Aurora + EK Quantum ARGB 3090 w/ active backplate
Memory	2x32GB DDR4 3600 Corsair Vengeance RGB @3866 C18-22-22-22-42 TRFC704 (1.4V Hynix MJR - SoC 1.15V)
Video Card(s)	Galax RTX 3090 SG 24GB: Underclocked to 1700Mhz 0.750v (375W down to 250W))
Storage	2TB WD SN850 NVME + 1TB Sasmsung 970 Pro NVME + 1TB Intel 6000P NVME USB 3.2
Display(s)	Phillips 32 32M1N5800A (4k144), LG 32" (4K60) \| Gigabyte G32QC (2k165) \| Phillips 328m6fjrmb (2K144)
Case	Fractal Design R6
Audio Device(s)	Logitech G560 \| Corsair Void pro RGB \|Blue Yeti mic
Power Supply	Fractal Ion+ 2 860W (Platinum) (This thing is God-tier. Silent and TINY)
Mouse	Logitech G Pro wireless + Steelseries Prisma XL
Keyboard	Razer Huntsman TE ( Sexy white keycaps)
VR HMD	Oculus Rift S + Quest 2
Software	Windows 11 pro x64 (Yes, it's genuinely a good OS) OpenRGB - ditch the branded bloatware!
Benchmark Scores	Nyooom.