Power Supply Energy Efficency - New 80 Plus Standard

System builders are now taking it serious about building energy efficient systems using the new 80Plus standard with rebates being offered by the utility companies. In the past, power supplies have been ignored as fuel prices have increased. But with the computer industry looking to be ‘green’, more emphasis is being placed on energy efficient power supplies.

Utility companies offer either a $5 dollar rebate on desktops or a $10 dollar rebate on servers using the 80 Plus power supplies. What is a 80 Plus power supply?

“The 80 PLUS^® performance specification requires power supplies in computers and servers to be 80% or greater energy efficient at 20%, 50% and 100% of rated load with a true power factor of 0.9 or greater. This makes an 80 PLUS^® certified power supply substantially more efficient than current power supplies and creates a unique market differentiation opportunity for power supply and computer manufacturers. “

Can consumers now buy replacement power supplies that support the 80 Plus standard? Yes. Over at 80Plus.org they provide listings of suppliers that currently have for sale the new 80Plus power supplies. They also list the OEM’s that are using the new power supplies as well.

So save yourself a few bucks in energy costs and specify that your new computer be 80 Plus certified or when replacing a failed power supply, buy a 80 Plus certified unit.

Tags: power supplies, energy savings, 80 plus, standard