Methods of managing wasted active power of processors in computer systems and other electronic devices are disclosed. In one aspect, a method may include counting a number of times that a processor has performed an instruction loop. Then, a determination may be made whether the number of times that the processor has performed the loop is greater than one or more thresholds or other given values. Next, a limit may be imposed on the power of the processor if the number of times that the processor has performed the loop is greater than at least one of the thresholds or given values. Logic to perform such methods is also disclosed, as are systems suitable for incorporating such logic.