A method includes controlling active frequency states of a plurality of heterogeneous processing units based on frequency sensitivity metrics indicating performance coupling between different types of processing units in the plurality of heterogeneous processing units. A processor includes a plurality of heterogeneous processing units and a performance controller to control active frequency states of the plurality of heterogeneous processing units based on frequency sensitivity metrics indicating performance coupling between different types of processing units in the plurality of heterogeneous processing units. The active frequency state of a first type of processing unit in the plurality of heterogeneous processing units is controlled based on a first activity metric associated with a first type of processing unit and a second activity metric associated with a second type of processing unit.