[mythtv-users] Low Power MythTV Server on Via EPIA M6000 - 37 watts

Kevin Dalley kevin at kelphead.org
Thu Apr 19 18:13:57 UTC 2007


Thanks for the careful analysis.

My 4-5 year old Tivo uses about 35 Watts average, measured with my
power meter over about 1000 hours.  I was hoping to cut the power
under that, and replace the box with something more flexible than
TiVo.  I'm undecided on whether this is encouraging or not.  I could
replace my TiVo, but I would use more energy, though not much more.

With my solar panels, my electricity price is more from M-F12-6 than
at others times, and I produce electricity during the peak periods, so
the savings can be even more if I cut down usage.  During the summer,
the price is about $0.30/kWh during peak time, and $0.10/kWh during
off-peak time.  I don't record many shows during peak times anyway, so
the computer shouldn't need to be as busy, should it?

Is it possible to suspend the computer when it is not busy, yet still
wake it up in time to record shows?  This URL mentions attempts to
suspend computers, but this discusses end-user computers more than a
server.

http://www.ma.utexas.edu/users/stirling/computergeek/powersaving.html

Do you try to spin down the drive?  I haven't done this myself, but I
think about it.  Spinning down only works if your drive is not kept
constantly busy.  Again, this URL has suggestions, untried by me.

"Peter A. Daly" <petedaly at gmail.com> writes:

> I've put together a Myth server on an EPIA ME6000 and wrote and article about
> it. 
>
> Previously I had used this platform as a MiniMyth Frontend, and I know a bunch
> of people on this list have similar hardware and have been following my
> projects.
>
> http://www.mythpvr.com/mythtv/hardware/low-power-mythtv-server.html
>
> Basically it'll save about $40/year in power.  It's certainly not for
> everybody, but it's something some people on this list may be interested in.
>
> I had guessed previously that I was going to be around 35 watts...I guess I'm
> close with 37, but I was hoping for less.  My previous system took 80 watts.
>
> I welcome any feedback, comments, corrections, or additions.
>
> -Pete
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