How to view CPU maximum speed in Win Vista

When Windows Vista looks at System properties, the reported value of the processor (CPU) speed may be below the maximum speed. To view system Properties, you can click "Start", right-click the "My Computer" icon, and then select "Properties" from the menu list. System Properties Displays the current speed at which the CPU is running (or at the current speed). The speed value in product promotion is the maximum speed (or maximum) that the CPU can achieve. Typically, there is a gap between the CPU speed reporting value in System properties and the maximum CPU speed.

Laptops with Intel and AMD mobile processors control processor speeds using processor speed limiting characteristics. Your processor may slow down because of the user's "Power Options" (whether the laptop is using AC or DC power) and the current system process and application requirements. The processor speed limit feature is designed to extend battery life by supplying only the necessary power (when using DC power). Intel laptops use Speedstepreg; Technology, while AMD systems use Powernow!reg; Technology.

Use Microsoft System Information to view the highest speed

You can use the Microsoft System Information utility to view the processor's maximum speed:

Click "Start" and type "run" in the "Search" field. Select Run when available, and then type "Msinfo32" in the Run window that appears.

Or you can click "Start" and type "System Information" in the "Search" field. Select System Information when it is available, and the System Information window appears.

You can also press the FN and ESC keys to access the System Information window at the same time.

The System Information Utility dialog box displays processor information, including the highest speed.

Use HP Help and Support to view the current speed and maximum speed

You can use HP Help and Support to view the current speed and maximum speed of the processor:

Click "Start" > "Help and Support". Select System Information when the Help and Support window appears. The System Information window appears.

In "Hardware", click "Processor".

The name, maximum speed, and processor chip information for your system processor will appear.

Control processor speed limit function

You can control the processor speed limit characteristics through the Power Options in Control Panel.

Click on "Start" > "Control Panel".

When the Control Panel window appears, select Hardware and Sound.

When the hardware and Sound window appears, select Power Options.

Alternatively, you can right-click on the power icon next to the clock in the system tray and select the "Powered Options" from the Pull-down menu.

After the Power Options window appears, you can choose from three plans:

HP recommended

The trade-off between power saving and performance is achieved.

Power Saver

Use the Power saver mode when you cannot connect to a wall outlet.

High performance

Use the high performance mode when you plug in a wall socket and require the best processor response rate.

You can also customize these power plans by clicking Change Plan settings.