System Properties showing - 1.7 Ghz 590 Mhz? Speedstep?

[pianoprodigy]

So, I just randomly noticed this a few days ago. I seem to remember when I first got my computer that it was not running at full processor speed when the battery was unplugged (I think it said the same thing in System Properties). I have since installed an E7k60 60 gb drive. I looked at the Bios setting and put everything to full.

What could be causing my problem?

[sugo]

Yes. It's pentium M's speedstep in action.

[pianoprodigy]

Yes. It's pentium M's speedstep in action.

Yeah, now how can I turn it off?

[FRiC]

In Windows XP, it's the power options, if you use Always On, then the CPU speed is always maximized. For Windows 2000, besides the power options, you can also get Intel's SpeedStep applet to change the speed. XP has no such applet, but there are third party apps to do the same thing, like Notebook Hardware Control.

Of course, with ThinkPads, you can also use the battery maximizer applet, just create a scheme with the speed you want.

[lithium726]

why do you need to turn it off? If anything, it makes your fan turn off and your system run cooler, therefore prolonging life of components. When you need the power, the chip will clock up instantaniously... you wont be able to tell the difference between speedstep on and off.

[dr_st]

Sometimes the Windows profiles are set to lock the CPU at 600MHz always, when on battery. Not desired behavior.

I found that using the Portable/Laptop profile is best, because it switches automatically between 600MHz and full speed whenever needed, both on battery and on AC, thus maxmizing performance, battery life and coolness.