a system and method for managing power consumption on a network interface card involves connecting constantly running clocks to a small amount of logic on the network interface card . the logic is used to monitor activity on the network interface card , and in response to events enable the clocks for functional blocks within the chip , on an as needed basis . through dynamically controlled clocks , power consumption can be reduced significantly , and the network interface card remains in a state that is able to react efficiently to external events related to transmission of packets , reception of packets and functions related to the management of the network interface .