Intel ULV Processor Is Always Underclocked.

[AWake1]

Hi! My notebook has a i5 3427 ULV processor. It's rated to run at 1.8Ghz and under load due to intel speed step it should decrease it's multiplier to be at a lower frequency. According to CPU-Z it's multiplier has a range of 8-27. But I have noticed that it always runs at multiplier=8(freq=0.77 Ghz). I thought the low speed was due to low workload but even on running Prime95 torture test. It keeps the CPU utilization at a constant 44% at 0.77 Ghz. The frequency and multiplier don't change as they should. I even changed the power setting of Windows to High Performance and it has no effect on it. Can this indicate a problem with my system, Any other tips on things I should check?

[Kevin_M_Intel]

Hi Alan.W,

The processor speed and core rate will increase or decrease automatically as the system needs it. Based on your description, my best recommendation for you is to run the Intel® Processor Diagnostic Tool. This software will test and diagnose every internal component in the processor and will generate a result. You can get the software at the following link:

Intel® PDT 64 bit:

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=19792&keyword=Processor+diagnostic+tool&DownloadType=Utilities%2c+Tools+and+Examples&lang=eng https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=19792&keyword=Processor+diagnostic+tool&DownloadType=Utilities%2c+Tools+and+Examples&lang=eng

Intel® PDT 32 bit:

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=19791&keyword=Processor+diagnostic+tool&DownloadType=Utilities%2c+Tools+and+Examples&lang=eng https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=19791&keyword=Processor+diagnostic+tool&DownloadType=Utilities%2c+Tools+and+Examples&lang=eng

Another good recommendation is to contact the computer manufacturer so they can help you with troubleshooting steps ir a possible replacement.