Multi-core dynamic frequency control system

An approach is provided in which a multi-core processor's first core determines whether it controls a system frequency that drives a group of cores included in the multi-core processor. When the first core is not controlling the system frequency for the group of cores, the first core uses an internal voltage control module to provide control information to the first core's programmable voltage regulator and, in turn, independently control the first core's voltage level. When the first core is controlling the system frequency, the first core receives voltage control information from pervasive control to control the first core's voltage levels.