AMD K6-2+ and PowerNow in Windows XP Pro

[Juliano]

Hello all,

I have upgraded a Compaq Presario 1200 laptop from a K6-2 475 to a
K6-2+ 550,
fully recognized in BIOS (i.e., no K6-III or unknown).

How can I know if XP has enabled powernow? I have not measured any
substantial gains in battery life since the upgrade, which makes me
wonder if this feature is enabled at all...

I have read on other threads about a AMDK7.sys driver, but I have a
K6-2+. So, this is not for me, right?

Could the answer be in the processor.sys driver instead?

Info on my system follows:

- Compaq Presario 1200 XL-110 laptop
- Windows XP Professional SP2
- All ACPI features on, hibernation enabled and working

Thanks for your attention

Regards,
Juliano

 

[Shoe]

A: AMD PowerNow!T technology can enable significantly extended battery
life of notebook PCs by up to 30% depending on system implementation.
AMD PowerNow! technology is a combination of software and hardware
support that allows the processor to run at different frequencies and
voltages.

There are three basic modes of operation, including AMD's unique
"automatic" mode.


a.. High Performance Mode ? the CPU runs at maximum frequency and
voltage.
a.. Battery Saver Mode ? the CPU runs at lowest frequency and voltage
to maximize system battery life.
a.. Automatic Mode ? the system monitors application usage and
continuously varies operating frequency and voltage to deliver performance
on demand while optimizing battery life.

 

[Juliano]

I've read this info over the AMD site, but they don't explain how one
can be sure powernow is working on winXP...

I have used an application that shows actual cpu clock and it doesn't
change at all, be the machine plugged to the wall or running on
batteries.

I am inclined to think my XP is not enabling powernow at all.....