dual core SMP PPD nosedive,proj 8571

[nogginthenog]

I have 4 laptop basically identical, 1 I browse and download on, the others just do folding about 18 hours a day. They mostly get about 2000 PPD with a3 WUs. The one I browse on usually gets less, no surprise.

One of the 3 failed to complete a WU before the deadline recently and had been showing 220 PPD estimate for a couple of days. The ETA estimate seemed it might work out, so I left it on 24/24 and set it to Finish, then went away for a couple of days. I thought perhaps it was just a problem with a particular WU.

Now it has a new WU, started off showing a normal PPD of about 2000, now its down to 220.
CPU is 2 cores at 100%
PRCG is 8571(1,0,363)
FaH client 7.2.9 on Windows7
I haven't changed any settings recently. The other 2 folding-only machines are working normally

Any ideas?

[billford]

Anything showing in Task Manager that's using CPU time?

[nogginthenog]

fahcore_a3 is using 91-97%CPU

[PantherX]

How are the temperatures of the laptop? If it is over-heating, it will automatically downclock the CPU which may result in an even slower folding performance. To lower the temperature, ensure that the vents are clean from dust and debris and if possible, lift the rear of the laptop by a few centimeters to ensure that it has adequate air flow (using bottle caps works fine). If the laptops are stationary, you could consider removing the rear panel if possible which would help reduce the temperature.

Since you fold on dual core laptops part-time, maybe you can give the Chrome Folding App (viewtopic.php?f=95&t=26171) a try which is targeted towards part-time folders. Just ensure that you are using the latest Chrome release (if you don't use Chrome as your primary browser, you can consider the portable version which won't interfere with your regular browser http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/g ... e_portable)

[nogginthenog]

It was actually running cooler than the other 3 laptops, but it had indeed downlocked. Took out the fan (luckily not requiring complete stripdown) and took out a small bit of fluff (I've seen worse) and its back to decent PPD now. Thanks!