Speed step in OS X?

[melterx12]

I was checking my cpu in cpu-z just now (MBP 2011 13") and noticed something odd... at idle the cpu stays at 2.3ghz, and does not down clock to 1.2ghz or whatever it is in windows 7 using intel speed step:

doe Snow Leopard not support speed step?

 

[Transeau]

It functions as designed, but it doesn't appear that 10.6.6 can report it correctly. With the new CPUs, the OS is not really involved in the process.

 

[aznguyen316]

What exactly did you use to open cpu-z? Rosetta? I've been using some bunk winebottler but please share..

 

[adnoh]

The CPU down clocks too? I thought it could only turbo boost?

 

[alust2013]

The CPU down clocks too? I thought it could only turbo boost?

It does underclock when not under high load to save power and reduce heat. For example, my 2.4GHz MacBook will underclock to 1.6GHz when under light loads.

 

[Manacit]

Unlike speedstep, all of the Turbo boosting, underclocking and core splitting is all done by a piece of hardware, not software. I'm pretty sure this means that it wont show up on most software, but rest assured, it can certainly clock up and down.