PowerTOP
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| Original author(s) | Intel |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 2007 |
| Stable release | 1.13 / August 2, 2010 |
| Written in | C |
| Operating system | Linux, Solaris |
| Platform | x86, ARM, UltraSPARC |
| Type | Utility |
| License | GPLv2 |
| Website | www.lesswatts.org/projects/powertop |
PowerTOP is a software utility designed to measure, explain and minimise a computer's electrical power consumption. It was released by Intel in 2007 under the GPLv2 license. It works for Intel, AMD, ARM and UltraSPARC processors.
PowerTOP analyzes the programs, device drivers, and kernel options running on a computer based on the Linux and Solaris operating systems, and estimates the power consumption resulting from their use. This information may be used to pinpoint software that results in excessive power use. This is particularly useful for laptop computer users who wish to prolong battery life, and data center operators, for whom electrical and cooling costs are a major expenditure.
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[edit] Usage
The original focus was on CPU sleep states, and showing the programs or drivers responsible for "wakeups" which prevent CPUs entering sleep states. A database of known problems automatically provides more user friendly "tips" for specific sources of wakeups. However, it also shows information on CPU frequency scaling. Over time the database has been expanded to include tips on a wide range of power consumption issues.
[edit] Software
Many open source and free software programs, such as Mozilla Firefox [1][2], have been patched to reduce their power consumption since the release of PowerTOP.
[edit] Hardware
It is most effective on laptop computers. Laptops are specifically designed to allow power use to be both monitored and controlled. In particular, many laptop computers can measure the rate of battery use (when not connected to mains power). PowerTOP uses this feature to estimate power usage in Watts and battery life. This provides immediate feedback on changes made e.g. disabling wireless networking when not used.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ PowerTOP analyzes the Firefox
- ^ Some event waiting in PSM make the CPU wake from idle with no reason
[edit] External links
- PowerTOP: Official website
- Intel and PowerTOP extend Linux laptop battery life
- lesswatts.org Computer Power saving projects on Linux
- Powertop for OpenSolaris, Part of Project Tesla
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