Do most CPU's automatically throttle back under low load?

hello,

While performing low level tasks or simply doing nothing, does the standard average CPU automatically throttle back (reducing clock frequency/voltage?)? I'm not talking about the CPU's that are marketed as specifically being energy efficient, just any CPU.

if the BIOS is set to allow it, otherwise no.

Can't remember if AMD's do but Intel certainly use step speed to underclock their CPU's while idle.

hello,

Thanks for that guys.

I run a Duo T2300E intel CPU in my laptop, but it certainly doesn't appear to throttle at all. I have to use a special program to make it throttle. If modern CPU's can automatically throttle, then why do such programs exist? :confused:

Maybe it does it at low requirements as well as idle?

I'm pretty sure my laptop on "high power" is always at full speed but underclocks in power saver.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by staffsMike

Can't remember if AMD's do but Intel certainly use step speed to underclock their CPU's while idle.

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AMDs need Cool'n'Quiet (on an Asus board here), then that to be enabled.
Mine is nominally 1900MHz (dual core) and 1.312V, but when idling runs at 1000MHz and 1.12V.

hello,

I was talking about the high power setting. :D

When I use a throttling program, I see a difference. Otherwise, I don't