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    Intel CPU multiplier question

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by hellohell, May 10, 2012.

  1. hellohell

    hellohell Newbie

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    If it's possible to set the voltage of a higher multiplier to the same value as that of a lower one, is there any reason to use the lower multiplier? Since they use the same voltage, isn't it better to just use the high multiplier?
     
    hellohell, May 10, 2012
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  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Not necessarily. Higher clocks means more power consumption, more heat, etc. Power consumption is, after all, proportional to the frequency and the square of the voltage. All other things being equal (voltage, program running, etc) a 2.5GHz CPU will consume ~4.2% more power than a 2.4GHz CPU.
     
    Greg, May 10, 2012
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  3. funky monk

    funky monk Notebook Deity

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    There is a catch though. If you can get work done in a smaller amount of time from using a higher multiplier then you may use less power to complete whatever you're doing by going with a higher multiplier.

    The difference is trivial to the point that I wouldn't bother chasing it, but technically it can work that way.
     
    funky monk, May 10, 2012
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