[phantomo]

Sorry for asking but if I set the Processor Performance to "Automatic" under Energy Saver and doing some CPU intensive work such as encoding a movie. Reporting from Activity Monitor, the CPU is running at 100%, is this equal to the setting Processor Performance to "Highest"?

I always wondered about the difference but doesn't seem to find the answer or utility to test if this is true or not. Any input?

[Maflynn]

Originally posted by phantomo:
Sorry for asking but if I set the Processor Performance to "Automatic" under Energy Saver and doing some CPU intensive work such as encoding a movie. Reporting from Activity Monitor, the CPU is running at 100%, is this equal to the setting Processor Performance to "Highest"?

I always wondered about the difference but doesn't seem to find the answer or utility to test if this is true or not. Any input?

No highest is different the automatic. I think the machine scales the voltage based upon the system load on automatic but highest gives you the pedal to the metal. fwiw, I always have mine set to highest when plugged in (but reduced when I'm mobile)


Mike

[Vekven]

Once you've made the choice of "highest" vs. "automatic, is there a way to know how fast or slow your processor is running aside from judging based on how long it takes to complete a task like open a program or file?

Vekven

[d.fine]

I don't think there's any difference in performance. The machine will always give you the resources you require, whether you're on 'highest' or on 'automatic' setting. It's just a matter of battery life when mobile. The battery will discharge a little faster with the 'highest' setting because, like Maflynn said, it will require a constant higher voltage, with the 'automatic' setting the cpu will only require higher/highest voltages when you ask it of him.
I haven't tested this out, but maybe it is also a matter of heat generation. Lower settings, lower voltages, less power consumption = less heat generation, a cooler PB. Just a thought.