Intel Centrino Processor Technology

Known issues and solutions

General Laptop Service & Support

Since laptop computers are delicate electronic/mechanical devices that greatly differ between systems, Intel does not recommend opening or upgrading the processor in an laptop computer. Intel is a supplier of notebook components and does not manufacture or sell complete notebook systems. If you wish to upgrade a laptop computer, you should contact the laptop manufacturer.

Other Resources

• WiFi self help hints - Troubleshooting overview
• Graphics game troubleshooting
• Processor is not identified correctly by the operating system or an application
• Mobile Processor is running very hot

Where can I find information such as processor speed, processor number, cache size, chipset compatibility, pricing, and product order codes?Information about Intel® processors can be found by searching the processor products database. If you are unable to locate (search or browse) either the Intel® processor that you are looking for, please send us your feedback.

For more information about Intel® Processors, please refer to the following:

• Product Specifications and Comparisons
• Intel® processor numbers
• Mobile performance
• Virtualization technology
• Intel® Processor Identification Utility

For more information about Intel® Chipsets and Graphics, please refer to the following:

• How to identify your Intel® chipset
• Identifying your Intel® graphics controller
• Intel® Driver Update Utility
• Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility

For more information about Intel® Wireless, please refer to the following:

• Identify your wireless adapter
• Intel® Wireless LAN Identification Utility

For more information about Intel® Notebook Products, please refer to the following:

• Intel Brand Names Updated
• Discuss Intel Centrino with vPro technology with the experts

pcbuyerbeware.co.uk google Custom Search Click to find updates on our Facebook page Processor Problems

This section of this website answers questions about processors (made by AMD or Intel) or provides solutions to a wide range of problems caused by or related to the computer processor.

Click here! to skip the following preamble and useful diagnostic information and go directly to the first list of solved problems on this page.

The coverage includes upgrade questions and answers, how to optimise multiple-core processors, problems caused by overheating, slow running or constant 100% CPU usage, the processor not recognised by the BIOS, not running at the default speed, overclocking, etc. The problems and solutions are linked to under the following blue-coloured table that provides information on some very useful utilities that can test a processor or provide information about it, such as the temperature it is running at, or that allow the setting of alarms at particular temperatures that can help prevent overheating. Each problem's or question's link has been purposefully made to describe it or include as many of the problem's symptoms as possible to make finding the information you are looking for as quick and easy as possible.

The processor problem in the form of question-and-answers (Q&As) are listed under the useful diagnostic-program information provided in the table below.

Troubleshooting Processor Problems

Scenario:
You start your computer and get the BIOS setup screen. You do not get any error on the screen just the processor parameters screen.
The main reason that the BIOS went to this screen is there is a problem with the clock speed of either the processor or the front side bus. Have you been overclocking your processor? If not then the have you changed the FSB speed for some reason?

Instructions:

If either of these questions are no, then you may have a processor about to fail. One way to find out is to open the case, remove the processor from the socket and then reinstall it, thus reseating the processor, reattach the heat sink. Power it back up, did it go into the BIOS setup for the processor?
If it goes back into the BIOS processor setup screen try lowering the clock speed multiplier and restart. If lowering the multiplier results in the system going back into the BIOS processor setup screen your processor is about to fail.
If it does not go back into the BIOS setup screen but starts then you may have cleared the problem, keep an eye on it, it still may be failing.
Another reason for this to happen is heat. If the processor is overheating because of lack of cooling air or overclocking it will go to the setup screen as a warning that the processor is running too hot. The thirmistior sensor on the motherboard will open the BIOS setup screen on restart.
Scenario:
You start your computer, it goes into a startup loop.
Note: There is a setting in some BIOS to have the BIOS display 'Advanced' settings on startup. When you select this parameter you will be able to see what the computer is doing during the initialization phase at startup.
You will see the actual clock speed of your processor and the memory count. This will increase the startup sequence by about ten seconds.
If the computer is in a loop because of the clock speed or a processor problem you will see the processor clock speed then the computer will restart. It is at this time you need to press the correct keys to get into the system BIOS. From there you can correct the clock speed for the processor.
Most processor problems will be:
A) Slow response when doing heavy computing tasks. Such as games, spread sheet calculations, graphics manipulations, viewing movies, copying large files.
B) Computer hangs for no apparent reason when light computer operations are occurring.
C) Computer dumps [crashes] frequently.
D) Write to disk fails frequently.

Note: These problems will also occur when a hard drive is full or is failing. Check the space on the hard drive before trouble shooting the processor. Or some viruses will have the same symptoms, use "Safe Mode" to scan and clean viruses.

