What does 1 GHZ mode do?

Some people have reported it as a workaround for the random shutdown problem. (See other threads.) If the processor is running at half speed, it generates less heat, and the problem appears to be heat-related.

how do you change it into 1GHz mode?

you hold the power button down for 5 seconds, upon which point youll hear a very loud beep before the start up sequence. afterwards the computer will run in "throttled" mode in which the processor is locked half speed, and the fans work on constant blast to keep the system as cool as if it were off.

even if you don't have any heat problems whats the advantages of useing the 1GHz mode?

I believe the 1GHz safe mode is an emergency option that allows you to do important things while not being able to push the CPU into submission. one good thing about it is that if your machine starts to randomly shut down, you can quickly get files you want to save off of your computer before sending it off to be serviced, which would most likely result in complete loss of data.

what is the downside to useing only 1GHz

well besides having to put up with the horrid BEEP, the fan constantly going at full speed and the throttled CPU, there doesnt seem to be much difference other than the speed of file access. but this workaround has been proven to be helpful only in a very very short run, since random shutdown strikes the computer in this mode as well, the only thing this mode really does is force the computer to work in a very cool state, making it more unlikely for a short circuit due to the heatsink. if your computer is fully operational, dont use the emergency mode. besides, there's no point.

Ok! But in this 1gHz mode Cor Duo temp tells me my machine (1.83gHz white macbook) also runs at 1.5 gHz, the fan doesn't run all the time, the temp goes over 50 degrees celcius and the machine also shuts down randomly in this mode. How do you explain this? I am waiting for a logicboard replacement now.

how do you know if your running the 1ghz mode or not

well besides having to put up with the horrid BEEP,
the fan constantly going at full speed and the
throttled CPU, there doesnt seem to be much
difference other than the speed of file access. but
this workaround has been proven to be helpful only in
a very very short run, since random shutdown strikes
the computer in this mode as well, the only thing
this mode really does is force the computer to work
in a very cool state, making it more unlikely for a
short circuit due to the heatsink. if your computer
is fully operational, dont use the emergency mode.
besides, there's no point.

Please, is there any link with Apple official documentation that can prove your theory here?

I'm very concerned for how long I may run my MacBook under these conditions - no battery, while waiting for the new one to arrive.

Come on guys, please share some info...
I'm really worried about it cuz I'm using Macbook for almost 10 days, without battery, in 1GHz mode and it *****...

Laptop is hot; OS, net, applications are slow, fans are quiet (that means running on low rpm)

Is it safe or not?
Can I make some damage working on it while waiting replacement for dead battery?