Sporatic CPU speeds

[Enix82]

I am using windows xp PRO sp2 and I have noticed different CPU speeds listed in my control panel / system display. I have an AMD 64 X2 Dual Core processor 4400+. I have noticed sometimes I pull up the display and it shows 995 mhz, then another time it will show 1.7 ghz and then another time it will show 2.21 Ghz.

I understand how the AMD processor works so I dont need anyone telling me that the 4400 doesnt mean the clock speed. I just want to know why windows is giving me different CPU speeds when I pull up my system display.

 

[mammikoura]

there is a system that will underclock the cpu when it isn't in use. This will reduce the amount of heat and the amount of electricity used. I think with that with amd cpus it's called cool & quiet.

 

[poundcake]

Yea, my 3800 does the same thing. As I see it, if i started scrolling up and down a web page really fast... itll show 2.4Ghz, but when its sittin still itll show some low readout. I used cpu-z.