New R51 runs very slow on batteries - max perform selected

[Teacher49]

I have a new ThinkPad R51.

I like it.

However, when I disconect it from external power and run on battery, it gets very slow. I have the set to "maximum system performance" when running on batteries.

Symptoms are very slow movement of cursor and cursor hard to control because it lags so far behind.


Windows slow to open or close, application slow to start or close.

Any advice?

[kubaw22]

First of all you can always check the current clock of cpu in system properties on first sheet. Under "processor xxx MHz" i tells actual clock rate.

Managing power setting on R51 is rather a disaster and includes BIOS, ThinkPad Configuration utility, Battery MaxiMiser software and Windows Power Management in Control Panel.

With my R51 i've found some interesting options in BIOS power setting (i.e. setting cpu clock to 'adaptive' not 'always low'). Before then i could never reach original 1500 Mhz when running on batteries (it was always 700 Mhz even with maximum performance).

Hope it helps.

[SeanM]

Check for spyware, check for viruses.

Also be aware of the hard drive protection system, which parks the hard drive heads when the computer is moved. If it's constantly parking the heads (you're using it on your lap and moving around) you might see a performance hit.

If you're not using it, try disabling the wireless radio, just to see what happens. (Fn+F5)