http://www.nvidia.com/object/feature_powermizer.html
These days nVidia released stable driver version 169.07 downloadable via official website <http://www.nvidia.com/object/unix.html> or easier via the updated envy script <http://albertomilone.com/nvidia_scripts1.html> written by Alberto Milone (direct link to deb package here <http://albertomilone.com/ubuntu/nvidia/scripts/ubuntu/envy_0.9.9-0ubuntu3_all.deb>). This new driver features some performance enhancements for GeForce 8 series, but above all features the linux port of PowerMizer powersaving feature. This technology works by *autosensing* the graphics computation requirements and *autoadjusting* the graphics' card core and memory frequency, thus providing a noticeable amount of energy saving. > As a side note I wonder how could I tweak the PowerMizer "Performance Mode" and "Performance Level", is there an option in xorg.conf I can add? > Despite actually changing the GPU core and Memory frequencies the "Performance Mode" is always "Maximum Performance", how can I manually change it (as for the CPU governors and frequencies) ? > Is there a way to make these parameters change within a manually set range? (as for the CPU governors and frequencies via laptop-mode-tools)? *Key Benefits *are:* * * Extended battery life * Intelligently adaptation of performance based on a user's needs so it saves power even when the notebook is plugged into the AC. * Runs in the background to provide the best balance of performance and battery life (but only uses a 1s wakeup) * Helps the notebook run cooler and quieter under normal operating conditions by dissipating less heat in the GPU Working for both desktop and mobile chipsets, this is indeed of more interest for the latter. <http://www.nvidia.com/object/feature_powermizer.html>*PowerMizer 7.0 Mobile Technology <http://www.nvidia.com/object/feature_powermizer.html> *(specific to NVIDIA GeForce 8M Series of GPUs) delivers numerous mobile power management techniques to manage the power consumption of both the GPU and the entire notebook: * Adaptive clocking and engine gating ensure the GPU is only consuming as much power as is necessary for the task at hand * The GeForce 8M Series architecture is significantly more power efficient and utilizes the latest advances in chip process technology to achieve this * Dedicated HD video processor to playback Blu-ray and HD DVD with the highest quality requiring less use of the CPU and thereby extending battery life * More circuits using lower voltage rails * More clocking and voltage scaling steps for finer control * Support for GDDR3 memory at 1.8V * NVIDIA SmartDimmer™ technology for intelligent, granular display brightness control for maximum battery life. * * ASLM *(Active State Link Management) technology for ultra efficient use of the PCI Express link * Uncompromised power management support for MXM-based notebooks I must thank nVidia for putting this effort in developing good linux drivers. But thoughts must also go to the United Nations awakening campaign for evironmentally aware citizens carried out last autumn. We must take action against environmental threats, saving energy is an important step towards providing a better future for our children. <http://www.nvidia.com/object/feature_powermizer.html> _______________________________________________ Power mailing list [email protected] http://www.bughost.org/mailman/listinfo/power
