The specifications of my Intel Core Duo processor is 1667MHz (166.7MHz x 10) and the memory runs at 266.7MHz (166.7MHz x 1.60). But when my laptop is set at Max Performance on the Power Management console and is currently idle, the CPU is around 1652MHz (275.3MHz x 6) and the memory is at 440.5MHz (275.3MHz x 1.60) then it drops to the original values above when I run something processor intensive like a 3d game or an HD video. Is this normal behavior for my processor? Thank you in advance for any information or recommendations.
It's called "speed stepping" ... you don't run your car at full revs when your driving downhill ... so why run your processor at full speed when you don't need to ... it automatically "steps up" when you need it to
That's behavior indicative of overclocked units. I'd have to know what your chipset was... particularly the NORTHBRIDGE to know what exactly is going on.
I'd stop obsessing over the details. A smoothly running machine trumps anything NEW or FAST every time. Be thankful it does switch down instead of locking up or crashing.
You might check and see if there's a BIOS update or a CHIPSET update for your board though... since you are OCD
Be Well
MORE: I have a strong feeling that you've got a very nice Laptop. Send me a follow up email if you happen to find out anything... It's probably just the OS artificially inflating these numbers when your resources are in excess. I like the way your mind works though... Good Question.
Jack K - Nice theory but if you re-read his question, you're talking about the VERY OPPOSITE of what he's descibing.
Melvin H - No shortage of bad answers like that one on Y!Answers. I'm suprised you're not TOP CONTRIBUTOR yet. =P
all i can tell you is that most laptops come with computer CPU chips and are lowered in Ghz to reduce the amount of power and heat
so a 2.0 ghz CPU ( pc ) would run lower in a laptop creating about 1.7ghz
if your CPU is running at a constant HIGH rate than possibly you have some kind of virus, spyware matches your description!
or it could just be a hardware problem
as of what YOU stated : "currently idle, the CPU is around 1652MHz"
meaning its running at 100% at idle if i am correct here, you have a problem ...
 I could use some help again...
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Is this a normal behavior for Intel Core Duo processors?