CPU Frequency Scaling Monitor Applet

right click the panel (GNOME) , to add cpu frequency scaling monitor applet. right click the applet and choose preferences, choose which processor or core (listed as cpu0 & cpu1 on a dual core system ) you wish the applet to monitor.

for multi core / multi - processor systems , you should add one appletr per core to the panel, and choose relevant cpu in each applets preferences.


you can change the processor/core speed by clicking the applet. you can choose performance when doing heavy tasks , like watching videos or copying heavy files. however this could consume more power , and heat up the processor (reducing battery life, and the overall life of your system.)

A good choice is Ondemand, which lets linux auto-boost your CPU speed when it needs more processing power , and drop back to minimum speed afterwards - a good balance between performance and power saving , extending the battery life and cooling.


NB:-

see:- http://www.howtoforge.com/cpu_frequency_scaling_ubuntu
http://library.gnome.org/users/cpufreq-applet/2.32/cpufreq-applet.html