[mythtv-users] MythTV box power usage

[Brad Templeton]

On Sun, Feb 15, 2009 at 09:22:51AM -0500, Jay Summet wrote:
> 
> I have the cheapest computer I could buy from Frys:
> 
> It has a Celeron D 3.2Mhz  CPU in it with 1GB ram, 2 HD's and a fanless
> NVIDIA GeForce 7200GS graphics card. [I shutter to think about the
> efficiency of that power supply...]
> 
> My computer alone takes 120 watts idle and goes up to approx 140 when
> transcoding, commflagging, watching HD, etc.

Right, that means you didn't get the cheapest computer when you factor
in the power.   My system with a core 2 duo, but only 1HD takes 67 watts
at the wall when idle, 95 when revving hot.

The core 2 duo is way more power efficient than the Celeron or any of
the older systems.   In spite of the price, when you add the cost of
the power going into it in a box that's up a lot of the time, it is
cheaper than the celeron.

Especially here in California with 31 cent/kwh power.

And lower wattage means lower fans.

Get an 80 plus power supply.

Get a core 2 duo or other modern low wattage processor able to do HD.

It's actually cheaper than not getting it.    Though of course in the
future it will be even cheaper.