A computer implemented method, an apparatus, and computer usable program code for reducing the amount of power used when executing a set of applications is provided. A controller determines an operating condition for the data processing system. Responsive to the operating condition being above a threshold, the controller switches the set of applications to a low power path. Responsive to the operating condition being below the threshold and the set of applications operating at the low power path, the controller switches the set of applications to a normal operating path.