Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a method of conserving energy comprises providing an energy-conservation module to control use of one or more energy-saving mechanism by a hardware element. The energy-conservation module comprises a performance estimation module that estimates a performance level requirement of the hardware element and a slack time. A cost-benefit qualifier module is provided that uses one or more generic algorithm and at least one separate record that characterizes power use and performance by the hardware element in relation to a Performance Power state of the selected energy-saving mechanism in order to determine an existence of an energy saving. The cost-benefit qualifier module sets the hardware element to use the Performance Power state of the selected energy-saving mechanism if the energy-saving exists.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a method of conserving energy comprises providing an energy-conservation module to control use of one or more energy-saving mechanism by a hardware element. The energy-conservation module comprises a performance estimation module that estimates a performance level requirement of the hardware element and a slack time. A cost-benefit qualifier module is provided that uses one or more generic algorithm and at least one separate record that characterises power use and performance by the hardware element in relation to a Performance Power state of the selected energy-saving mechanism in order to determine an existence of an energy saving. The cost-benefit qualifier module sets the hardware element to use the Performance Power state of the selected energy-saving mechanism if the energy-saving exists.