ATTENTION: G73/G74/53SW/SX Owners - CPU Throttling to 798mhz and how to fix it

[dkillone]

EDIT: This affects ALL G Series owners that have a sandybridge cpu(G73SW/G74SX/G53SW/G53SX), there is NO exceptions until Asus releases an update, not all games will cause cpu throttling, but so far I am comfirming more and more games that induce it.

EDIT 2: There is also a more permanent fix now as well, but its Unofficial and requires you to flash your bios. CLICK HERE to find out more,

I initially noticed this when I first got my G73SW-XA1 back in mid march, 2011. but didn't think anything of it until a poster had brought this up as some HP owners noticed that their Envy 17 SB is doing this to them. Edit: Which HP fixed their throttling problem on May 29th, 2011.

Problem is when running Prime95 the CPU stays turbo boosted at 2.3 to 2.6ghz. However, once Furmark is started at the same time, the CPU drops instantly to 798mhz. This now also can be noticed in GTA4,SC2,L4D2,WoW and anything that will put high loads on CPU + GPU at the same time. It does NOT just happen during synthetic test.


The FIX

So how to fix it? Well so far it seems running ThrottleStop in monitor only mode stops any, and all throttling. You do not have to mess with any settings, simply extract and run the exe for it to work. If you would like to have it run on bootup, simply create a shortcut, and drop it into your start-up folder. To have it auto-close, go into the ThrottleStop.ini and change "DCExitTime=0" to any number you like(basically just means number of seconds before it closes, I have mine set to 5.)

Throttlestop 4.00:
http://www.techinferno.com/downloads/?did=9


or for more detailed information about TS:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/hardware-components-aftermarket-upgrades/531329-throttlestop-guide.h...


There is no known downsides to using throttlestop, your CPU will still down-clock properly when not in use, and it does not run hotter, nor have I found any conflicts with battery draining faster.

Also, you do NOT have to worry about any overheating, even with throttling disabled I see no higher than a peak 81c on my CPU/GPU in a ambient room temp of 84-86f. So you really don't need to worry about that. However, the PSU does get hotter when throttling is disabled when there is significant load on CPU + GPU. So just watch for that, though it should be ok for the most part.

More Permanent Fix
This fix is 100% unofficial, and will require you to flash the BIOS. Which can be done with EasyFlash from within the BIOS menu. This is still done at your OWN RISK, so I am NOT responsible for any laptops not working after flashing.(However as a side note, flashing the bios is a fairly safe thing to do, especially when using the built in flasher Asus already provides.)
*Warning, this also might put more strain on your battery when running on battery only, But I've yet so see any difference during my test. Just beware of the possibility, I am in no way responsible for any damages done.


What this fix does is disable Bi Directional PROCHOT within the bios, so there will be no need to run Throttlestop on bootup anymore. I've been using this bios for quite some time, and I have had no problems, so the risk should be minimal. Also, as a bonus, this bios also enables AES(Learn More) that Asus so kindly forgot to implement into our original bios. The download link is below and the instructions for flashing will be below that.

Download: G53SW_AES_Throttle-Fix.zip
Download: G73SW_AES_Throttle-Fix.zip
Download: G74SX_AES_Throttle-Fix.zip (thanks to AbbyY)


Instructions:

Step 1: Download the file above, extract the 2 files onto a flash drive. Leave the flash drive plugged in.

Step 2: Reboot the computer, and press and hold F2 to get into the bios. Go to Advanced tab, then Start EASY FLASH.

Step 3: You should see the 2 extracted files once into easy flash. Using arrow keys, choose the one with _TFIX(_ORIG is for if you want to go back to default bios). Then hit enter and Yes to update. Let it do its thing, (it will shutdown, but just turn it back on after it shuts down).

Step 4: Once your back into windows, to test for success, download this MSR Tool and type in 0x1fc in the MSR Number box, then click Read MSR. Under the EAX box, you should see "0x0004005E", E being the key here that BD-PROCHOT is disabled(it will be F, it PROHOT is still enabled).

Step 5(optional): You can also test by running Prime95 + Furmark at the same time. Using RealTemp 3.67 to monitor cpu clocks. It should never fall below 1995mhz essentially, but for me, lowest I see it go is 22xxmhz.

