The present disclosure describes exemplary embodiments of BIOS-based systems and methods of processor power management. Such systems include a computer system, comprising: a processor operable at a plurality of power levels (the processor comprises a register capable of storing a processor load value); a memory coupled to the processor; and BIOS software stored in the memory that executes on the processor, (the BIOS software comprises a power management module). The power management module sets the processor to a new power level of the plurality of power levels if a function of the load value indicates the new power level.