Dynamic OmniScriptum Dynamic Frequency Scaling: Computer Clock rate, Power management, Laptop, Quiet PC, Overclock, Capacitance

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Dynamic frequency scaling is a technique in computer architecture whereby the frequency of a microprocessor can be automatically adjusted "on-the-fly", either to conserve power or to reduce the amount of heat generated by the chip. Dynamic frequency scaling is commonly used in laptops and other mobile devices, where energy comes from a battery and thus is limited. It is also used in quiet computing settings and to decrease energy and cooling costs for lightly loaded machines. Less heat output, in turn, allows the system cooling fans to be throttled down or turned off, reducing noise levels and further decreasing power consumption. It is also used for reducing heat in insufficiently cooled systems when the temperature reaches a certain threshold, such as in poorly cooled overclocked systems. The dynamic power dissipated by a chip is C·V2·f, where C is the capacitance being switched per clock cycle, V is voltage, and f is the switching frequency. As frequency changes, the dynamic power will change linearly with it.