How to view the maximum CPU speed in Vista

When Windows Vista views "system properties", the reported value of processor (CPU) speed 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 running 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. Usually, there is a gap between the CPU speed report value in the “System Properties” and the CPU maximum 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 user-set "power options" (whether the laptop is using AC or DC power) and the requirements of 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.

Use Microsoft System Information> to see maximum speed

You can use Microsoft“System Information"Utilities to see the top speed of the processor:

Click “ ” 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 dialog box displays the processor information including the highest speed.

Use “HP Help and Support” to view current speed and maximum speed

You can use “HP Help and Support” to see the current speed and maximum speed of the processor:

Click “Start” > “Help and Support” . When the "Help and Support" window appears, select “System Information”. The “System Information” window will appear.

In “Hardware”, click “Processor” .

The name, maximum speed, and processor chip information for your system processor will appear.

Control Processor Speed ​​Limiting

You can control the processor speed limit feature by "Power Options" in “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.

After 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 “Change plan settings”.