Different CPU reading on cpufreq

Question

dual core processor normally runs at 2.20 GHz. it's on a thinkpad T61 so when it's not plugged in i like to set:
cpufreq-set -g ondemand. which is supposed to make both processors run at 0.8 GHz, then scale up accordingly.
but when i run it, it sets one proc at 0.8 and the other at 2.20. i didn't even know this was possible
output of cpufreq-info:
cpufrequtils 005: cpufreq-info (C) Dominik Brodowski 2004-2006
Report errors and bugs to [email protected], please.
analyzing CPU 0:
driver: acpi-cpufreq
CPUs which need to switch frequency at the same time: 0
hardware limits: 800 MHz - 2.20 GHz
available frequency steps: 2.20 GHz, 2.20 GHz, 1.60 GHz, 1.20 GHz, 800 MHz
available cpufreq governors: powersave, ondemand, performance
current policy: frequency should be within 800 MHz and 2.20 GHz.
The governor "ondemand" may decide which speed to use
within this range.
current CPU frequency is 800 MHz.
analyzing CPU 1:
driver: acpi-cpufreq
CPUs which need to switch frequency at the same time: 1
hardware limits: 800 MHz - 2.20 GHz
available frequency steps: 2.20 GHz, 2.20 GHz, 1.60 GHz, 1.20 GHz, 800 MHz
available cpufreq governors: powersave, ondemand, performance
current policy: frequency should be within 800 MHz and 2.20 GHz.
The governor "performance" may decide which speed to use
within this range.
current CPU frequency is 2.20 GHz.
Last edited by Cryptix_00 (2009-05-18 01:47:08)

Answer 1

This could be wrong but its my understanding accross most distros,
On mobile devices (anything that uses a battry) then the system only uses what it needs, so if it dosnt need 2.20 GHz one second then it wont waste power doing so. If for example you start a game up it will then change it to what it needs say 2.20 GHz. Its purley a power-saving tweak. I personally have never had any problems nor noticed any diffrence in performance so i'd say this is a good thing.