Disable CPU Scaling

As a default setting Ubuntu sets the CPU at ondemand so that its usually running at lower speeds depending on the tasks you're running. There is a permanent way to enable 100% of your processors power and this is accomplished by installing a system configuration tool called "rcconf" which I recommend installing via the Synaptic Package Manager. Unfortunately to configure this program you have to use the terminal as its text based rather than GUI.

The terminal command to configure the rcconf tool is:
sudo rcconf

If you wish to go back to use the default ondemand feature simply repeat the steps I show in the video but this time alongside "ondemand" press the spacebar so that the arterix appears thus enabling that feature then reboot and you're back to the default ondemand feature.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Ubuntu
• Jaunty
• 9.04
• Linux
• disabling
• cpu
• scaling

[winter666madness]

i get an error when trying to change my cpu scaling saying that my computer doesn't support scaling. will this method work still?

[ubuntuhal]

If in doubt dont mess with the default settings. In your case due to the message you received I would advise against making any changes.

[FedoraFTW]

i would say that is more for a laptop, obviously.

[ubuntuhal]

It may well benefit laptops and notebooks but its inadvisable I would have thought as to increase processor power on a full time basis in those type of systems surely must drain the battery much faster? If you're connected to the mains all the time it wouldn't be such an issue.

[gotbletu]

Cool stuff. I dont see a diff on normal task. Maybe is better on rendering videos or some intensive stuff like that.

[ubuntuhal]

Thanks. I've noticed my system appears more snappy, but yes you're probably right in saying it'll be better on rendering vids, etc. I have heard that the switching from ondemand to performance can cause problems on some systems, laptops and desktops alike. This is especially so on dual core pcs when the frequencies switch from one core to the next.

[gr0dankermit]

very good! tnx

[jalopy620]

excellent--- thank you.

[t2491tom]

fuck yes this made my computer run so much better i can open so many more programs

[darkenigma2652]

I've found that removing/disabling the gnome-power-manager daemon also disables any kind of CPU scaling, though that's highly inadvisable on a laptop/netbook.

[jabbott321]

great video great work thanks for the info

[ProfessorNumbNuts]

Thanks a lot. 5/5

[FedoraFTW]

yeah, i used it when i had ubuntu and didn't really have a difference. but it's obviusly for laptops since it has the power saver option and conservative.

still a great video. =p