How to Configure CPU Power Management Settings (DVFS, C-States)

Step 1: Access BIOS Configuration

• Restart your HPC node and enter the BIOS setup by pressing the appropriate key (DEL, F2, or F10) during system boot.

Step 2: Adjust DVFS (Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling)

• Locate CPU performance and power settings in BIOS.
• Configure DVFS modes, choosing either "Performance," "Balanced," or "Efficiency" based on your workload:
  • Performance mode: Maximizes CPU frequencies, ideal for intensive HPC workloads.
  • Balanced mode: Offers adaptive frequency scaling for balanced performance and efficiency.
  • Efficiency mode: Prioritizes power savings at the expense of performance.

Step 3: Configure C-States (CPU Idle Power States)

• Identify C-State settings in the BIOS power management section.
• Select appropriate C-State levels:
  • Lower levels (C0, C1) offer reduced latency but higher power usage.
  • Deeper levels (C3, C6, C7) improve energy efficiency but may introduce latency, potentially affecting HPC performance.
• For HPC environments, often only shallow C-states (C0, C1) or disabling deeper states entirely is recommended.

Step 4: Set Processor Performance Boost Settings

• Configure Turbo Boost (Intel) or Precision Boost (AMD) to dynamically increase CPU frequencies under high-demand conditions.
• Ensure these settings align with your desired performance and power consumption goals.

Step 5: Verify and Apply Settings

• Save changes in BIOS and reboot the system.
• Confirm settings using OS-level tools like cpupower, turbostat, or vendor utilities (intel_pstate, amd-pstate) to validate configuration accuracy.

Step 6: Monitor and Benchmark

• Monitor CPU performance, power consumption, and system stability post-configuration.
• Run HPC workload benchmarks or stress tests (LINPACK, Prime95) to validate improvements in performance or efficiency.

Step 7: Document Power Management Configurations

• Maintain detailed documentation on chosen DVFS and C-State settings, rationale, and benchmark results to simplify future adjustments and troubleshooting.