You may also want to take into consideration the age of the processor and motherboard, is it time to upgrade?

Solutions to CPU problems

One way of reducing CPU exceeded errors is to set up cached copies of the pages so that they only need to be dynamically recreated once every so often rather than every time someone visits them

Some of the more commonly used scripts either have an option for doing this built into the product itself (eg Drupal, phpBB3) so that you just need to make sure that the option is turned on. Other scripts have at least one plugin available that can add this functionality.

The processor-memory bottleneck: problems and solutions

The rate of improvement in microprocessor speed exceeds the rate of improvement in DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) speed. So although the disparity between processor and memory speed is already an issue, downstream someplace it will be a much bigger one. Hence computer designers are faced with an increasing Processor - Memory Performance Gap [1], which now is the primary obstacle to improved computer system performance. This article examines this problem as well as its various solutions.

CPU is overheating - Temperature problem

Overheating of the CPU caused by a temperature problem is definitely a bad sign as it can destroy the processor and can cause instabilities in the hardware of the system. This can lead to it rebooting as well. The temperature of the processor depends on the brand and model type and one should be aware of it to avoid inadvertent problems. This can be done several ways, like accessing BIOS set up or through software like CoreTemp. To avoid overheating of the CPU due to the temperature problems, it is imperative to take suitable measures to cool down both the processor and the PC. 

The maximum operating temperature of an AMD processor is determined by the trade reference (OPN) of this processor. The OPN is on top of the processor. Example:

• A X1800 D M S 3 C

This temperature is indicated by the third character from the right of the OPN. This character can take the values S, T or V.

These characters identify the maximum temperature of use of the AMD Athlon (TM) XP: V = 85 º C, T = 90 º C, S = 95 º C.

For the AMD Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2 (all sockets and all frequencies) and Phenom, it is generally accepted that 60 ° represents the upper limit.

Notes

• The temperature of a system or a processor depends heavily on the characteristics of the system as a whole and its constituent components. Accordingly, the "normal" temperature of use varies from one system to another, depending on its components.
• Among the variables affecting the use temperature of the system are: the size of the housing, its ventilation, installed components, processor speed, the solution radiator / fan used, the thermal interface material, the power supply, supply voltage, workload and ambient temperature.
• The typical value returned by the BIOS or software from third analysis should therefore be a maximum between 60 and 65 º C.

Solutions to cool down your PC

To cool down your processor, there are several solutions:

• Improve the exchange of air (active cooling using fans):
• Make sure that fresh air always flow in the direction of the components having the highest temperatures (CPU, graphics card, etc..), For example here's how the air flow should be (see image below)
• Ensure that the air from the hot components is vented off the casing.

How to Troubleshoot a Computer Monitor

Computer monitor problems can be the result of a number of culprits, including electrical and cabling issues, interference, a problem with the computer's video adapter or drivers or a problem with the monitor itself. Use the following tips to help diagnose problems you may be having with your monitor.

Instructions

1. Check for loose electrical and VGA cables. Remove the electric cord from the back of the monitor, then put it back in place. Remove the VGA cable from the computer and monitor and put it back in place. Make sure the connection is tight. If you're using a cable extender, remove it.Plug the monitor's electric cord into a different outlet. If you're using a UPS or surge protector, plug it directly into a wall outlet.

2. Attach the monitor to a different computer. If the monitor still doesn't work, replace the monitor's cable. Make sure the cable is less than 5 feet long. If it still doesn't work, the monitor will need to be replaced or repaired. If it works with no problem on the other computer, troubleshoot your video card

3.  Unplug your computer from the monitor and power outlet. Remove the cover. Pull the video card out of the slot on the system board. Push it back into place. Be sure the connection is secure.

4. Put the CD that came with your video card into your computer's CD-ROM drive. Follow the directions to reinstall the video card drivers. Download a new version of the drivers from the manufacturer's website if necessary.

5. Right-click a blank area of your Desktop. Choose "Properties" from the display menu. Click the "Settings" tab. Try different screen resolutions to resolve the problem.

6. Determine whether the problem is caused by electrical interference. Electrical interference will make the monitor appear jumpy or wavy. Move any speakers, radios, fans or other items that can cause electrical interference away from the monitor.

How to Troubleshoot a Processor

Troubleshooting a processor issue is one of the most difficult computer repair problems. When a processor begins to fail or overheats, the signs are hard to distinguish from other common issues. Here are several steps to analyze the problem.

