Poor performance out of Xeon E-5-1650 v3

[AThie1]

Hello,

We recently purchased 2 new Dell Precision 5810 CADD workstations. We decided to try out the Xeon processors, so we got one machine with the 1650 and one with the 1620. However, we have been very unsatisfied with the performance of the Xeon processors, and have had zero luck in resolving the issue through Dell.

I guess my main question is: is there any reason that both the 1650 and 1620 should be performing worse than the i7-4790? And when I say 'worse', I don't mean that it takes a second or 2 more to perform a task. The 1650 will take 2-3 times longer to perform a task that the i7. Even seemingly simple tasks like opening a Word doc will cause CPU utilization to spike for a second or two.

At first, the issue was very noticeable, as only 2 of the 6 cores were activated within the BIOS. But now, even after activating all 6 cores, a wide range of tasks will completely use up an entire core.

Is this normal?

Dell Precision T5810

Xeon E-5 1650 v3 3.5 GHz

32 GB ram

Windows 7 Pro

[idata]

Hello, thie0183:

Thank you for contacting the Intel Communities.The performance of both CPUs will depend on the tasks that you are performing, simple tasks like opening a word file or moving files would not have much difference in regards to performance.While doing tasks like data processing, huge amount of data, the Xeon will outperform the i7About the second or two seconds that the CPU has a pick, that is regular, an strage behavior would be constant high CPU usage while doing the same task.I would like to check, what type of tasks are you performing with these systems?Regards,Esteban C

[AThie1]

Corridor modeling within Autocad Civil 3d really bogs it down.

Also, I've noticed that Windows update completely uses up one core when it runs.

[idata]

I understand thie0183, have you tested the system with Intel® Processor Diagnostic Tool?

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/19792/Intel-Processor-Diagnostic-Tool https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/19792/Intel-Processor-Diagnostic-ToolI would like to check some information from your rig, may I have the Intel® System Support Utility report from your PC?Here is the how to get that report:-Access: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25293/Intel-System-Support-Utility https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25293/Intel-System-Support-Utility-Download the utility-Scan your system with the utility-Export the report (hit next and then save) and attach it to your answer with the advanced editor option (reply button and then check upper right corner)Regards,Esteban C

[AThie1]

Esteban,

I had not run the Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool. I downloaded and ran the test this morning. Everything passed except the PCH test.

I've attached the test results to this reply. I hope these are the results report you were looking for.

I've also attached a screenshot of the diagnostic tool window.

Also, I scanned my system with the SSU and have attached that report as well.

Thanks for your help!

Adam

[idata]

Thank you for that information thie0183.

Lets do the following, disable that test to find out if the other tests are passed by your CPU.How to disable a test?-Go to tools > Config > Edit-Then unselect the test to be removed-If this happens with other tests, please do the same as in your last answer: attach the test resultsI look forward to hearing from you.Regards,Esteban C

[AThie1]

Esteban,

Thanks for your reply. I disabled the PCH test and reran the diagnostic tool. Everything passes now. I've attached the test result file.

Let me know what you think.

[idata]

Hello, thie0183:

Thank you for that information.I would like you to install the chipset drivers for this system, as per the information provided, I found out it may be a Dell Precision Tower 5810Here the driver download page for it: http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/precision-t5810-workstation/drivers/advanced http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/precision-t5810-workstation/drivers/advancedPlease install drivers from "Chipset" and "Serial ATA"Hope you can get this done and provide us with some feedback.Regards,Esteban C

[AThie1]

Esteban,

Downloaded and installed drivers. I think I may have done these when working with Dell support as well. Still having issues.

Here is a link to a video I took of one instance of what happens when trying to work in cad.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n8vgg1cd0yzsgap/20160623_151801.mp4?dl=0 Dropbox - 20160623_151801.mp4

[idata]

Thank you for the video provided thie0183.

I would like to check, have you ran the Intel® Processor Diagnostic Tool after installing the drivers recommended?That would be to verify if the PCH still fails, if that is happening, I would request an RMA for the unit, since something could be happening with the CPU (pre-built systems will provide warranty from their end for all components in the system)Please keep me posted.Regards,Esteban C

[AThie1]

I just reran the processor diagnostics and the PCH test failed again. I installed the drivers last week and have rebooted a few times since then.

I've requested a full return of the machine to Dell. This is happening on both my machine and a coworker's machine that were ordered together.

[idata]

Oh I'm sorry to hear that thie0183, it is good that you had that option from the place of purchase though!

Hope you can get the other machines that were working fine up and running again.I will be setting your last comment as "Correct answer" in order to close this up, hope you don't mind.But, if you require any further information or support, feel free to contac us back.Regards,Esteban C