MacBook 1.83Ghz only running at 1.5Ghz?

[willgr]

ok, so I'm a newly returned Mac user, the last one was an SE/30 about 13 years ago, so bear with me on this question if it has a simple answer...why does my MacBook never run faster than 1.5Ghgz according to CoreDuoTemp?

It shows the proper min and max frequencies, 1Ghz to 1.83Ghz, but shows "Current: 1.5Ghz" all of the time (correction - when I unplugged it from AC, it briefly jumped to 1.83Ghz and then back down to 1.5Ghz).

Is there a setting I'm not aware of?

Appreciate the feedback,
William

 

[robbieduncan]

Are you doing anything that would cause the CPU to be maxed out? If not then that's the normal behavious to save power and reduce heat. Try transcoding a video in Quicktime...

 

[Zeke]

I have to ask an obvious question. Do you have it set to reduced performance in the energy saver tab? That will slow the processor down to save power.

 

[iGary]

Read Apple's disclaimer on proc speed - "The MacBook automatically adjusts processor speed..."

Basically to keep the thing from melting.

They have yanked that verbage form the site, but I commented on it the other day - bascially the MacBook dynamically adjust clock speed to keep it cooler, supposedly.

 

[MRU]

Change performace setting with AV adapter to BEST/MAX Peformance and it will be at full speed all the time when the AV adapter is plugged in.

 

[Max on Macs]

This is because of your power settings. When the machine needs i to be faster, i will happen automatically. Nothing to worry about here.

 

[willgr]

Thanks everyone. I'm seeing it go to full speed now after changing the settings. I was familiar with this on the PC side, but just could not seem to make it operate (until now) like I thought it should.

Now, I just have to stop the moo and the whine so hi ho, hi ho, it's off for a replacement I go!!