Anyone notice this?

[daneoni]

Recently notice that when on battery power the fans on my MBP rarely come on or rev up and the computer is cool for the most part so its all good. I guess this is to maximise battery life.

However, as soon as i plug into a wall outlet the fans kick into high gear until the machine cools down before going back to normal.

Just wanted to know if anyone else is noticing this or if its just me?

[nagromme]

I don't know exactly how it is with the new Intel machines, but the processor probably runs at reduced power (lower performance, lower consumption, lower heat) when on battery. When plugged in, it would speed up and generate more heat, calling for more fan noise. That's what my PBG4 does anyway--although I think you have more control over that with a G4.

[PkennethV]

I think on battery the MBP can power down to 1ghz on battery. And there's also a pretty obvious graphic performance difference. Expose is lot a lot jerkier. I haven't ever seen my fans ever running below 2000rpm though-plugged or on battery.

[daneoni]

Yeah 2000 is the lowest range, mine has gone as low as 1988 but i can see the theory on 'slowed down' effect when running on battery.