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Dell Defect Turning 2.2GHz CPU Into 100MHz CPU?

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the making-the-pr-department-work-for-their-paycheck dept.

jtavares2 writes "In what is being dubbed Throttlegate, scores of users on many message boards have been complaining about nexplicably aggressive throttling policies on their Dell Latitude E6500 and E6400 laptops which cause their CPUs to be throttled to less than 5% of their theoretical maximums even while at room temperatures. In many cases, the issue can be triggered just by playing a video or performing some other trivial, but CPU intensive, task. After being banned [PDF] from the Dell Forums for revealing 'non-public information,' one user went so far as to write and publish a 59-page report [PDF] explaining and diagnosing the throttling problem in incredible detail. Dell seems to be silent on the issue, but many users are hoping for a formal recall."

12 of 314 comments (clear)

  1. First Post by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Comes a bit slower at 100 MHz. I'll probably get second or third, damn Dell laptop.

  2. Has anyone been able to see the report? by NoYob · · Score: 5, Funny

    I click on the link and well, I think it's being hosted by one of these Dells

    --
    It's NOT me! It's the meds! I'm on 1000mg of Fukitol.
  3. Oh for the love of god ... Throttlegate? by 0racle · · Score: 5, Funny

    Seriously, just STFU.

    --
    "I use a Mac because I'm just better than you are."
    1. Re:Oh for the love of god ... Throttlegate? by osu-neko · · Score: 5, Funny

      Yes, can we scour the editors?

      --
      "Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies."
    2. Re:Oh for the love of god ... Throttlegate? by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 5, Funny

      You fool! You've opened the MetaGate!

  4. Many users are hoping for a formal recall by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I hear Dell is planning to issue a complimentary turbo button for any user experiencing the problem.

    1. Re:Many users are hoping for a formal recall by baka_toroi · · Score: 5, Funny

      I can't believe some Slashdot members don't know what a Turbo Button is. I'm going to cry.

  5. FTW by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Energy Star Compliance at it's Best.

  6. Silver lining... by Dan+East · · Score: 5, Funny

    At least the batteries will last for 50 hours.

    --
    Better known as 318230.
  7. Mine just arrived by WiiVault · · Score: 5, Funny

    Windows 7 on a blazing fast 100mhz CPU. Suck on that /.ers. And hey it does Aero too! At least I think it does, bought mine last week and just got to the login screen.

  8. Long day at Throttlegate by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    As a newly hired Dell Tech support employee starting his 2nd day at work in about 9 hours, I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a looong day.

  9. Re:The E-series has been craptastic all along by gander666 · · Score: 5, Funny

    It is the built in theremin they use for input. My old D630 was horrible. The pointer would jump all over the place, except when I was trying to show the desktop support person the issue...

    --
    Suppose you were an idiot and suppose you were a member of Congress ... but I repeat myself. - Mark T