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The Mobile AMD Athlon XP-M Processor
March 2003
AMD has augmented the capabilities of ACPI 2.0 processor power
management and has solved the problems associated with dual-speed processor
power management by developing AMD PowerNow! technology. AMD PowerNow!
technology allows a processor to dynamically switch between different processor
performance states. A performance state is a combination of both processor core
frequency and voltage. Software controls the transitions between the different
performance states. This innovative approach to power management dynamically
adjusts the performance level of the processor to match the level of performance
needed by any application.
AMD PowerNow! technology has the following key benefits:
1) Extends system battery life through dynamic management
2) Provides performance on demand when required by the application
3) Operates automatically in the background
The processor executes instructions at a frequency dictated by the processor’s
utilization of the applications in operation, so real-time applications are not starved
for processor cycles and the user’s experience is optimal. AMD PowerNow!
technology is designed to provide performance on demand and to run the processor
in its most efficient performance state for the current applications. This power-
management technique provides the right performance level while enhancing system
battery life. Therefore, AMD PowerNow! technology is able to optimize battery
powered run-time based on the processor performance required by the applications
in operation.
These characteristics of AMD PowerNow! technology are designed to be
particularly effective at prolonging system battery life because the processor’s
performance level should be increased above its most efficient power level for very
short periods of time, only when necessary. Unlike the ACPI 2.0 or dual-speed power
management, AMD PowerNow! technology is designed to provide performance on
demand and power savings that scale with the application’s demands.
An important aspect of AMD PowerNow! technology is that like ACPI 2.0, it is
transparent to the user. There are no complicated settings, confusing application
preferences, or artificial system modes. AMD PowerNow! technology helps to
optimize processor performance and system battery life, simultaneously and
transparently to the system user.