Kernel support for processor undervolting
Kernel support for processor undervolting
Overclocking the processor — running it above its specified maximum frequency to increase performance — is a familiar operation for many readers. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to go the other direction and decrease a processor's operating power point by lowering its voltage to avoid overheating. Recently, Jason Donenfeld submitted a short patch removing a warning emitted by the kernel when user space accesses special processor registers that allow this "undervolting" on x86 processors. It caused a long discussion that might result in a kernel interface to allow users to safely control their processor's voltage.