Minimize Computer Power Consumption

[Mighty Mira]

This is from Silent PC Review, and excellent site that goes in great depth for reducing noise in your computer. It is no stranger to lowering wattage requirements.

This article (http://www.silentpcreview.com/article227-page2.html) gives a broad overview of how to achieve a lower power draw for electronic devices. It's amazing how much low hanging fruit there is for efficiency. I like the idea of minimizing expenses... that means that you only need to work a short amount of time and then "coast".

[James]

I like the idea of minimizing expenses... that means that you only need to work a short amount of time and then "coast".

YES...Brilliant!

[ZugyNA]

If you are in to energy savings...makes the leave it on or turn it off question easy to answer.

My graphics card only uses 23 watts...full blast....good to know.

If I'm done using it...I turn it off.

[JanGeo]

I run on a laptop Avertec 3200 - power in use 30-32 watts - monthly electric bill 80-85kwh most of the power going to the fridge to keep juice cool although double insulated it is still the big consumer in my place. HDTV 26" highest energy saving mode . . . 50-60 watts!!! max power mode 192 watts!

[Mighty Mira]

Actually now they have a new article (http://www.homepower.com/files/featured/HP114_pg22_Chin.pdf)...

Net result is go laptop with Pentium M, Celeron M, Core Solo,
and Core Duo among Intel processors; AMD Turion 64 and
Turion 64 X2 (dual core) are also very efficient.

And choose an LCD screen.

[brick]

Actually now they have a new article (http://www.homepower.com/files/featured/HP114_pg22_Chin.pdf)...

Net result is go laptop with Pentium M, Celeron M, Core Solo,
and Core Duo among Intel processors; AMD Turion 64 and
Turion 64 X2 (dual core) are also very efficient.

And choose an LCD screen.

I'm running a little laptop with a Pentium M and it does the job just fine. The only thing I could ask for is a larger flat panel display since this is one of those "ultra portable" things with a tiny form factor. Doesn't shed much heat, though.

[diamondlarry]

My new computer has an AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ processor with 2G of ram. From what I have learned by reading the manual/instructions, it only runs as fast as it has to. The literature mentioned that if I were to check on the system performance that I may see a slower than advertised processor speed. Almost sounds like Dodge's MDS for desktops.:p

[SVOboy]

That thing got a hemi (with fuel saving M-D-S)?

It'll always have the power of a v8, never get the FE of a 4 cylinder, but no one will check their mileage to know the difference!

[molecule]

my car computer is a p3 600mhz my original gateway purchased in 2000
has a 90w ps w/ onboard graphics
i can listen to tunes and gps streets & trips
or run wmp visualization no problem
seems to do the job
15" industrial lcd custom mounted to the dash
i think its 35w
plus a stock honda stereo probably no more than 100w
eh...it gets me by

http://users.adelphia.net/~digitalcongo/bluelappy.jpg

back when i owned the vx i couldn't manage to make a difference mpg wise either using the computer or not

[psyshack]

I overclock and crank the voltages up on all my rigs. A avid folder to boot. I use extreme air and water cooling. all 5 of my machines run 24/7 @ 100%

If it wont OC to the trash with it.... :)

[ZugyNA]

I overclock and crank the voltages up on all my rigs. A avid folder to boot. I use extreme air and water cooling. all 5 of my machines run 24/7 @ 100%

If it wont OC to the trash with it.... :)

What are these 5 machines doing...calculating the precise date of the end of the world?

I have a midlevel gaming box that is running around 53C when it gets above 80F or so (AMD Athlon 64 3200+)....not OCed at all. Alarm is set at 54C. Should I worry?

[ZugyNA]

my car computer is a p3 600mhz my original gateway purchased in 2000
has a 90w ps w/ onboard graphics
i can listen to tunes and gps streets & trips
or run wmp visualization no problem

You have no vibration problems relative to the HD?

[molecule]

HD's are rated for from 5-10g's...
my biggest problems in the past have been pci cards rattling loose...rare
or when my mouse or keyboard jacks fall out...oooh nerveracking...
just ground the whole power inverter or comp case and you wont get shocked

[omgwtfbyobbq]

The proposed idle parameter for desktops is 50~60W ACHmm... I have a PIII that pulls down 70W@100%CPU whenever it's on. I've been wondering, does anyone have any experience w/ low power rigs? I was about to pull the trigger and build a Via C3 based computer to take over server duties from the old PIII, but I've read that it'll still pull down 50W, so it would take at least two years of constant operation before it paid itself off. My 19" CRTs since they only pull down ~60W, so given the much higher cost it may take those several years to pay themselves off. I wouldn't be surprised if they died before that. If I could drop the server's power consumption down to ~20-30W it would be worthwhile since it would pay itself off in one year of constant operation, but as it stands, modern chips just are too $$$ or consume too much power to be worthwhile in the role of a server.