Need help with e6300 processor :(

[Conor]

I recently replaced my stock 1.6 GHz processor in my computer with an Intel e6300 @ 2.80 GHz....And after having some problems installing the heatsink due to a stupid metal plate attached to the back of the motherboard, I finally got the heatsink on and installed my processor....
Only to discover that it's running at 1.6 GHz and is absolutely no different in performance to my old processor.
What did I do wrong? I don't know a whole lot about computers so technical talk won't help too much.
My motherboard is a Foxconn G33M, tower is a Dell Inspiron 530, running Windows 7 Premium

Can anyone help?

This is what the Intel Processor ID utility has to say about it:

Expected Reported Core 1 Reported Core 2
Speed 2.80 GHz 1.59 GHz 1.59 GHz
System Bus 1066 MHz 981 MHz 981 MHz
L2 Cache 2MB 2MB

[hnzw_rui]

Only to discover that it's running at 1.6 GHz and is absolutely no different in performance to my old processor.
What did I do wrong? I don't know a whole lot about computers so technical talk won't help too much.

Do you know if your Dell Inspiron supports it? Try going into the BIOS (usually by pressing either F2 or DEL during boot) and tell us the info/settings displayed. Maybe take a screenshot of the BIOS using a camera?

Usually, your the processor goes into a low power state during idle and 1.6GHz idle state seems about right for that processor. Just not sure if the FSB would change as well. Try downloading and running CPU-Z as well and tell us what that reports.

[LiViD]

It sounds like the micro-code for the E6300 is missing from the BIOS, and the motherboard thinks that the processor is a Core 2 Duo, not a Pentium Desktop Processor based on Wolfdale. You should inquire with Dell first before doing any type of processor upgrades. From what I have found, it appears that the G33M02 motherboard only supports the previous Pentium Dual-Core processors (E2xxx/E4xxx/E5xxx) and the Core 2 Duo line of processors.

[Major_A]

Did you clear the BIOS after you placed the CPU in the motherboard? I'd start there first then look for BIOS updates on Dell's website.

[Conor]

Okay so I downloaded CPU-Z, this is the screenshot of that:


And here is the screenshot of the BIOS menu when I booted it


When I was looking for a new processor, I checked my motherboard manufacturer's website, and it said my motherboard could handle Pentium Dual-Core processors, but I wasn't sure about my specific MB, so I checked Intel's website and they said it was supported on g33 motherboards, so I didn't really look any further into it. It's a 3 year old BIOS though, which could be the problem

[Major_A]

If memory serves me correctly the E6300 was one of the first Core2Duo processors available. Then they removed it from the product line and recently brought it back with new FSB and manufacturing specs. To me it almost seems like you need to adjust the FSB and multiplier in the BIOS to get it running right since the BIOS is recognizing it as the correct CPU.

Did you try resetting the CMOS like I stated earlier? Could be that's all it needs.

*EDIT*
Ran across this, see if it works. There is no description for what it fixes but the build date is 3/11/09 which is a lot newer than your 7/12/07 build.
Dell Inspiron Desktop 530 System BIOS v1.0.18

*EDIT 2*

When I was looking for a new processor, I checked my motherboard manufacturer's website, and it said my motherboard could handle Pentium Dual-Core processors

There are a line of dual core processors called CoreDuo. They are different from the Core2Duo line, but I think it's only a matter of FSB and cache. Just a heads up.

[Conor]

Sorry I'm not exactly sure how to reset the CMOS...Do I have to take it out and put it back in, or can I do it through the BIOS menu?
Also I updated my BIOS to the one you linked at that hasn't changed anything as far as I can tell

[kenc51]

I think everything is ok, its just the os is downclocking with the x6 multi to 1.6GHz as its idle

simple test
open cpuz and leave open
then press the windows key + R and type "calc" & click ok
then goto view then select scientific
enter in any random large ~6 digit number then click "n!"

Capture.JPG (40.37 KiB) Viewed 7494 times

This will load the cpu and you should see cpuz reporting the speed as 2.8GHz

[hnzw_rui]

I think everything is ok, its just the os is downclocking with the x6 multi to 1.6GHz as its idle

+1. Processors can go into idle states to save power. If you run something that taxes the processors, then you should see the clock go back up to 2.80GHz.

[Major_A]

Good call, since I hate the environment all my PCs have Speedstep/CNQ disabled. I'm used to looking at what the clock is supposed to be.

[Conor]

Aha. I did the calculator thing, and it jumps up to 2.8 GHz for a moment, then drops back down. It does this a couple of times then settles at 1.6 again.

[hnzw_rui]

Aha. I did the calculator thing, and it jumps up to 2.8 GHz for a moment, then drops back down. It does this a couple of times then settles at 1.6 again.

That just means the calculator thing isn't a heavy enough load. Try running Prime95 or IntelBurnTest.