Processor speed question (my usage)

[Tõnis]

I have noticed that when my Thinkpad's speed is set (through Power Manager) to "Low" (790MHz), I usually run the applications that I normally use with no problems whatsoever. I usually have 6-10 Firefox pages open (some with multiple tabs), maybe a few IE pages, and 3 or 4 instant messaging programs open. At this Low speed setting, my CPU usage stays really low (under 10%) unless I'm in a video call, and then it might step up into the range of 30-50%. If I start watching Youtube or using Paint while surfing the net during a video call, the computer doesn't bog down or anything either; it just stays at around the high end of the range (50%). The only time I really step up the speed to "Maximum Performance" (2.39 MHz) is if I'm doing the above applications and decide to simultaneously run a virus scan. Even then, at 2.39 MHz, the processor might be at 50-60% with all of that and the virus scan running. What I'm wondering is this: is there any advantage (other than reduced battery consumption) to leaving the processor speed on Low with my typical usage? Is one way or the other better for the processor in terms of longevity or otherwise (e.g. lower speed/higher % or higher speed/lower %)? Is "exercising" my processor like this (30-50%) good for it? Any disadvantage? TIA for your thoughts ...

Tõnis

[basketb]

No specific answer to your questions, just a general remark: Running the CPU at higher speeds usually means more heat is produced which leads to the fan kicking in earlier. Some people find the noise that this generates bothersome.

[Marin85]

Just to add to what basketb mentioned: Heat is actually the main enemy of the laptop hardware components. It´s the main factor that makes laptop hardware "worn out" over time.

EDIT: Added "over time"...

[jdhurst]

So long as a CPU is not overheating, it does not hurt it in the least to use it. The flip side of the coin is that unless you are actively doing something to use the CPU, it probably will sit at idle most of the time. My CPU on both laptop and desktop runs at less than 2% more than 98% of the time.

Totally off topic, an AS/400 with OS/400 (if they are still available) has a very refined batch and interactive processing system, so it is possible (done this) to have a specific task run the CPU for days on end at 99% and users would never know because the interactive system kept them fed. The only way to tell was that batch jobs took longer. Let the CPU go to 100% and everything would stop. There in a nutshell is what is wrong with personal computers. Any number of processes can go to 100% - nothing limits them. I see this in Windows, but I have seen it on my Linux boxes as well. ..... JDH

[Tõnis]

Thanks, all, for your replies. I will continue to throttle the processor speed (by using the power schemes) in the manner to which I have become accustomed ... being mindful of heat, of course.

Tõnis

[Marin85]

As JDH pointed out, your laptop is designed for its particular amount of heat. So, if your machine is healthy, you shouldn´t have any concerns if that kind even under heavy load (just FYI)... But with moderate power scheme, your ThinkPad may last even longer.

Marin