core i3 laptop showing 2 different processor speed.

**krish227** · March 16th, 2010, 10:36 PM

My laptop is Acer 5740, which has the core i3 processor 330M - 2.13GHZ and 1066MHZ FSB with 4GB of RAM. I am using Windows XP. When i checked the system properties, the processor speed is not properly displayed. Some time it is showing like 2.13GHZ, 2.13GHZ (occasionlly). But all the time it is showing up like 2.13GHZ, 914MHZ. My computer is as slow as pentium 3 with 256MB RAM. It is taking around 40 mins to copy a 4GB content from one drive to another, say from D: to E:. Also the system booting time is around 1:45 mins. I don't ve programs during start up. Even then booting time is 1:45 mins. Also the RAM installed is 4GB physically. But in system properties it is showing up as 2.80 GB of RAM. Has anyone come across this kinda issues. Is my processor working good. What could be the problem. Please help me to fix this issue.

**krish227** · March 16th, 2010, 10:39 PM

Forgot to add the screenshot... so here it is...

**RobRich** · March 16th, 2010, 11:42 PM

Welcome to TechIMO!

Many mobile processors, including the Core i3M, use dynamic frequency scaling to improve power efficiency and decrease thermal loading. Your particular processor is rated at a maximum default core frequency of 2.13GHz, but it will automatically operate at much lower frequencies when it has minimal loading. When the processor is heavily loaded, such as encoding a video or playing a 3D game, it will automatically increase frequency up to the set 2.13GHz threshold.

**RobRich** · March 16th, 2010, 11:52 PM

BTW, about the memory utilization, there are two factors.

First up, your version of Windows XP is a 32-bit operating system, which imposes a 4GB memory mapping limit (PAE extensions aside). However, that is 4GB total, including memory mapping for various pieces of hardware. Factor those devices, and the reported usable memory drops.

Next up, your notebook uses an integrated graphics controller, which represents the biggest chunk of the reported memory difference. The integrated graphics controller is setting aside an apparently sizable portion of system memory for graphics memory.

**Felix E** · July 17th, 2010, 02:27 AM

Originally Posted by krish227

My laptop is Acer 5740, which has the core i3 processor 330M - 2.13GHZ and 1066MHZ FSB with 4GB of RAM. I am using Windows XP. When i checked the system properties, the processor speed is not properly displayed. Some time it is showing like 2.13GHZ, 2.13GHZ (occasionlly). But all the time it is showing up like 2.13GHZ, 914MHZ. My computer is as slow as pentium 3 with 256MB RAM. It is taking around 40 mins to copy a 4GB content from one drive to another, say from D: to E:. Also the system booting time is around 1:45 mins. I don't ve programs during start up. Even then booting time is 1:45 mins. Also the RAM installed is 4GB physically. But in system properties it is showing up as 2.80 GB of RAM. Has anyone come across this kinda issues. Is my processor working good. What could be the problem. Please help me to fix this issue.

You have to install 64 bit operating system. Windows vista or windows 7. 64 bit operating systems support 4 gb ram. 32 bit operating system doesn't support more than 3 gb ram. For that processor issue you have to change the operating system vista or win 7 with 64 bit.

**ShyguyXPC** · July 17th, 2010, 02:35 AM

Originally Posted by Felix E

You have to install 64 bit operating system. Windows vista or windows 7. 64 bit operating systems support 4 gb ram. 32 bit operating system doesn't support more than 3 gb ram. For that processor issue you have to change the operating system vista or win 7 with 64 bit.

you got that wrong, 32-bit supports UP TO 4GB, 64-bit is MORE than 4GB.

and the processor issue has NOTHING to do with the version of the OS (32 vs 64 bit), thats a Bios/Windows options issue, usually a Bios option in the laptop, but whether they can access or change that feature in the Bios is another story.

the Memory issue their having of 4GB is also not going to do them much good by upgrading to 64-bit with only 4GB, the onboard graphics chip will still be using a sizable portion of System RAM for itself, and they'll still be with roughly 2.8GB of RAM to use.

if they upgraded to 6 or 8GB, Yes, then 64-bit would be what they need.