[DiTECH]

Microsoft has made available for download an update designed to boost power-saving capabilities for the latest Windows client and server releases.



Microsoft noted that the update could allow for potential power saving, provided that the machines running a 64-bit (x64-based) version of Windows Vista SP2, of Windows Server 2008 SP2, of Windows 7, or of Windows Server 2008 R2, were equipped with an AMD multicore CPU. According to the Redmond company, the refresh can tweak the Windows operating systems mentioned above in order to leverage the Enhanced C1 state (C1E) for lower power consumption, which is a feature of AMD multicore processors.

“The local Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC) timer is programmed to count even when it is not being used. Therefore, the local APIC timer runs in the C1 sleep state continuously at a constant rate regardless of performance state (P-state) transitions. This behavior causes the computer to consume unnecessary power. However, AMD processors support an inactive state for when the CPU APIC timer is not being used. Therefore, an AMD processor can enter the low-power C1E state. This low-power state saves up to an additional 10 percent in power,” Microsoft stated.

In addition to running just the 64-bit flavor of Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and Vista SP2, end users will also need their AMD multicore processor to actually support the C1E state. The update only works in conjunction with supported Windows clients and servers as well as with C1E-capable AMD multicore processors in order to deliver power savings via the sleep state.

And although Microsoft is saying update, fact is that the downloadable bits are not a fully fledged refresh, but actually a hotfix. “This hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described [here]. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the problem described [here]. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix,” Microsoft added.

source: news.softpedia.com

[zool]

That really is a good news for AMD users like me

[Liskiller]

Download

[Syzygy]

zool, on 13 October 2009 - 04:15 PM, said:

That really is a good news for AMD users like me

10% Won't make that much of a difference, like an extra 6 minutes per hour or $0.01-$0.05c p/h off your power bill..

[xsever]

@ Syzygy

Over time, those savings will make a difference. This C1E update will also lower idle temps.

Did any try it? Can you see a difference? Any bugs?

[Syzygy]

xsever, on 13 October 2009 - 10:35 PM, said:

@ Syzygy

Over time, those savings will make a difference. This C1E update will also lower idle temps.

Did any try it? Can you see a difference? Any bugs?

$87.60 - $438. Per year (If you were to never turn it off for that long during idle then the cost saved would be much less).

Probably a cheap RAM upgrade there - it's probably the only benefit out of this I can see. Temperature wise I would assume it would be 1-2 degrees cooler, because current AMD processors are probably already idling at low temperatures that are dilated by room temperature.

[GamerSmurf]

So I just installed it to my PC (Win 7 x64, AMD Phenom X4 9600 Agena)

It installed fine.. Been running for an hour now..

The only weird thing was when I downloaded it and had to enter my email address.. Then the compressed file was password protected and time sensitive.. See below

[xsever]

@ Syzygy

That amount your calculations spit out does not hurt at all! I would not mind it at all.

@ GamerSmurf

The file delivery is set this way because the update has not yet been fully tested. They take these precautions so that they deter people who do not know what they are doing.

[zool]

Oh well.. Its better than nothing..

Quote

The only weird thing was when I downloaded it andhad to enter my email address.. Then the compressed file was passwordprotected and time sensitive.. See below

LOL!! MS is over reacted. Email? Password? Expired date? What are they thinking..

Oh crap.. its for 64-bit.. i didn't noticed that..

This post has been edited by zool: 13 October 2009 - 02:23 PM

[xsever]

I installed it on mine and so far so good. No bugs and running smooth!

[adrynalyne]

zool, on 13 October 2009 - 02:20 PM, said:

Oh well.. Its better than nothing..

Quote

The only weird thing was when I downloaded it andhad to enter my email address.. Then the compressed file was passwordprotected and time sensitive.. See below

LOL!! MS is over reacted. Email? Password? Expired date? What are they thinking..

Oh crap.. its for 64-bit.. i didn't noticed that..

They didn't over react.

They simply lifted this from the internal hotfix server for hotfixes not yet tested enough to release to the general public. I know this, because I used to send them out to customers. The zip file is designed to have an expiring password, because they don't want something that hasn't been heavily tested getting out. It does, but thats the reason they do it.

[xsever]

Thanks for the clarification.

[Abhi]

Now this is interesting (marked with ink/highlighted):

[xsever]

Hey Abhi,

I read that the hotfix will officially and fully launch with 7's SP1. This version of it is not fully tested yet.

I have installed it, and Windows has been running flawlessly. I will have to put it to sleep and post back some more results should something bad happen (God forbid).

[WhistAler]

Finally something for AMD!