Less Power to the People - energy awareness for the computer savvy
Submitted by Guest on Tue, 2011-12-06 14:41
So, you use a computer - how else would you be looking at this website? Here are some tips from an engineer on how you can lessen your impact without missing out. (part 1 of 2)
Less Power to the People
by Jeff Alan
If you've purchased a computer power supply any time in recent years, you may have noticed a smattering of logos and numbers on the box. What's good to know?
80PLUS1– This is a rating system for power supplies (PSUs) based on efficiency. In order to meet basic 80+, a power supply must be able to provide greater than 80% efficiency at a number of power loads. However, this does not say anything about efficiency when the system is idling. There are different levels, too (standard, bronze, silver, gold, platinum). Leading to...
Wattage – Unless you're building a “performance” or “enthusiast” type system, your needs are minimal. That said, all you'll really save by going lower is money. I found this great online tool to help you figure out your required PSU wattage at http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp
RoHS/WEEE2 – Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive is a set of restrictions on hazardous materials in electronics. This has been quite well adopted by computer manufacturers and it is very easy to see if the RoHS logo is on a box. The WEEE logo looks like a rolling garbage can crossed out and deals with the processes of recycling of the product. The implication is that the manufacturer is responsible for proper recycling and disposal when you're done. WEEE is a European thing, however. In Canada you can take your old stuff to big box stores, recycling companies and charities, or even in some cases now (like Toronto3) just leave it at the curb.
ErP/EuP Ready - Practically every piece of modern equipment only “soft” powers off. While your computer is off, it is still leeching a little power. ErP/EuP aims to have complete computers consume no more than 1 watt while they are “off.” The 2.0 version of this aims to limit further to a max of 0.5 watts. Other components come into play with this. If you don't need remote power-up, using a physical switch like a power bar to turn everything off is ideal.
Please, do not cheap out on a power supply. If you stick with reputable brands with solid warranties and read thorough reviews4, the work is pretty much done for you.
-JA
1 - http://www.plugloadsolutions.com/80PlusPowerSupplies.aspx
2 - http://www.rohsguide.com/rohs-faq.htm