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Testing

If anyone else would like to test for themselves the programs to use for logging, stressing, etc are:

RealTemp 3.67(mainly to log to a txt file, but also it reads accurately the multi/cpu clocks of the CPU. Can be used for temperatures as well.)
http://majorgeeks.com/Real_Temp_d6098.html

PRIME95(good to get CPU to 100% load, but also checks for memory etc, very good for testing the computer stability)
http://majorgeeks.com/Prime95_d4363.html

Furmark 1.9.0(puts the graphic card at 99-100% load, again, just another good program to check for stability, of course, also just the programs I used to show consistent throttling.)
http://majorgeeks.com/FurMark_d4183.html


Also, if anyone gets some very interesting results, feel free to post in this thread, hopefully this will all lead to an official fix from Asus. We may have a temp fix for now, but always nice to hear official word and for an official update solving this problem. Thanks for reading!


Thread I created on NotebookReview Forums about it.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-gaming-notebook-forum/576468-g73sw-cpu-throttling-prime95-furma...

Thread of this happening to HP Envy 17 owners.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-envy-hdx/575817-hp-envy-17-sb-throttling-test.html

Confirmed Games that are affected by Throttling(click on the game to see throttling log of that game)

• Grand Theft Auto 4
  
• GRID
  
• StarCraft 2
  
• World of Warcraft
  
• Left 4 Dead 2
  
• Team Fortress 2
  
• Just Cause 2
  
• Skyrim (in 3D mode)
  
• Sonic Generations
  

Video of throttling in GTA IV




NOTES I've gathered so far:

• This is not a temperature problem, temps are perfectly well in range during test. However, Intel could be throttling for laptops that possibly would have high temperatures with both running.
  
• This is not strictly from caused by nvidia as the HP Envy uses an ATI GPU, so this is either motherboard or strictly the CPU.
  
• Using a higher watt PSU has no affect on throttling.
  
• This could be a power draw issue, or a premature temperature throttling.
  
• Using Throttlestop 3.00 stops the throttle, doesnt have to stay on, just be run once on boot.
  
• HP released a BIOS update fixing the throttling problem for Envy 16 gen2 owners on May 29th, 2011.
  
• Using realtemp 3.67 to log cpu during games has proven that throttling is happening outside of artificial test.
  
• GTA4 is the most affected by throttling, frames are around 10-25, but instantly jump to 30+, once throttlestop is opened.
  
• All G53/73SW models are affected by this throttling problem until Asus releases an update to fix it, most likely it will be a new bios.
  
• Ken Lee from GenTechPC has been great help, no one at Asus was really responding to me. I asked if Ken could talk to them, and now he is working with Asus to produce a fix. 😆
  
• This problem still persist on the new G74/53SX series
  
• As of 11-22-11, still no sign that Asus cares to release a bios update fixing this issue(not even for their new G series). So I don't see the point in hoping they will fix it anymore.
  
  

Since all the links are dead, here is my dropbox backup, should have all the files in this post. Choose the one you need.
Dropbox Backup

[Bojamijams]

Proz wrote:
A buddy of mine has a lenovo notebook with i7 and gt555m and he plays games just fine on battery with no issues. Isn't that the whole point of "mobile" gaming? If you can't play games on them on battery you might as well just get a desktop with better performance for half the price.

If your CPU didn't throttle, and everything ran at full speed, your battery would last about 15-20minutes playing Battlefield 3.

The point of mobile gaming is that your system is mobile. Its light, small and you know, mobile. Mobile does not mean battery powered.

[unclewebb]

I get a score of 1225 CONSISTANTLY plugged into the A.C charger on my Lenovo IdeaPad y570 (core i7-2630qm -- gt555m) but when im running on the battery it drops to 825 ive made sure to have all the power options set to the same (High Performance) mode is set in the windows/lenovo energy managment so its not lacking the power...

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1639662

I have also spent some time helping Lenovo W520 owners with their throttling laptops so I guess your friend got lucky.

http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/W-Series-ThinkPad-Laptops/W520-Speedstep-not-working-properly-on-battery...

Sometimes throttling on battery power is blatant like above where the CPU is running at only 800 MHz and other times it is more subtle. Unless you are logging the performance of your CPU and GPU, many users don't even realize that their laptop is not running at its designed speed when on battery power.

Acer, Asus, Dell, MSI, HP, Lenovo, etc. are all guilty of producing a throttling laptop or two. Owners need to do more testing and put more pressure on manufacturers to get their act together and stop turning a blind eye to this issue.

