[mythtv-users] [Slightly OT] solar power for all our gadgets

[John Drescher]

> I have just started researching this and this seems like a good
> conversation to jump into. Hope no one minds me asking a few questions.
> :)
>
> I have been looking to replace my ancient P4 Myth frontend and its +4 yr
> old PSU with something like an Intel Atom w/ Nvidia and VDAPU (I also
> have a number of other systems that have high uptimes that I am trying
> to replace as well). I am hoping to cut these really old systems in
> favor of ones that are much more efficient. It has been suggested to me
> to look at the Silver 80 PLUS PSU's but the smallest wattage I have seen
> on the Silvers is a 700W. Way more then an Atom needs. However, it is my
> understanding that if a system draws (for example) 200W then there is no
> difference in power wasted for a 300W vs a 700W. In fact, if I
> understand correctly, a 300W at 75% load pulling 85% efficiency is worse
> then a 700W at 35% load pulling in a 87% efficiency. Correct? Or have I
> completely misunderstood what I have gathered so far?
>
Your atom will not pull any where near 200W unless you have dozens of
hard drives or some really high end graphics card.

My quad core 2.83GHz Q9550 pulls 150W at full load with > 4 hard
drives spinning and multiple tuners.

John