Anyone know anything about Asus's EPU?

[Operandi]

I searched all over and couldn't really find much info about it and Asus's info is pretty vague.

1. What exactly is that little chip near the CPU socket supposed to be doing?

2. Do I need to install the Asus software for it work or will it function in "Auto" mode on its own?

 

[fffblackmage]

Supposedly, it helps to limit power consumption of the cpu when performance isn't needed (like when idling). I have no idea how to tell if it's doing anything or even how to enable/disable it.

This slideshow tells you what it does.

edit: Hm... I guess that slideshow answers a lot of questions... it kinda looks like you need to install Asus AI Gear3 for EPU. That kinda sucks, since my Asus mobo is being used in my home server/NAS box that won't run Windows.

 

[Operandi]

It seems like the EPU chip is in direct communication with the clock generator and CPU directly controlling the VRM so it would have to always be active.

I think the software might just set the aggressiveness of power savings the chip functions in as there is probably a small performance hit for aggressive power saving modes. Still not very clear though.