Energy Saver question

[LordCoven]

Hey there all,

Quick question about Energy Saver. If I set the processor speed to 'Reduced', does that just step down the processor, or does it enable the processor to step down when not being used to much, but step back up to full speed if I run a processor intensive task?

Cheers,
C

 

[ElDiabloConCaca]

I believe that the "Automatic" setting would do what you'd like -- run fast for processor intensive, slow down for idling or light work.

Some computers don't have this setting... they only have "Reduced" and "Highest" which would run the processor slow all the time or high all the time, accordingly.

The closest knowledge base article I could find on it refers to PowerBooks/iBooks, but I believe those setting descriptions I wrote are accurate for desktops as well:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=32398

 

[LordCoven]

Hrm. I don't have an 'Automatic' in the Processor Performance drop down. Or did you mean the Automatic choice in the Optimize Energy Settings drop down?
Cheers,
C

 

[ElDiabloConCaca]

No, I meant in the Processor Performance drop down, and if it's not there, then I would assume that "Reduced" would run slow most of the time, then kick up when the processor is used heavily, and "Highest" to keep the processors high all the time.

You could run a test with each setting by exporting a small iMovie or something along those lines... encoding MP3s/AACs, something that would make use of the processor considerably to see if they take roughly the same amount of time... if they do, then "Reduced" is what you're looking for!