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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
external power
Processor performance while on
battery power
Home/Office Desk Always runs at the highest performance
state.
Performance state is determined based on
CPU demand.
Portable/Laptop (default) * Performance state is determined based on
CPU demand.
Performance state is determined based on
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
state.
Always runs at the highest performance
state.
Minimal Power Management Performance state is determined based on
CPU demand.
Performance state is determined based on
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 41