Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Why is my portable processor (CPU) recognized incorrectly?

A: The purpose of Intel® SpeedStep® technology is to allow customized high-performance computing on your notebook computer. With SpeedStep, when the notebook computer is connected to the AC outlet, complex business and Internet applications run with speed virtually identical to a desktop computer. When using a battery to power the notebook computer, the processor drops to a lower frequency (by changing the bus ratios) and voltage, conserving battery life while maintaining a high level of performance.

When SpeedStep is enabled, the computer does not run at full speed until the faster speed is needed. This reduces power consumption and increases battery life.

Some software applications such as PC-Doctor, used to collect information about the computer, may appear to incorrectly report the speed of the processor when running System Information. The reason that the processor speed is reported as slower than the actual processor speed is that PC Doctor does not need the extra processor speed to run the test, so the computer reports just the processor speed being used to run the tests, not the full processor speed.

The speed of the processor reported depends on the mode in the BIOS to which you have set the SpeedStep Utility.

If you have the SpeedStep Utility set to either Disabled or Battery Mode, the computer might report the processor speed up to 200 megahertz (MHz) less than what it actually is. For example, an 850-MHz processor may be reported as a 650-MHz processor. In Maximum Performance or Automatic Mode, the CPU reports close to the correct portable processor speed.

Note: On the Gateway® 600 series or 400 series, SpeedStep cannot be disabled.