Instructions

1. Unplug the computer. Open the computer case. Ground yourself by holding the metal part of the case. Unplug the power source for the fan sitting atop the processor. Remove any screws that hold the heat sink and fan. Unlatch the clips on the side of the heat sink and fan and remove.Touch the processor. If it is too hot for you to keep your finger on the processor, the processor may be overheating.

2. Touch the processor. If it is too hot for you to keep your finger on the processor, the processor may be overheating.

3. Check to see that the processor is properly faceted to the socket. If any of the hundreds of pins that fit into a socket on the motherboard are bent or not seated properly, the computer will not function.

4. Check the BIOS for proper processor settings. If the BIOS is set to the wrong processor speed, the hardware can overheat and cause problems with the computer. Check that the BIOS displays the right processor speed and type when booting the computer.

Swap out a good processor with the one having issues, if you have a spare processor that is compatible with the motherboard. If the computer runs fine with the other processor, then replace the processor.

5. Check with the motherboard manufacturer to ensure that a new processor you have bought or may buy is compatible. Most motherboard manufacturers list compatibility specifications on the corporate website.

Tips & Warnings

When touching the processor or other components, ground yourself by holding the metal part of the computer case, or the power supply housing so you don't ruin the component with static electricity. Do not bump or otherwise damage any of the chips on the motherboard. Do not force or apply too much pressure when seating a processor, heatsink or fan. Don't forget to plug the power source for the processor fan back in before booting up the computer again.

How to Test a Processor

The processor is the central brain of your PC and actually performs the mathematical calculations that allow your computer to function. If your computer will not boot up, turns off unexpectedly, or will not load its operating system, you may have a problem with the processor. You can effectively troubleshoot your processor at home to pinpoint the problem instead of taking your computer to a repair shop. Have a question? Get an answer from Online Tech Support now!

Instructions

1. Click on the "Start" button on the bottom toolbar and choose the option to restart the computer. Wait for the boot screen to appear and then press the "F2" key on your keyboard to access your computer's BIOS settings. Look for a long string of numbers and letters separated by periods and write the string down.

2. Press the "Escape" key on your keyboard to load your operating system. Open your web browser and navigate to the website for the manufacturer of your processor. Click on the link for the type of processor you have and then compare the current version of the BIOS settings available to the number you wrote down. Follow the instructions on the website for updating your BIOS if there is a newer version available.

3. Read through the manual that came with your motherboard and find the section dealing with processor jumper settings. Check to see what configuration your jumpers are supposed to be set to for the type of processor you have

 

4. Read through the manual that came with your motherboard and find the section dealing with processor jumper settings. Check to see what configuration your jumpers are supposed to be set to for the type of processor you have

5. Power off your computer and unplug all of the cables. Remove the case screws and pull of the side panel. Check the jumpers located near your processor and make sure that they are set to the correct settings.

6. Pull back the two clamps holding the processor fan on and remove it from the processor. Touch the processor and see check its temperature. Purchase and install a stronger processor fan if it is uncomfortably hot instead of just moderately warm.

7. Grab two ends of the processor and carefully pull it straight up. Put a different processor in its place and then re-assemble your computer. Power the computer on and see if you are still having the same problems as before.

8. Purchase and install an entirely new processor if the problems no longer occur when the secondary processor is in the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• If your processor still overheats after installing a new fan you can also buy thermal cooling paste and apply it onto the processor to keep it cool.
• Always make sure to properly ground yourself to release any electrostatic build up in your body before opening your computer. Touch any metal object connected to the ground to release the electricity.

More solution & drivers:

Common Processor Problems

Although they do not occur all that often, problems with a computer's processor can lead to big headaches. Typically, if you do sense a problem with it, solutions will apply to the power and capabilities of the processor itself. Have a question? Get an answer from Online Tech Support now!

1. Identification

   • Your processor is the most central device to computer function. Essentially, the processor manages or administers each and every program that your computer runs. Therefore experiencing a problem with the processor will undoubtedly affect many if not all aspects of operations.

   Types of Problems

   • Many of the problems associated with your processor come from power supply issues. This is especially the case if you have recently updated it or transferred the power supply to a newly built computer from a pre-existing unit. If you encounter slow processor functioning or "lock-ups," the internal temperature may be the issue, requiring you to install better ventilation.

   Solutions

   • If you have a processor that you think is running exceptionally slowly, there are avenues to improving its speed; you can go into your task manager and itemize how you want your processor to delegate tasks. This may entail placing different functions into core groups that will help the overall system behave more efficiently.