DESCRIPTION
Windows XP typically reports a slower Processor speed than the Maximum rated speed of the CPU.
SCOPE
All Compaq Notebooks using Windows XP.
RESOLUTION
Because of continual adjustments in the speed of the CPU Clock for power and thermal management, the 'current' speed reported by Windows will typically be something less than the Maximum Rated Speed.
A speed difference of 5 MHz is perfectly normal. The value that is listed in the System Properties dialog box refers to the current speed of the CPU and not the processor's maximum speed. Because of minor variations in clock frequencies for the CPU and system bus, the current speed may differ from the maximum speed.
Larger differences may also be reported due to Windows XP implements Native Processor Performance control. The operating system will throttle the processor speed depending on several factors, including demand and state of the battery.
You can change the way Windows manages the processor speed within the power options properties. (Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options).
To view the Processor details, use:
Compaq Diagnostics for Windows to view the information about the installed Processor.
Processor Frequency ID Utility from Intel ( readily available as a free download @ Intel.com)
NOTE: This issue is not specific to Compaq Notebooks -- the Industry-standard model for Portable Platforms incorporates similar strategies to manage power ( battery life ) and thermal emissions. Microsoft addresses this issue, with respect to Windows, in the following Knowledgebase articles:
&
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316965Product=winxp
The Processor Speed May Be Reported Incorrectly in Windows XP
&
http://support.microsoft.com/smarterror/default.aspx?spid=global&query=kb%20en%20us%20303602product%20winxp
System Properties Report Wrong Processor Speed
&
http://support.microsoft.com/smarterror/default.aspx?spid=global&query=kb%20en%20us%20311051product%20winxp
CPU Speed in System Properties Dialog Box May Differ from Actual CPU Speed
&
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;312104Product=winxp
How Processor Speed Is Reported to a Computer
