Mechanism for self refresh during advanced configuration and power interface (ACPI) standard C0 power state

An apparatus comprising:

• a link coupled with a memory;
• and
• circuitry coupled with the link, the circuitry to:
• calculate an amount of memory access idle time over the link;
• determine if memory access idle time exceeds one of an AC threshold and a DC threshold to change to a self refresh state, wherein the AC threshold corresponds to operation when AC power is provided and the DC threshold corresponds to operation when DC power is provided;
• and
• change to a self refresh state based on memory access idle time without explicit notification from a processor regarding the processor power state.

A system comprising:

• an integrated battery power source to power circuitry;
• a memory coupled with a link;
• and
• circuitry coupled with the link, the circuitry to:
• calculate an amount of memory access idle time on the link;
• determine if memory access idle time exceeds one of an AC threshold and a DC threshold to change to a self refresh state, wherein the AC threshold corresponds to operation when AC power is provided and the DC threshold corresponds to operation when DC power is provided;
• and
• change to a self refresh state based on memory access idle time without explicit notification from a processor regarding the processor power state.