[XCSSA] Electrical usage of servers

[xcssa@xcssa.org]

On Tuesday 07 November 2006 12:25, xcssa-admin@xcssa.org wrote:
> I'm curious if anybody on SATLUG or XCSSA has done, or has found,
> electrical usage tests between different types of CPUs. For example, does a
> P3-500 use more or less electricity than a P4 2.4Ghz, and vice versa? 

The older server grade (slot) PIII-500's ran at like 3-5 watts or so.  The 
newer P4's which claim to throttle themselves down to under 1watt under light 
battery load, but  under load (i.e. running Windows, or really working in 
Linux) can run anywhere from 30-90watts full tilt.  If you want to save 
power.. ditch Intel all together.  AMD has them beat for processing power 
efficiency.  Check out the new Turions :)

Want to really run lean?  Go with the embedded VIA or Geode processors.  A bit 
weak on the horse power.. but they run so cool many of them don't even need a 
heat sink.. On the order of 1-2 watts:
	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geode_(processor)

The Via C7 comes in at around 20watts at 2GHz.  
	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VIA_C3

or event he C7M (used in several tablet PCs).

But don't forget forget that your wasting like 60-100 watts in just the heat 
from the digital switching supply...  If you really want to run solar.. then 
ditch the switching power supply and run the computer off DC directly.  Much 
more efficient!   Oh. and ditch that nice big CRT for an LCD and save 
100watts again.  Of course.. don't get TOO big of an LCD or you start 
creeping back up.

Tweeks