Low Power Mode

Low-Power Mode (LPM) can provide cooler and quieter system operation. By combining several active power limiting techniques, the processor can consume less power while running at equivalent low frequencies. Active power is defined as processor power consumed while a workload is running and does not refer to the power consumed during idle modes of operation. LPM is only available using the Intel® Dynamic Tuning Technology (Intel® DTT/Intel® DPTF) driver.

Through the Intel® Dynamic Tuning Technology (Intel® DTT/Intel® DPTF) driver, LPM can be configured to use each of the following methods to reduce active power:

• Restricting package power control limits and Intel® Turbo Boost Technology availability
• Off-Lining processor IA core activity (Move processor traffic to a subset of cores)
• Placing a processor IA Core at LFM or LSF (Lowest Supported Frequency)
• Utilizing IA clock modulation
• LPM power as listed in the TDP Specifications table is defined at a point which processor IA core working at LSF, GT = RPn and 1 IA core active

Off-lining processor IA core activity is the ability to dynamically scale a workload to a limited subset of cores in conjunction with a lower turbo power limit. It is one of the main vectors available to reduce active power. However, not all processor activity is ensured to be able to shift to a subset of cores. Shifting a workload to a limited subset of cores allows other processor IA cores to remain idle and save power. Therefore, when LPM is enabled, less power is consumed at equivalent frequencies.

Minimum Frequency Mode (MFM) of operation, which is the Lowest Supported Frequency (LSF) at the LFM voltage, has been made available for use under LPM for further reduction in active power beyond LFM capability to enable cooler and quieter modes of operation.