cycling A/C or simply run it at a higher temperature?

[jbeyer]

I have a mental model of the A/C system, whereby if the A/C is turned on, the compressor basically always runs, and pulls the same amount of power. Under this model, unless it is unbearably hot, I will cycle between A/C and fan, with the A/C always set at the lowest temperature (65 F).

Is this mental model correct?

I could see an alternative model where if the A/C is on and the temperature is set to 75 F, the compressor could either run at a lower power level or could cycle on and off itself, getting the coolant very cool before shutting off and slowly using that temperature difference to slowly cool the car. This would essentially be what I'm doing manually.

Thanks in advance!