System and method to maintain optimal system performance while adhering to competing power cap policies

A method for setting a power cap state, comprising:

• generating power monitor sensor data using a plurality of power monitor sensors;
• generating thermal monitor sensor data using a plurality of thermal monitor sensors;
• receiving the power monitor sensor data and the thermal monitor sensor data at a controller having a plurality of inputs;
• assigning a priority to one of two or more power cap states using the controller;
• generating a control signal using the controller as a function of the power cap state having a highest priority;
• receiving the control signal at a power limiting circuit coupled to the controller;
• and
• modifying the one or more power settings using the power limiting circuit.

A system for setting a power cap state, comprising:

• a plurality of power monitor sensors generating power monitor sensor data;
• a plurality of thermal monitor sensors generating thermal monitor sensor data;
• means for receiving the power monitor sensor data and the thermal monitor sensor data, assigning a priority to one of two or more power cap states and generating a control signal;
• and
• a power limiting circuit coupled to the controller and configured to receive the control signal and to modify one or more power settings.