How is the clock frequency set on notebooks

[DojoD]

Many mfgrs , eg, Compaq, offer notebook systems that appear identical except for the rated speed, eg, Presario 2800 at 1.6ghz,1.7ghz,1.8ghz,1.9ghz,2.0ghz. Im certain that Compaq uses Intel processors rated as advertised otherwise fraud charges would ensue. However I tend to think that all other aspects including memory, systemboards, peripherals etc are likely the same. So the Q is: how does Compaq or any other mfgr change the speed at which its systems cycles? Does the system do this automatically after it determines which part is installed or is their some jumper or bios setting. IOW, how can a 1.6ghz Presario 2800 be *safely* overclocked to 2.0ghz?

d

 

[zzzz]

cpu speed is different. (multiplier is different/fsb same)

 

[MWink]

So the Q is: how does Compaq or any other mfgr change the speed at which its systems cycles? Does the system do this automatically after it determines which part is installed or is their some jumper or bios setting. IOW, how can a 1.6ghz Presario 2800 be *safely* overclocked to 2.0ghz?

With newer CPU's I think they are multiplier locked so the system automatically knows what the CPU speed is. In some older laptops there were jumpers. As for overclocking a 1.6GHz to 2.0GHz I would strongly recommend against it unless you are installing a 2.0GHz CPU. Even if you could overclock a laptop CPU it would probably produce too much heat and melt the laptop.