Short for System Management Mode, SMM was first introduced by Intel in October 1990 with the Intel 386SL. This process was created as a way for the CPU to execute code from a separate area of memory known as SMRAM. SMRAM is only accessible by the processor and not the operating system or other programs. SMM allows the processor to work transparently with the operating system and other programs to power up or down any hardware devices allowing the computer to better conserve power when idle.

Computer acronyms, CPU terms, SMI, SMRAM

  • CPU help and support.