Specifications

smartCore Express SMA200 BIOS / Driver Installation
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4.4 SpeedStep
4.5 SpeedStep Performance Control
The Pentium-M improved the SpeedStep mechanism by adding a third power scheme in addition to the low-power and
the full-performance modes. This new mode is called adaptive mode, and allows the frequency and voltage to switch
according to the CPU activity. The CPU uses a low-power mode by default, but when its activity increases, it switches
itself very quickly into full-performance mode. This new power scheme is very pleasant to use, because it allows full
CPU speed only when needed. Of course, power consumption depends on the CPU activity, and the more the CPU is
used, the more it consumes power.
Windows XP
Power Schemes
AC Power
(Frequency example:
mobile Pentium-M 2 GHz)
Battery DC
(Frequency example:
mobile Pentium-M 1.6 GHz)
Home/Office Desktop None (2 GHz Always) Adaptive (600 MHz <…>1.6 GHz
Portable/Laptop Adaptive (800 MHz <…>2 GHz Adaptive (600 MHz <…>1.6 GHz
Presentation Adaptive (800 MHz <…>2 GHz Degrade (600 MHz)
Always On None (2 GHz Always) None (1.6 GHz Always)
Minimal Power Management Adaptive (800 MHz <…>2 GHz Adaptive (600 MHz <…>1.6 GHz
Maximum Battery Adaptive (800 MHz <…>2 GHz Degrade (600 MHz)
CPU performance is heavily dependent on the choice of power scheme in the system control.