Desktop

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Clock Losing Time Rapidly While CPU On

0 helpful
6 replies

by jim

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
Okay, I know a CPU that loses time when shut off needs the CMOS battery replaced, but this one loses about 30 minutes a day while turned ON! Other units in the office aren't affected so power from the pole isn't suspected, but I'm trying to decide whether to start by replacing the processor (AMD Duron 800) or the power supply. Any one seen this before? Thanks!

6 replies

by ann777

Look for a chip that has "Real Time" on it... that chip coordinates the clock functionality on your computer. You are correct that the battery losing time while the computer is powered up indicates a problem. See if the real-time chip has workeditself loose and tighten it.

I don't think a new processor will help the clock situation. You might have to try a new systemboard if the chip is soldered in.

by dgust

Some clocks run on battery all of the time. I would replace the battery first before going any further.

by thechas

Start by double checking the CPU speed settings.

The BIOS may detect the CPU properly, and still set the clock wrong.

Most motherboards use the CPU to keep track of time when they are on, and use the RTC (real time clock) only when the power is off.

If you are using SDRAM, the settings are;
FSB 100MHZ
Multiplier 8X

Some motherboards will set the multiplier to 4X assuming that the board is running a 200MHZ FSB (true only for DDR RAM).

If the clock recovers when you re-boot, thenunderclocking of the CPU is the root cause.

Chas

This discussion is closed to new replies.