How to extend battery life by 1 to 2 hours

[jackyyeow]

Actually to set the optimal voltage, I don't see a need to stress the CPU to test if the voltage is stable, just set to lowest and use the way you normally use. If you see error messages, raise the voltage a little, until you don't see any error messages.

I set all the clock speed to run at lowest voltage and so far it runs smooth and no error messages. Won't change anything until I see any error message pop up.

 

[Roman2K~]

@ZipZap

If I clear the list am I to add back all entries at once then test?

The goal is to find the lowest stable voltage for each frequency. In order to determine this voltage, we need to eliminate variables that could invalidate the results. Having an initial list of frequency-voltage pairs is one such variable.

So yes, start by clearing the list, and re-add all frequencies with the same voltage for all: the maximum one among the whole initial list. (In my case, it was 1.0875V.)

I dont understand what the purpose of the spreadsheet is...as in the instances is not configurable in coolbook

Since searching for lowest voltages is a set of trials and errors, it's important to keep track of what voltages were good (pass the stress test), and which one were bad (failed the stress test by exhibiting abnormal behaviour: grey screen of death, apps crashing...).

I am never prompted to perform a stability test

You're prompted once you click "Save" if I recall correctly (I can't say for sure, I'm at work right now).

My assumption is that I need to find the lowest votage that is stable for each frequency tracking results in a spreadsheet. When I finish with one frequency, I need to clear the list and add the next highest.

That's it.

The OP instructions really make no sense to me.
[...]
Your instructions should be rewritten as they are not clear in this regard.

Now that you mention it, it looks like I left out a paragraph in section 2 "finding out optimal voltages". Sorry about that.

@clyde2801

I think the spreadsheet is to keep track of the values being used to ensure what's stable.

Exactly, thank you.

 

[clyde2801]

I think the spreadsheet is to keep track of the values being used to ensure what's stable.

Thanks for the explanation. I might have to break down and try this. Think it would make more of a difference in the air or a 2.4ghz 2008 aluminum macbook in maximizing battery life?

 

[Roman2K~]

Thanks for the explanation. I might have to break down and try this. Think it would make more of a difference in the air or a 2.4ghz 2008 aluminum macbook in maximizing battery life?

I can't answer for sure, sorry. The only way to find out is to try, because it all depends on the particular CPU you got. It's a lottery.

Maybe its default configuration (voltage wise) is already optimal, or maybe you got a golden one and will be able to lower voltages significantly, improving battery life accordingly.

Most likely, you will get about the same gains as me.

 

[clyde2801]

I can't answer for sure, sorry. The only way to find out is to try, because it all depends on the particular CPU you got. It's a lottery.

Maybe its default configuration (voltage wise) is already optimal, or maybe you got a golden one and will be able to lower voltages significantly, improving battery life accordingly.

Most likely, you will get about the same gains as me.

I've learned to appreciate an honest answer. Thank you.

 

[ZipZap]

I would bet that most of the processors operate in the same range. Therefore, I would say its better to work your way up the list.

I still not sure I need a spreadsheet.

I just work each freq....up.

As it turns out all freqs worked at the lowest voltage with extended testing....so job done

Other than real use testing as suggested above.

 

[-tWv-]

I used cookbook on my MacBook without problems. I just installed it my MacBook pro and adjusted the settings, but even when I applied them and turned throttling on, it doesn't change the voltages at all.

I have a 2.4ghz processor and ive set the throttling level to high because I have six different settings. Is there anything else I need to do?

 

[n1tut]

Coolbook works fine on my Lion installation.

tut

 

[Roman2K~]

@ZipZap
Maybe mobile processors operate within tighter voltages ranges than desktop processors. I know for sure those can differ quite a bit in minimum operating voltage, even more when overclocked. For example back when the i7 920 rev. D0 was fashionable, some would run (from the default 2.66 GHz) at 4 GHz for as low as ~1.16V while others wouldn't be Prime95 stable at any less than 1.4V. Huge difference for idential models and revisions.

@touchdownjesus4

I used cookbook on my MacBook without problems. I just installed it my MacBook pro and adjusted the settings, but even when I applied them and turned throttling on, it doesn't change the voltages at all.

I have a 2.4ghz processor and ive set the throttling level to high because I have six different settings. Is there anything else I need to do?

Setting the throttling level to "high" will cause SpeedStep to be ultra sensitive to CPU load and adjust voltages so fast you wouldn't see the updates (both voltages increases and decreases) in the menu bar (with CoolBookController app running). I have set mine to medium and it's behaving fine. Make sure both "Throttling Active" and "CoolBook Active" checkboxes are ticked and save.

@n1tut

Coolbook works fine on my Lion installation.

Really? I haven't tried, but:

• "Everybody says" (all experiences shared on the web, that I've read) that it's not compatible. Even RoaringApps list it as non-compatible.
• There's also a thread on these forums where it's mentioned the author is going to release v3.0 that will be compatible and cost $5 for current users.

 

[unagimiyagi]

What is the reason that we can't undervolt the sandy bridge macbook airs again?

 

[TSE]

The processors aren't supported. I don't even think Nehalem processors (the previous Core i series) are supported on the Windows side to undervolt yet.