A method comprises predicting, based on corresponding historical workload data, a change in virtual network function demand during a future workload period, wherein the virtual network function is supported by a node. The method further comprises determining a target clock speed of one or more physical CPU cores of one or more processors of one or more servers in the node corresponding to the change in the virtual network function demand and adjusting the CPU CORE of the node to the target clock speed corresponding to the change in the virtual network function demand for the future workload period.