The PC turbo button mystery finally solved!
VWestlife・2 minutes read
PCs in the 80s and 90s featured turbo buttons to toggle CPU speed, with various models offering different functionalities like enhancing speed and addressing compatibility issues with software and hardware. Despite misconceptions, activating the turbo switch actually made the computer run faster, as confirmed by Intel's data sheet for the Intel 486SL microprocessor.
Insights
- Turbo buttons on early PCs were used to toggle between different CPU speeds, with some users needing to press specific key combinations to activate them, leading to the addition of dedicated turbo buttons on later PCs for easier access.
- The disappearance of turbo buttons in the mid-1990s was primarily due to advancements in CPU speed, rendering the feature unnecessary for most users, as CPUs became fast enough to handle software without requiring turbo mode, coupled with cost-cutting measures by manufacturers.
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Recent questions
What was the purpose of the turbo button on early PCs?
The turbo button on early PCs was designed to toggle between different CPU speeds, allowing users to switch between turbo mode for faster performance and non-turbo mode for compatibility with older software and hardware.
Why did some users find turbo mode problematic on early PCs?
Some users encountered issues with turbo mode on early PCs due to compatibility problems with software and hardware. This could lead to issues such as games running too fast or data corruption during file transfers, prompting frustration among users.
How did manufacturers address user complaints about turbo mode activation?
In response to user complaints about having to press Ctrl Alt Plus to enable turbo mode, manufacturers began including dedicated turbo buttons on PCs. This allowed users to easily switch between different CPU speeds without the need for complex key combinations.
Why did turbo buttons start disappearing from PCs in the mid-1990s?
Turbo buttons began disappearing from PCs in the mid-1990s due to advancements in CPU technology. CPUs became fast enough to handle older software without needing turbo mode, leading to the feature becoming obsolete and being phased out in newer computer models.
What was the misconception surrounding the turbo button on early PCs?
There was a misconception surrounding the turbo button on early PCs, with some users believing that activating turbo mode would slow down the computer. However, sources such as Intel's data sheet for the Intel 486SL microprocessor clarified that turbo mode actually allowed the CPU to execute at full speed for improved performance.
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