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

matthew.garman at gmail.com matthew.garman at gmail.com
Thu Apr 26 22:36:57 UTC 2007


On Thu, Apr 26, 2007 at 08:55:40AM -0700, David Rees wrote:
> BTW, do you have any idea how efficient your PSU is? For a system
> with such a low power draw, something like a PicoPSU would likely
> be at least 20% more efficient than stock so could save you
> another 5w or so. :-)

They're expensive, but I'd definitely push for the PicoPSU with any
system of such small wattage.  Given the unfortunate trend of modern
PSUs ever increasing in wattage, the usual advertised efficiency is
almost always based on high power draw.  I'm too lazy to get an
exact link for you, but head over to silentpcreview.com and read
about efficiency curves for power supplies.  In short, a power
supply's efficiency changes with the load it pulls.

Although, you might also look into "80+" rated power supplies (which
have limited availability right now).  To get the 80+ rating, they
have to be at least 80% efficient at some preset loads.  I can't
remember what the lower bound is, but I want to say 20 Watts (but
don't hold me to that!).

But I think you should be able to use a PicoPSU plus a
high-efficiency AC-DC brick and have at least 85% efficiency at 37
Watts.

That was meant to be a short post!
Matt



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