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    Why a balanced mode?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Dan333SP, Nov 22, 2009.

  1. Dan333SP

    Dan333SP Notebook Consultant

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    I have a laptop with windows vista, and obviously it has 3 modes for battery savings vs. performance- High performance, balanced, and power saver. I know the "lesser" modes downclock the CPU and GPU and dim the screen, but why is there a balanced mode at all? I use power saver when I'm on battery and high performance when I'm plugged in, but unless I'm going to try to game on battery power I've never run into a single instance when I need any additional performance that the balanced mode may provide, whether it be in normal application usage or even HD video watching, power saver runs smoothly. What's the point of even having this mode, as in what sort of difference exists between it and power saver by default?
     
    Dan333SP, Nov 22, 2009
    #1
  2. -Amadeus Excello-

    -Amadeus Excello- Notebook Evangelist

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    To my knowledge, the "balanced" setting throttles and fluctuates power consumption based on how the notebook is being used. The benefits of such a option might not readily appear, but over time may result in a (marginally) lower electricity bill.
     
    -Amadeus Excello-, Nov 22, 2009
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  3. Jayayess1190

    Jayayess1190 Waiting on Intel Cannonlake

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    Jayayess1190, Nov 22, 2009
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  4. MaXimus

    MaXimus Notebook Deity

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    incorrect link :rolleyes:
     
    MaXimus, Nov 23, 2009
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  5. davepermen

    davepermen Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    balanced does automatically go from high performance if needed to power save if not needed. using high performance at all is normally 100% unneeded. it just produces more heat, thus more fan noise, and consumes more power.
     
    davepermen, Nov 23, 2009
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  6. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    There was a thread on here...
    In terms of benhmarks "High Performance" scores less than "Balaced".

    Balaced is for all sane laptop users :)
    A mode that will use little power when the computer is idle, and supply any extrapower when an applicaton demands it.

    High Performance is for the same people who buy Vista Ultimate instead of Home Premium with no clue what the differences are.
     
    DetlevCM, Nov 23, 2009
    #6
  7. Jayayess1190

    Jayayess1190 Waiting on Intel Cannonlake

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    This is the thread.
     
    Jayayess1190, Nov 23, 2009
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