comput not running at full speed

[eshort]

COMPUTER: IBM Thinkpad T-20: PIII-700/384 ram/6.5gbhdd/winxp-home: sp2

PROBLEM: Device manager>system shows cpu throttled back to 550 mhz---shld be
running at 700 mhz.

DISCUSSION: Battery condition is poor ie runs comput for only 5 minutes...tried disabling
acpi battery managment but no speed increase....tried removing battery
and running only on ac power--no speed increase.

soo----speed is throttled down to only 550 mhz


is there a way to increase speed to 700 mhz...this is a "side stepped" cpu.

maybe a new battery will restore the speed?

TX

[fleeingpepper]

The fan may have sucked in lint from your pants from being a "lap"-top. They call it that, but sitting on your lap can suck lint in and cause overheating. The cpu could be overheating and throttling itself down to reduce its temp. See if it keeps the speed on a cool wooden desk and/or with a desk fan blowing on it.

[glc]

I have a T20 with a 700 - the throttle speed should be 500, not 550.

There have been a ton of bios updates for T20's over the years - I'd recommend you head on up to Lenovo's site and get the latest bios.

[eshort]

TX

(1) checked fan: operation seems ok--no dirt/dust in fan blades/opening...bottom of
comput case ius abt 100 degrees F (warm to touch)

(2) went to ibm site>downloaded latest bios update>got message "no update needed"
when tried to install!

also noticed: CPU speed (per "system menu") is bouncing between 696 vs 542..i wonder if
that menu is accurate???? The cpu reads 700 in the setup bios page.....

tx

[Yoman650]

Is it plugged in? Usually my laptop only runs at about 500mhz when it is not plugged in, then it jumps up to 2ghz when it is plugged in.

[thefultonhow]

There are two alternatives:

1. Set the computer type to Home/Office Desk in the Power properties. This will disable throttling while plugged in.

2. Download the IBM/Lenovo power manager from their support site. Install it. It will have options in the power profiles concerning throttling. This can also tell you the status of your battery, so it might be useful.