Why doesn't my processor go faster?

About 4 weeks ago, I bought a Dell Inspiron 1501 for cheap at walmart at about $498. For that reason, I don't expect the computer to work wonders but I do wonder why it doesn't utilize a higher processor frequency. It has an AMD mobile Sempron 3600 capable of 2 Ghz but pc wizard and a couple other processor clocking programs put the speed at 800 Mhz. Generally, I keep the usage down and it jumps around 20 % but somethimes upon starting up or even coming out of sleep, the speed can stay at 100 %. I believe I read, perhaps here that the AMD processors do slow down when the speed isn't needed, but why, when my computer has it's hands full does it not ever bump the speed up? I've seen post on computer maintenance and I do believe my internet usage has been too conservative for any serious malware, but even if that wasn't the case, I still have this question, why does my processor only go at 800 Mhz when it is capable of 2 Ghz?

PC wizard BTW says the processor is at 50 C. I hope bumping it up wouldn't overheat it.

 

Possibly a wrong FSB setting in the BIOS - did you check?
50 C seems rather warm though, especially if it has been mistakenly underclocked or lost the settings and defaulted to a lower FSB . Although it's a laptop, and they're always liable to run warm because of restricted space

Laptops in general, are poor performers in my experience. I've seen plenty of P4 laptops that aren't a patch on high end P3 desktops. Mobile CPU's may be deliberately underclocked to try and keep them cool in some machines

 

Cool 'n Quiet

 

Also, check your power settings. You might have it set that it never uses 100% of the processor....

 

Thank you creativebalance. I have my computer on power saver mode. I didn't think that it would effect the processor when it is plugged in since most other features go back to full power, but lo and behold, the max for both plugged in and battery operation was set at 50%. I just turned up the power and I watched the gadget processor gauge momentarily jump from 800 Mhz to 1600 Mhz.

 

rob0, I have my laptop powersettings customized so when running on battery, the processor runs slow- (conseving power) then as soon as I plug it in it jumps up to full capabilities.