International Business Machines Corporation

Matthew A Eckl

Jimmy Grant Foster, Sr

Michael G Brinkman

Kwok Hon Yu

A method, apparatus and system are disclosed for redistributing memory allocation to portions of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and dual in-line memory module (DIMM) devices that are underutilized, in order to balance memory usage more evenly amongst active devices so as to limit the amount of power and the thermal load consumed by an individual memory component. The disclosed method, apparatus and system are capable of identifying and tracking memory usage to minimize power consumption in a way that lessens the detrimental effects of 'throttling' or reduced power modes for memory devices.

Redistribution of memory to reduce computer system power consumption

A system, method and device for managing power distribution on a shared bus system that interconnects multiple devices each containing a signal termination component are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method of the invention includes detecting and communicating thermal indicia of one or more of the devices in the shared bus system to a memory controller device. The memory controller includes an on-die termination control circuit for setting and resetting the enablement of the signal termination components of the one or more devices. In a preferred embodiment, the on-die termination control circuit sets and resets the enablement of the signal termination components in accordance with the determined thermal indicia.

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Raleigh, NC, United States of America

Matthew A Eckl