To provide reduced power consumption of a co-processor, a low power dedicated memory is provided. During a low power state, a processing component of the co-processor is instructed to use the low power dedicated memory and a first memory device, normally used by the processing component, is thereafter operated in a reduced power mode for the duration of the low power state. Preferably, the low power dedicated memory has a storage capacity that is significantly less than the storage capacity of the first memory. When an operating state other than the low power state is detected, normal power consumption by the first memory is resumed and the co-processor is directed to use the first memory once again. In this manner, the present invention allows co-processors, and preferably graphics co-processors, to operate in a beneficial low power mode thereby reducing power consumption.