What is CPU throttling?

CPU throttling refers to the process of reducing the operating speed of a CPU to manage power consumption and heat generation. The correct answer highlights the functionality of running the CPU at a lower speed, which is particularly beneficial for conserving power in mobile devices, laptops, and other environments where energy efficiency is critical.

When a CPU throttles its performance, it can significantly lower the amount of heat produced. This helps in maintaining stable operating temperatures and prolongs the lifespan of the hardware by preventing overheating. Throttling can also be used to minimize battery usage in portable devices, thereby enhancing battery life.

Other options do not align with the definition of CPU throttling. Increasing CPU speed aims to enhance performance rather than conserve resources; turning off unused cores pertains to multi-core processor management rather than overall CPU throttling; and upgrading to a new CPU involves hardware changes, which is unrelated to the power management aspect of throttling. Thus, running the CPU at reduced speeds effectively captures the essence and purpose of CPU throttling in system operations.