Ability to throttle background processes?

[2twisty]

OK. I'm gonna try running mysql on the pi to see if db performance is any better. My next option is to get another Pi, I guess. I have plenty of powerful hardware (I have a dual-processor Opteron server with total 16 cores and 24GB of ram at my disposal, so computing power is not an issue), but since I'm trying to find a way to use the least amount of power possible, using that big server is not ideal.

A little more background: My wife and I are planning to go totally off-grid within the next 5 years. So, I am learning about power conservation -- without sacrificing technology. I can tell you -- it's a fun exercise sometimes!