Windows Vista viewing "system properties", the processor (CPU) speed report value may be lower than the maximum speed. To view "System Properties", you can click "Start", right click on the "My Computer" icon, and select "Properties" in the menu list. System Properties will display the current operating speed (or current speed) of the CPU. The speed value in the product promotion is the maximum operating speed (or maximum speed) that the CPU can reach. Typically, there is a gap between the CPU speed report value in System Properties and the maximum CPU speed.
Notebooks with Intel and AMD mobile processors use processor speed limit features to control processor speed. Your processor may slow down because of the "power options" set by the user (whether the laptop is using AC or DC power) and the requirements of the currently running system processes and applications. The processor speed limit feature is designed to extend battery life by supplying only the necessary power (when using DC power). Intel notebooks use SpeedStep® technology, while AMD systems use PowerNow!® technology.
Using Microsoft System Information to see the highest speeds
You can use the Microsoft System Information utility to see the top speed of your processor:
Click "Start" and type "Run" in the "Search" field . Select Run when available, 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 will appear.
You can also access the System Information window by pressing the FN and Esc keys simultaneously.
The System Information utility box will display the processor information including the highest speed.
View current speed and maximum speed using HP Help and Support
You can use HP Help and Support to view the current speed and maximum speed of your processor:
Click Start > Help and stand by" . Select System Information when the Help and Support window appears. The System Information window will appear.
In "Hardware", click on "Processor".
The name, maximum speed and processor chip information of your system processor will appear.
Control Processor Speed Limit Function
You can control the processor speed limit feature through the Power Options in the Control Panel.
Click "Start" > "Control Panel".
When the "Control Panel" window appears, select "Hardware and Sound".
When the "Hardware and Sound" window appears, select "Power Options".
Or you can right click on the power icon next to the clock in the system tray and select "Power Options" from the drop down menu.
Once the Power Options window appears, you can choose between three plans:
HP Recommended
A compromise between power savings and performance.
Power saver
When you are unable to connect to a wall outlet, use the "Power saver" mode.
High performance
When you plug in a wall outlet and need the best processor response rate, use the "High performance" mode.
You can also customize these power plans by clicking on “Change plan settings”.