memsleepdefault

Memsleepdefault is a term used in computer memory management to denote the default sleep or low-power state applied to memory blocks when they are idle. The parameter is used in several operating systems and firmware interfaces to balance power consumption against latency. As a default, memsleepdefault does not force every memory region into deep idle; instead, it provides a baseline policy that may be overridden by per-device or per-region settings.

Common implementations expose memsleepdefault as an enumerated setting with values such as none, light, deep (or equivalents), or as a numeric code. The exact semantics depend on the platform: none means memory stays active, light permits shallow power-down with quick wakeup, and deep allows aggressive power gating at the cost of longer wake latency. Some systems use additional intermediate states or combined policies that consider memory type, region, or workload.

Configuration is typically performed via kernel command line parameters, firmware interfaces, or runtime sysfs/proc entries, and may be adjusted for performance, battery life, or thermal constraints. Changing memsleepdefault affects wake latency, memory bandwidth, and overall system responsiveness; it should be tested under representative workloads before deployment.

Limitations include a lack of universal standardization; some platforms do not expose memsleepdefault at all, and others implement it differently. Misconfiguration can lead to instability or degraded performance if it conflicts with other memory subsystems or device-specific power policies. Proper documentation and platform-specific testing are recommended when tuning memsleepdefault.

See also: memory power management, sleep states, memory subsystem optimization, power-aware computing.