Intel 2970M CW8064701487001 User Manual

Datasheet, Volume 1

79

Once a target frequency/bus ratio is resolved, the processor core will transition to the 
new target automatically.

• On an upward operating point transition, the voltage transition precedes the 

frequency transition.

• On a downward transition, the frequency transition precedes the voltage transition.

When transitioning to a target core operating voltage, a new VID code to the voltage 
regulator is issued. The voltage regulator must support dynamic VID steps to support 
this method.

During the voltage change:

• It will be necessary to transition through multiple VID steps to reach the target 

operating voltage.

• Each step is 5 mV for Intel MVP-7.0 compliant VRs.
• The processor continues to execute instructions. However, the processor will halt 

instruction execution for frequency transitions.

If a processor load-based Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology/P-state transition 
(through MSR write) is initiated while the Adaptive Thermal Monitor is active, there are 
two possible outcomes:

• If the P-state target frequency is higher than the processor core optimized target 

frequency, the p-state transition will be deferred until the thermal event has been 
completed.

• If the P-state target frequency is lower than the processor core optimized target 

frequency, the processor will transition to the P-state operating point.