Performance conserving method for reducing power consumption in a server system

摘要

A method for managing power in a data processing system having multiple components includes determining a power budget for the system. Activity levels during a forthcoming time interval are then predicted for each of the components. Using the predicted activity levels, the power budget is allocated among the system components. An activity limit is then established for each component based on its corresponding portion of the power budget. The activity of a component is then monitored and, if the component's activity exceeds the component's corresponding activity limit, constrained. Determining the predicted level of activity may include determining a predicted number of instructions dispatched by a processor component or a predicted number of memory requests serviced for a system memory component. Allocating the power budget includes allocating each component its corresponding standby power and a share of the system power available for dynamic powering based on the expected levels of activity.