Why do laptop computers use CPU throttling techniques?

Laptop computers utilize CPU throttling techniques primarily to manage and reduce the heat generated by the CPU. When a CPU operates at high performance levels, it generates more heat, which can lead to overheating. Throttling decreases the CPU's clock speed and performance during less intensive tasks, allowing it to operate at a cooler temperature. This thermal management is crucial in laptops, where space is limited, and cooling solutions are not as robust as in desktop computers.

While it’s true that by reducing the CPU's workload, there can be an indirect benefit to battery life, the main focus of throttling is on heat reduction. Enhanced graphics performance is typically addressed through dedicated GPUs rather than CPU adjustments, and simply increasing performance without consideration of temperature could lead to hardware damage or system instability.