Why C2D e4300 interchanges btw 9x and 6x?

Question

Just bought an Intel Core 2 Duo e4300.
Checked the specs with CPUZ, but the multiplier seems to change from 9x to 6x, and back. Voltages also fluctuate. Why is that?

Is there a way to keep it at 9x all the time?

Thanks.

Answer 1

There is a technology at work called Speedstep. It is a power saving function, basically it lowers the multiplier down to 6x when the computer is idle, and lowers voltage, to save power. Anytime the CPU becomes active, it raises the multiplier back to 9x. There is no harm in having the technology running as it does not affect performance, but if you wish it can be disabled in the BIOS. Just look for the option that says Speedstep.