Underclocking a Processor?

2048Megabytes

2048Megabytes

Active Member
I know this is going to sound like a stupid question to some but is it possible to underclock a processor and have a stable system? I would like to buy a Phenom II 920 or 940 Processor and run it at a lower clock speed (maybe around 2.3 gigahertz) so it will use less power and generate less heat.

Is it possible to do this and run with a stable system?

I would look at some of the lower watt Phenom II processors but this is my CPU support list:

http://www.gigabyte.us/Support/Motherboard/CPUSupport_Model.aspx?ProductID=2817#anchor_os

As you can see I am limited to only three Phenom II processors with my motherboard.
 
yeah its not too uncommon i think. i ran my e8400 at 2.2ghz when i didnt plan on anything but internet surfing. it does help to eliminate waste heat and electricity.
 
StrangleHold said:
Or just keep Cool n Quiet enabled. It will clock it way down when not needed.
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That's what I do with my laptops. Cool n Quiet/Speed Step and force it to stay at it's lower speed. Vista does this with "Power Saver" power plan, though I think Windows 7 tends to bump the speed up if CPU utilization peaks for extended periods of time.

Though to be honest, I think you'd be fine. unless you're cooling is inadequate, stock speeds are typically very stable. Heck I've not had any problems with my i7. You'd almost certainly have more problems due to software glitches and all than from hardware, unless the hardware is physically bad or failing.
 
I could lower the multiplier on the processor couldn't I? This would reduce power consumption.

What I am also concerned with is less power consumption because I want a lower power bill.
 
Why the hell would you upgrade only to lower the clock speed?

If your gonna do something like that then keep your current system as its a total waste of money to upgrade if your not gonna use the system or cool n quiet.
That will save you more money.
 
Twist86 said:
Why the @%$* would you upgrade only to lower the clock speed?

If your gonna do something like that then keep your current system as its a total waste of money to upgrade if your not gonna use the system or cool n quiet.
That will save you more money.
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A Phenom II 940 or 945 would wipe the floor with any Dual-Core Athlon first generation processor even if it were clocked at only at 2.3 gigahertz. If I am not mistaken the Phenom II processors are at least 25 percent faster clock for clock over 65 nanometer Dual-Cores.

That would be like having a Phenom 9950 Quad-Core running at around 2.8 gigahertz using only around 100 Watts.
 
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