Dell releases Bios updates to fix throttling issues in notebooks

Dell notebooks are having speed issues

Dell has released several notebook bios updates to attempt to fix throttling problems in several of its popular notebook models. These models include the Studio 16xps, Alienware M15X, Lattitude E6400, and Latitude E6500 systems.  As previously reported, users have been reporting frequent CPU drops in performance when playing videos, running demanding applications, or playing games.  Many of these notebooks are fairly new systems with the new i7 CPU from Intel.   Owners have tried using new power supplies, new drivers, and even replacing the thermal paste on their CPUs (not recommend - it will void your warranty) to little effect.

Owners are reporting that their CPU speeds on the i7 processors are dropping when running demanding applications or games.  Some owners have found their CPU's dropping down in speed to 900MHz or lower.  Others have seen their CPU speed drop to 10% of their full speed.  Many reasons have been forthcoming including power supply problems, lack of cooling, and even problem motherboards.  Apparently these slowdowns are occuring when a system is pushed to its maximum state of performance.  Certain games can do this easily as well as some applications. 

Motherboards sometimes can be defective

According to a Dell blog post, many of the Lattitude and Precision class notebooks have power saving algorithms that kick in under high stress conditions. According to the author, new bios updates were released to try and reduce CPU throttling on these systems.  However, after users updated their bios chips the issue continued to plaque more than a few owners. 

This slowdown of CPU performance is very serious issue that appears to be unresolved, even after different attempts at fixes and even hardware component replacements.  According to some customers on the Dell blog postings, the issue remains a very real continuing problem that seems to have no fix or real answer.  Some customers have reported that in some  notebooks  there is evidence of overheating due to poor circulation or cooling design.  Others have reported similar problems with the Alienware M15X which does have better cooling.

Today's owners expect high performance from their CPUs

Recently Alienware M15X notebook owners have also been reporting problems with their systems.  On Notebook Review.com, users have reported CPU slow down problems playing popular PC games and running other applications.  Owners have been trying to correct the problem with new bios updates, driver updates, and even clean OS installs to little effect, at least for some owners.  Others have stated they did not experience the throttling problem. 

Perhaps the problem might be in the i7 processor being shipped with many of the systems.  According to some reports, the new CPU changes speeds that can affect system performance.  The i7 processor changes speeds with different power modes and application demands. The processor scales up and down related to the demands of the system or any application running at the moment.  For some this might explain a possible drop in processor speed.  However, the logic doesn't run true for all of the owners, especially since the CPU sholdn't be dropping speed when running a demanding application or game. 

Games can make big demands on a system

At present, there hasn't been any real fixes that alleviate the CPU throttling problem of these notebooks.  While some owners have found relief from updating their bios or installing new drivers, many others still await a fix.  For owners that experience this problem, they should definitely seek a remedy if they system is under warranty.  Dell is currently working on the problem and has been attempting to fix the problem.  Hopefully there will be a fix in the near future.