SPEC CPU2006 Platform Settings for Intel-based systems

Firmware / BIOS / Microcode Settings

Intel(R) Hyper-Threading Tech:

Intel(R) Hyper-Threading Technology allows multithreaded software applications to execute threads in parallel within each processor. Can be [Enabled] or [Disabled].

Active Processor Cores:

Number of cores to enable in each processor package. Can be set from [1] to [all].

Execute Disable Bit:

Can help prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow attacks. Can be [Enabled] or [Disabled].

Intel(R) Virtualization Technology:

Allows a platform to run multiple operating systems and applications in independent partitions. Can be [Enabled] or [Disabled].

CPU and Power Performance Policy:

Allows the user to set an overall power and performance policy for the system, and when changed will modify a selected list of options to achieve the policy. These options are still changeable outside of the policy but do reflect the changes that the policy makes when a new policy is selected. [Performance] Optimization is strongly toward performance, even at the expense of energy efficiency [Balanced Performance] Weights optimization towards performance, while conserving energy [Balanced Power] Weights optimization towards energy conservation, with good performance [Power] Optimization is strongly toward energy efficiency, even at the expense of performance

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(R) Tech:

Allows the system to dynamically adjust processor voltage and core frequency, which can result in decreased average power consumption and decreased average heat production. Can be [Enabled] or [Disabled].

Intel(R) Turbo Boost Technology:

Allows the processor to automatically increase its frequency if it is running below power, temperature and current specifications. Can be [Enabled] or [Disabled].

Energy Efficient Turbo:

When Energy Efficient Turbo is enabled, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) cores only enter the turbo frequency when the Power Control Unit (PCU) detects high utilization.

CPU C-State:

When Central Processing Unit (CPU) C-State is enabled, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) cores enter the sleep state when there is no loading on it. Can be [Enabled] or [Disabled].

C1E Autopromote:

[Enabled] - the Central Processing Unit (CPU) will switch to the minimum Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(R) Technology operating point when all execution cores enter C1. Frequency will switch immediately, followed by gradual Voltage switching. [Disabled] - the Central Processing Unit (CPU) will not transit to the minimum Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(R) Technology operating point when all execution cores enter C1.

Processor C3:

Processor reports C3 state to Operating System (OS). Can be [Enabled] or [Disabled].

Processor C6:

Processor reports C6 state to Operating System (OS). Can be [Enabled] or [Disabled].

Enable CPU HWPM:

[Disabled] - Disables Central Processing Unit (CPU) Hardware Power Management (HWPM) [HWPM NATIVE MODE] - Enumerated CPUID HWP, Operating System (OS) participates in power management either through driver or Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) [HWPM OOB MODE] - Operating System (OS) Independent HWP, Operating System (OS) does not participate in power management

Enable CPU Autonomous Cstate:

Enable Central Processing Unit (CPU) Autonomous Cstate to convert HALT instruction to MWAIT.

Intel(R) QPI Frequency Select:

Allows for selecting the Intel(R) QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) Frequency. Recommended to leave in [Auto Max] so that the BIOS can select the highest common Intel(R) QuickPath Interconnect Frequency. Can be set [6.4GT/s], [8.0GT/s], [9.6GT/s] or [Auto Max].

Select Memory RAS Configuration:

Allows user to select the Memory RAS (reliability, availability, serviceability) Configuration to be applied for the next boot. Possible options are: [Maximum Performance], [Mirroring], [Rank Sparing] or [Lockstep].

NUMA Optimized:

If enabled, the BIOS includes Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) tables that are required for Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA)-aware Operating Systems.

Early Snoop:

If enabled, switch snoop mode to early snoop mode, otherwise disable early snoop optimization.

Patrol Scrub:

When enabled, performs periodic checks on memory cells and proactively walks through populated memory space, to seek and correct soft ECC errors.

Demand Scrub:

When enabled, executes when an ECC error is encountered during a normal read/write of data and corrects that data.

Set Fan Profile:

[Performance] Fan control provides primary system cooling before attempting to throttle memory [Acoustic] The system will favor using throttling of memory over boosting fans to cool the system if thermal thresholds are met

Fan PWM Offset:

Valid Offset 0-100. This number is added to the calculated Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) value to increase Fan Speed.

Fan PWM Limit:

Valid Offset 70-100. Max domain Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM). This set the absolute maximum fan Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) for the domain.