The sys admin’s daily grind: PowerTOP

DOWNSTREAM

Article from Issue 87/2008
Author(s):

Beep and power off! Large displays and faster CPUs seemingly wipe out the benefits of advances in battery technology. PowerTOP helps power hogs keep their laptops running without mains power.

Linux introduced the tickless kernel in version 2.6.21 (or 2.6.23 for 64-bit machines); that is, the kernel does away with the legacy fixed 250Hz timer. Theoretically, this should increase the battery running time for laptops because the CPU can stay in power-saving mode longer. In reality, the kernel is not the only factor: drivers, daemons, and applications can also spoil your power-saving strategy, making the new kernel’s contribution virtually useless.

Buy this article as PDF

Express-Checkout as PDF
Price $2.95
(incl. VAT)

Buy Linux Magazine

SINGLE ISSUES
Print Issues
Digital Issues
 
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Print Subs
Digisubs
 
TABLET & SMARTPHONE APPS
Get it on Google Play

US / Canada

Get it on Google Play

UK / Australia

Related content

  • PowerTOP 2.0

    The PowerTOP tool developed by Intel helps you save power. In version 2.0, it can also handle GPUs and offers advanced tracking features.

    more »
  • PowerTOP

    Intel’s PowerTOP analysis tool helps optimize power usage and shows you the power guzzlers hiding out on your operating system.

    more »
  • PowerTOP Releases v2.0

    PowerTOP releases v2.0 of its Linux tool, with improved diagnostics and user interface.

    more »
  • Saving Power

    Save power by choosing the right system and software configuration.

    more »
  • AcpiTool and PowerTOP

    AcpiTool and PowerTOP ensure a sustainable battery lifetime and guarantee low energy consumption of laptops running Linux by identifying power hogs and maintaining the battery.

    more »
comments powered by Disqus