Power
Hardware and Software Guide
2–15
Processor Performance Controls
(Select Models Only)
On select notebook models, Windows XP supports software that
enables you to control processor performance. The central
processing unit (CPU) speed can be set for optimal performance
or for optimal power conservation.
For example, the software can be set to trigger an automatic
change in processor speed when the power source changes from
external power to battery pack power, or when the notebook use
changes between active and idle.
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 notebook is connected to external power or
running on battery power. Each power scheme for external power
or battery power sets a specific processor state.
Different states may be used, depending on whether the notebook
is running on external or battery power. After a power scheme
has been set, no other intervention is required to control the
performance of your notebook processor. The following table
describes the processor performance on external and battery
power for the available power schemes.
