Processor performance controls – HP Compaq Presario C310EU Notebook PC User Manual

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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.