Intel core i7 2600k runs at 1596.4 mhz while in idle?

[idata]

According to CPU-Z, (a program for measuring hardware speeds and so on), my cpu seems to randomly drop to 1596.4 mhz in speed, particularily when in idle, but it kept flicking between this speed and the proper 3400mhz when I was doing some video work too. I havent checked during other applications, but this is enough to raise questions. Is there a reason for this, like, is it meant to do this? Or is there an issue somewhere in my computer?

Thanks

[idata]

Yes, it is meant to do that, when Speed Step is enabled in your UEFI/BIOS. which it must be. It's a standard Intel power saving feature on their CPUs. Under low load or idle situations, the CPU shifts its speed down to save energy and produce less heat. As soon as more processing power is needed, the CPU cranks up to it's full speed. So all is well.

[idata]

Are you referring to the Core Speed in CPU-Z? If it is, it should be near the max speed of 3.8 Ghz with CPU-Z settings set at default.