This fell in my lap over the weekend, but I didn’t have time to cover it last week: An update is available that allows for a potential power saving in an AMD multicore processor that is running an x64-based version of Windows Vista SP2, of Windows Server 2008 SP2, of Windows 7, or of Windows Server 2008 R2.
The update in itself is worth a download and an install, to make post-Vista 64-bit platforms play nice with Enhanced C1 state (C1E) for lower power consumption for an AMD multicore processor. But what is interesting is that under Hotfix Support for Windows 7/Windows Server 2008 R2 it says SP1 (Service Pack 1) and SP3 for Vista.
Could the first service pack for Windows 7 already have started shaping up, when the product will only be offered to customers on October 22nd? Considering the July 22nd release to manufacturing date, I would say yes. Microsoft is not releasing hotfixes to all Windows users, but it is traditionally including the bit in the next service pack. The x64 Windows 7 C1E hotfix can be deployed in the RTM build of the operating system, but it won’t see a wide release until it will be included into Windows 7 SP1.
And of course Vista SP3 is already in the making. SP2 was released to manufacturing on April 28th. I would dare say that at this point in time, the RTM of Vista SP3 is less than a year away, and that it will a minor service pack release, just like SP1 and SP2.
The local Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC) timer is programmed to count even when it is not being used. Therefore, the local APIC timer runs in the C1 sleep state continuously at a constant rate regardless of performance state (P-state) transitions. This behavior causes the computer to consume unnecessary power. However, AMD processors support an inactive state for when the CPU APIC timer is not being used. Therefore, an AMD processor can enter the low-power C1E state. This low-power state saves up to an additional 10 percent in power.
If your processor supports the C1E state, you can apply this update to allow for the potential power savings of the C1E sleep state.
A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the problem described in this article. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.
If the hotfix is available for download, there is a “Hotfix download available” section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.
Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support (http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support)
Note The “Hotfix download available” form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.
Prerequisites
To apply this hotfix, the computer must be running an x64-based version of one of the following operating systems:
* Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2)
* Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (SP2)
* Windows 7
* Windows Server 2008 R2
Restart requirement
You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.
Hotfix replacement information
This hotfix does not replace any other hotfix.
File information
The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.
I hate to break it to you, but these SP levels mean exactly nothing.
They only mean that they’re for ‘current SP’ 1 level, they may get into the next SP if it ever surfaces.
Microsoft says that there will be no SP3 for Windows 2003, yet all the hotfixes refer to SP3. This only means that they are/can be installed on SP2 machines.
Still, we will most likely see SP1 for Win 7. I’m not so sure about SP3 for Vista. (Remember NT4 SP7, Win2000 SP5, now Win2003 SP3 and I have 0.05US on that there will be no SP2 for Win7)
See for example:
http://support.microsoft.com/hotfix/KBHotfix.aspx?kbnum=919117&kbln=en-us
I hate to break it to you, but not all Windows service packs are “equal.” You’ll start understanding in 2010. The hotfix in question is by no means a guarantee for the delivery of Windows 7 SP1 or Vista SP3, but it is an indication of Microsoft’s current plans. Whether they will or will not come to fruition is another thing altogether.