11. Multimedia Performance: PC Mark 2002, Continued

The results are also fascinating when the machines are in battery mode. Under the "Max Battery" power scheme, the Pentium M runs at a reduced clock speed in both systems, which explains the low readings. If, however, you use the "Portable Laptop" power scheme (a standard choice in battery mode) and place a high workload on the CPU, the Asus M2N will start throttling down the processor.

Asus explained to us that the M2N relies on passive cooling (without CPU fan) when battery-powered and set to the "Portable Laptop" and "Home Office/ Desktop" power schemes. According to Asus, the reason for this choice (an acceptable one, given the specifications) is that the company decided it was best to increase the battery rundown time, even at the cost of a sub-optimal performance in all operating scenarios in battery mode. After all, fans suck up power, too - and, in the process, reduce the time you can use the laptop without plugging it in.

However, we believe that Asus has ignored the fact that, clock speeds being equal, a hot die will gobble up more power than a well-cooled one (the higher the temperature, the higher the resistance - and thus the power consumption - of the die).

Our measurements have shown that you will get the maximum CPU capacity from your system in battery mode by selecting either the "Always On" or the "Minimal Power Management" power schemes, as they allow for the CPU to be actively cooled whenever necessary. You can also strike a good balance between performance and a longer battery rundown time at a low noise level by using the "High Performance" setting in the "Power4Gear" tool that is sold with the laptop. While your CPU clock speed will have a ceiling of 1200 MHz, it will still be much faster than the some 700 MHz it would average in throttling mode.