Need Clarification on a Dell d630

Hey guys, I'm new to the site and I think it's cool. Ok so here is my dilemma.

I have a Dell D630, 2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo, 3GB DDR2, 320GB HDD, 14" Screen etc. and this is my question. I have used this laptop for over 3 months now and I have noticed something. When I go to the system properties to check the processor speed, what I have noticed is that when it is unplugged, the it runs at 789Mhz.

Now when it is plugged, it runs at the correct processor speed which is 2.39Ghz which is more realistically closer to the actual processor speed. Now I know that this is Intel's way of saving power on battery to make it last longer. Yes I am aware of that but sometime, when it is plugged in and is supposedly running at 2.39Ghz, I have noticed that it also drops down to 789Mhz.

Now this is very odd if you ask me. When an Intel laptop is plugged in, no matter what the processor maybe, it should run at full speed. What's happening on my laptop is, sometimes even though it's plugged in, it sometimes doesn't run full speed and sometimes feels like it's on power saving mode. This is not suppose to happen when the laptop is plugged in.

I have also checked the power saving option in the control panel and everything seems to be in order.

Can anyone please help or explain if this is normal or if I should have my laptop looked at by Dell.

Thanks everyone,

Note:

My laptop is running great and there is nothing wrong with it. It hasn't given me any problems and I have no reason to be complaining. The only thing that bothers me is that, the laptop should be running at full speed and not half.

 

Check in the BIOS to see if SpeedStep is enabled. I think that, or an aggressive Vista power saver profile, might be causing it.

Also, are you using a 65W or greater original Dell power adapter?

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think it has to do with intel's speedtest. It downclocks when you are not using it.