Processor performance controls
CAUTION To prevent overheating, do not obstruct vents. Use the computer only on a hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as a printer, or a soft surface, such as pillows, thick rugs, or clothing, to block the airflow. Overheating can damage the computer and reduce processor performance.
NOTE In some cases, a computer may operate at a higher speed on external power than on battery power. If the battery power is extremely low, the computer may attempt to conserve power by reducing processor speed and graphics performance.
Windows XP enables you to manage the processor performance controls by selecting a power scheme. The processing speed can be set for optimal performance or for optimal power conservation.
Processor performance controls are managed in the Power Options Properties dialog box. To access Windows XP processor performance controls, Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options > Power Schemes tab.
The power scheme you select determines how the processor performs when the computer is plugged into external power or is running on battery power. Each power scheme for external power or battery power sets a specific processor state.
After a power scheme has been set, no other intervention is required to control the performance of the computer processor. The following table describes the processor performance on external and battery power for the available power schemes.
Power scheme | Processor performance while on | Processor performance while on |
| external power | battery power |
|
|
|
Home/Office Desk | Always runs at the highest performance | Performance state is determined based on |
| state. | CPU demand. |
|
|
|
Portable/Laptop (default) * | Performance state is determined based on | Performance state is determined based on |
| CPU demand. | CPU demand. |
Presentation | Performance state is determined based on |
| CPU demand. |
CPU performance is lower on battery power, then steadily decreases as the battery discharges.
Always On | Always runs at the highest performance | Always runs at the highest performance |
| state. | state. |
|
|
|
Minimal Power Management | Performance state is determined based on | Performance state is determined based on |
| CPU demand. | CPU demand. |
Max Battery | Performance state is determined based on |
| CPU demand. |
CPU performance is lower on battery power, then steadily decreases as the battery discharges.
* It is recommended that you use the Portable/Laptop power scheme.
ENWW | Processor performance controls 39 |
