Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[wbmw]

Joe, Re: I don't know the algorithm for deciding the power states, but I think the processor should work reliably in any of the intermediate power states indefinitely. Whether it can boot (start up) in that state is a question. I am not sure if that is what you meant by saying it will not work. If so, you may have a point there.

I apologize for my previous tone. Just sick of the BS.

My point is that the power states are not completely software controlled (this discussion is not about the processor sleep states, which are software controlled). PowerNow (I guess they call it Cool&Quiet now) will change power states depending on the processor utilization. It's a technique known as DBS (Demand Based Switching). The Pentium M also uses DBS, and I suspect that Prescott does, too.

Since the programmer cannot specify which power state to use all the time, there will be times where the processor in our discussion will run at 2.0GHz and require a 1.4V line. Restricting the power supply to 1.2V does not magically force the processor to a low power DBS state; it merely restricts the voltage required to operate, and a processor with such a restriction will fail.