[Chastity]

Hi everyone,

just wanted to chime in with some tips for anyone planning to push their notebooks:

1) Never run full throttle on battery power only. It's a good way to shorten your battery's lifespan.

2) For people looking to run full throttle under AC power: please check your power supplies when running. If they are uncomfortably hot, then consider upgrading to a 180w PSU. As we know, the closer we push our AC units to their spec'd max, they will run less efficiently, and generate more heat. This will also shorten lifespan of the PSU. This is especially true when overclocking, as you can have power draws above 150w. (My G73JH on some OC settings could hit 170w according to my car inverter)

Switching to a 180w PSU will allow the unit to run more effeciently, and ergo, cooler.

http://computerpartsdirect.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=14081

Here's what I use, and the tips are also L-shaped to help protect the power pin on the mobo. It's $38.95 + s/h

[Bojamijams]

Okay well in that case, for the G75 and onward, please consider bundling an APPROPRIATE size power supply so that GAMERS who GAME on their republic of GAMERS notebook can have an adequately sized power supply which is meant for GAMING.

To say that I'm pissed about this is an understatement.

The PS you linked is a REFURB unit. New units cost about $80 + s/h, which is what you're asking customers to pay, on TOP of the laptop, for something that should've been included in the first place.

[WaffleBoy]

What a shame. Why Asus don't care about this problem... I wish they'll fix it when G55/75 will be released.

[AdelaisAer]

Actually, question: If we upgrade our AC Adapter, does it have to be a 180W? Because the one that Chastity uses is the only 180W I could find (that was universal, that is; all the other ones are strictly HP/Sony). :S I need to find something that is sold in Canada, too, which includes Amazon Canada and Tigerdirect Canada.

[ScutuMix]

Hi guys,

I'm new on the forum an in the ROG world. I just ordered last week an ASUS G53Sx customized on XoticPC.com website and I would like to know if the new models of G53Sx still have this problem with the CPU.

a) How can I test the laptop to see if it has this problem?

b) It's any way to avoid this problem?

c) Is this problem covered by warranty?

d) What other problems are commun for this model?


Thank you for helping me 🙂


Edit:

I made a research last night and I found so many complains about this G series laptop so I've decided to return the G53Sx (even if I love ASUS and the laptop design) and I'll go with MSI GT683DX - same price, better video card GTX570M.

Thank you 🙂

[gvii]

So has there been any progress on an official BIOS fix? I've modified the BIOS in all of my desktops and old laptop to varying degrees, so I'm not entirely paranoid about possibly running a modified BIOS in my G74, but I would still very much prefer an official update. I realize there is the software based workaround, but being required to do it just so the computer works properly annoys the everliving heck out of me. And it is frustrating, especially considering the rather high regard in which I hold ASUS products, as evidenced by the large pile of ASUS labeled boxes I have lying about.

Please don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore my G74 to no end. The only complaint I honestly have is about the lack of hardware RAID functionality. I also wish it had an optical output, but that's not really a complaint, just a personal preference kind of thing. Outside of that, it has absolutely everything I could wish for in a gaming notebook, and I'm more than happy to recommend it to others.

But any kind of update in regards to how things are progressing would be appreciated to no end.

[AdelaisAer]

So I take it there isn't one made specifically for Asus laptops, let alone the G74SX?

[MrRuckus]

I honestly dont believe there ever will be an update. I have a feeling this is just hardware related to the i7 and throttling down under load when temps reach a certain point. Not sure Asus could make a fix Bios wise for it. I experienced this first hand in SC2 at times on my previous G53, but I havent yet experienced it with my G74, although once I picked up my G74 I ran across this thread and have used Throttlestop ever since. I think the G53 was more succeptable to this problem being that it was a smaller chassis and did not have as much space for cooling.

Im just glad someone was able to find a work around for it. Slowing down in a SC2 game with an i7 seemed absurd to me, but the laptop would routinely get into the high 80's low 90's for temps when gaming (G53 that is).

The G74 doesn't even get to 70C most of the time. Even when running FurMark/Intel Burn-In at the same time. It seems the temps between G74's can very by a wide margin from one to the next as others have seen temps in the low 90's. I would recommend a reseat of the heatsink and re-apply of some thermal paste if your temps are that high, although its said that removing the heatsink will void your warranty, so just keep that in mind.