My overclocked processor still registering at factory settings?

[DEATH eVADER]

I have a Intel Q6600 which I have managed to boost to a multiplier of x9 at a FSB of 333, which should give me a total of 3GHz (It even states that its at this level in the bios, where I set it), however when I'm in windows, both the system settings window, and a 3rd party app; PCWizard, state that I'm still at 2.4GHz

Should I believe what Bios is saying, or should I trust in Vista and PCWizard?

Is there another app that I can download to test this?

I do also have 2GB x2 corsair Dominators running at 1066MHz, but running Vista x86 if that may effect this

 

[Sir Phoenixx]

Try using CPU-Z to check your speed: http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

 

[Blackthorn]

I overclock the exact same amount with the exact same processor. It won't show up in any Windows software, or anything like CCleaner etc. as being 3Ghz, but if you use CPU-Z as suggested above then you should see it at the settings you have it on.

I'll also take a quick moment to show the love for the Q6600 <3

 

[giant384]

do you have speedstep on?

it could be lowering the multiplier on idle.

 

[Barney Fife]

Do all of the above, plus (Assuming that you're on XP) check your power scheme in the screen-saver area of the desktop property.
It should be set to "Minimal Power management," or "Always On."
If its set on Portable/Laptop, Max Battery, Etc; OS will scale down CPU frequency to save power.

Good Luck.

 

[Asus]

Believe the bios but you can't see the bios when in Windows. So use CPU-Z which will tell you what the CPU/system specs are actually running at.

Often Windows and other programs (that tap into what Windows shows) are simply a list of specs or description of the product model which never changes rather than reading the sensors on the board and telling you what multiplier and bus speed are really running at.

 

[DEATH eVADER]

Thanks guys, I used CPUID, and its saying that my core multiplier is x6, but every 2-3 seconds it jumps to x9. Is that because I'm not doing anything strenuous to the system during that time, so easing down on the frequency?

 

[Blackthorn]

Yeah that's speedstep, lowers the multiplier during idle use. Don't worry about it doing that while a game's running, it'll stay at 9. You can turn it off in the BIOS if you want though.

 

[DEATH eVADER]

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind