1. Introduction
1.1. Basics on the Athlon Power Saving Mode
The HLT signal which is used by the normal idle-loop of the Linux kernel
doesn't normaly bring any significant power-saving on processors of the Athlon/Duron
family (hereafter referred to as Athlon processors). To get real power-saving on an
Athlon processor, you have to put the processor in the STPGNT-Mode (Stop Grant Mode).
In this mode, the processor is disconnected from the front-side bus (FSB), and can
turn off parts of the CPU as well as reduce the clock to save power.
Some modern Motherboards/Chipsets also support a Function to make a STPGNT when a HLT signal is detected.
1.2. Copyright and License
This document, Athlon Powersaving HOWTO,
is copyrighted (c) 2003-2007 by Daniel Nofftz.
This work is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
it under the terms of the GNU General Public License, version 2,
as published by the Free Software Foundation.
A copy of the license is available at
http://www.daniel.nofftz.net/linux/gpl_v2.txt.
Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
1.3. Disclaimer
This work is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the
GNU General Public License for more details.
All copyrights are held by their respective owners,
unless specifically noted otherwise. Use of a term in this
document should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any
trademark or service mark. Naming of particular products or
brands should not be seen as endorsements.
1.4. Feedback/Questions/Support
Feedback is most essential for this document. New solutions for
new chipsets are especially needed, as are comments,
whether the provided solutions work or don't work. Also please report
spelling errors if you find them, cause i am no native english speaker. Send
your additions, comments, criticisms and questions to the following
email address: <daniel@nofftz.net.NOSPAM>.
You can email me in German or English!
If you want to support me, you could donate through Paypal (to the
same email-adress) or send me some new Hardware to play with. ;)
