netbook 59% max CPU usage when on power saving mode
Why, when my netbook is on power save mode (CPU clocks down to 0.97GHz from 1.67GHz), its CPU usage won't go past 59% when doing something intensive? Is Windows 8.1 limiting the CPU usage besides underclocking it? Is it measuring the CPU usage with respect to a full clocked CPU? Am I missing something? Windows XP shows 100%.
Any clue will be appreciated.
its called processor Scaling, and its done for powersaving and thermal considerations. its performed by reducing the clock multiplier on the CPU, and thus reducing its overall frequency (GHz). most processors are 100-166Mhz but the clock rate allows it to perform multiple operations per cycle. Some will tell you that it is more harmful to the hardware than it is good. Put your power option to high performance and a shortcut on your start page for sleep...
I have it configured on 5% on max and min in Power save and I use balanced when more power is needed or it's plugged in, the netbook works fairly well on this mode as I use it for basic things as word processing and Internet browsing while saving battery.
But my problem is that in this setup the CPU usage is up to 59% and I don't know if Windows 8 is limiting the usage or it's a new way to measure CPU usage, In XP and previously with 7 I get 100% with this same settings (in XP with Samsung drivers and utilities).
Notice the spike, it's because I've changed to Balance and back to power save mode.
Yep, the 59% is just what is currently being used. It's not for what is able to be used.
A good setting in your power options is 5% MIN and 100% MAX like in my screenshot. This way Windows will be able to use up to 100% of your CPU if needed.
Yep, the 59% is just what is currently being used. It's not for what is able to be used.
A good setting in your power options is 5% MIN and 100% MAX like in my screenshot. This way Windows will be able to use up to 100% of your CPU if needed.
Many thanks again Brink, but why does XP show 100% CPU usage under the same circumstances?
I know your setting is the optimal one in most cases, but I have to use the netbook for long times on battery and I have to do this to get it, as it's old (+3 years) and its battery is somewhat degraded.
My doubt is if Windows 8 is limiting CPU usage besides underclocking (thus reducing performance even more) it or is a new way to measure usage based on its maximum clock? I would try running a benchmark like Passmark comparing both but it would heat my netbook a lot and would took plenty of time.
So Windows 8 is limiting the CPU usage besides underclocking the CPU while XP doesn't. It works fairly well for a netbook underclocked to 1GHz and 59% max CPU usage. Good job MS optimizing Windows 8 on slower hardware.
Many thanks for your help and patience.
Yep, depending on what you set for min/max in power options, it will have Windows scale up and down the processor based on demand. It's all designed to help save battery life, energy, and reduce heat when the CPU doesn't need to be run at 100%.
