Running a PC 24/7 without wasting energy
Posted on September 21, 2007
Filed Under PVR Project
Running a PC 24 hours a day is a very useful thing to have, particularly with running daily backups, using it for recording TV programs as a PVR, security and more. However, most PCs guzzle energy, and I’m trying to find a low energy (and therefore cost efficient) solution.
I currently have a Mini-ITX based on the Jetway motherboard, which is meant to be a low power solution. I want to measure its actual power usage with a mains energy monitor. If the power usage is less than 30 Watts when idle, that’s pretty good. However, adding a TV card when I convert it to a full PVR will increase the power usage a bit, particularly when actually recording.
I’ve explored other possibilities, such as a Tranquil PC, but they’re not much use as PVRs. Only really for desktop use. The VeryPC Green PCs are a step in the right direction, but are quite costly. It’s really a surprise at how few energy-saving PCs exist at the moment, but at least some companies are making a start.
My motivation is doing a bit for the environment and cost cutting on bills. But if the PCs themselves were cheaper, that would motivate a lot more people.
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