i have an athlon 64 3500+ 2.2gigahertz. when i ran a pc pitstop test for fun, i noticed it showed my processor speed at 984 megahertz. Intrigued, i went to my computer properties and low-and-behold my speed was indeed 984 megahertz. so, i clicked out and went to the properties again. this time it was at 1.77 gigahertz. on the third try it was at 2.2 gigahertz. then on the fourth back to 1.77, then 984, and so on. is this normal or what?

Are you using "amd cool n quiet"? If so, that would explain it as cool n quiet can adjust processor speed depending on whats needed to save power and to reduce temperatures.

this is normal. Cool and quiet technology with AMD slows down processor speed when not in heavy demand. This is to stop your processor from overheating.

oh ok thanks