does multiplier drops while idle?

[Orka]

i use e6300 on asus p5b-d.
while loaded all programs i use (mbm, asus probe, core temp, cpu-z) say it's 266Mhz*7. while idle asus-probe shows that multiplier sets to 6 instead of 7, but all other progs show 7.
1. which of them is accurate?
2. if the multiplier does go lower - is it the asus-probe itself that sets lower multiplier while idle or is it a hardware feature?

 

[Mr. $T$]

This is Intels speedstep. It's one of the C2D features that allow it to use such little power. When at idle it drops back the speed and lowers the voltage. When the power is demanded it pops right back up to standard speed and voltage. Most motherboards have a disable EIST (Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology). Go ahead and disable this and you'll run at normal speed all the time.

 

[Orka]

well. if it's a standart feature and really drops from 7 to 6 why no program inlcuding intels TAT except for asus ai suite (originally wrote probe. my mistake) shows that it drops?