A host processor card configured to be fitted into a server system includes a processor, and a memory coupled to the processor for storing an operating system. A power control line controls the power state of the host processor card. A graceful shutdown circuit is coupled to the processor and the power control line. The processor is configured to provide a graceful shutdown signal to the graceful shutdown circuit. The graceful shutdown circuit is configured to allow a graceful shutdown of the host processor card when the power control line indicates that the host processor card is to be powered down if the processor has provided the graceful shutdown signal.