SpeedStep for the Desktop?

[Gunnar]

I was wondering if there is something like speedstep for the desktop. I ask this because I am often away from my computer, but I usually have it downloading files, or serving files (not high traffic AT ALL), and I do not need it consuming the same amount of power as it does during normal operation.

Is there a configuration for a system where it will modulate the clock speed of the processor accordingly? perhaps even the harddrive? Maybe the video card too?

I am aware that a notebook probably does all of this, but, quite frankly, I cant afford a note, especially for the performance and expansion it gives for the purposes I need this computer for.

Thanks.

 

[John]

I do not need it consuming the same amount of power as it does during normal operation.

You're kidding, right?

 

[mrgoblin]

I think hes serious John, better call the doctor quick.

 

[dew042]

i find it somewhat intriguing....

i have a laptop cpu in my computer. it runs quite cool....


dew.

 

[Gunnar]

er, what did I say? I was just wondering if it is possible to reduce my energy consumption when the processor is not under intensive use, like when I leave the computer on to download a file.

Im not realy worried about the heat it generates, just want to know if I can cut down on my electricity bill...

 

[MDE]

The laptop chip will use less electricity, which is why it runs cooler.

 

[Mingon]

You could use a gigabyte mobo with easytune and manually reduces the FSB, depends on your cpu and its fsb.

 

[lameaway]

You could get a VIA Eden Mini-ITX system and a KVM switch pretty cheap... do all your downloading and file serving and whatnot on the VIA, and put your main desktop on standby mode when not in use. An Eden + 5,400rpm drive would be fanless, noiseless, and quite low-power... thats the best solution I can come up with for ya.

 

[Gunnar]

hmm, what does a via eden go for? How would it do for a file server?

That could be potentially very cool. Does linux support it so I can vnc in?

 

[lameaway]

The EPIA 5000 goes for a bit over $100 for a motherboard with integrated everything and a CPU soldered on. Linux support is currently poor for its sound and video features, but for server purposes any distro should run great. As far as file serving... well, its a slow CPU, but it'll be disk and network limited anyway. For low-traffic serving it'll keep up just fine.

 

[BeauJangles]

Your CPU doesn't just sit there running at 100% load all the time, consuming as much power as possible. If you leave your computer on downloading stuff, most likely your CPU is at <1% usage. If that's the case, it's barely consuming any power. Same thing goes for the rest of your computer. The PSU doesn't always draw 300 watts (if it's a 300 watter), it only provides the power needed by the rest of the system.

 

[Gunnar]

BlinderBomber, I dont know what the power consumption is for a computer. I guess since the amount of heat generated directly relates the amount of load the system is under, you could use that as a gauge for the amount of power drawn.

My question is, how much power does a system draw under near minimal load (mostly disk access, and network card traffic)? Is there wasted power here (my guess is yes)?

As for the fileserver, well Id need to browse and initiate the file transfer from the file server itself, whether it be some P2P program, or something on IRC. Is there a way to install these things headlessly (no vid card)? My guess is that for a file server I could copy it locally over the home lan to the big machine when I need to use it.

 

[OverVolt]

Buy some Halogen light bulbs, fix drafts in the house, close blinds over windows when you don't need the light. There's alotta lil ways to make your heating cooling more effecient which is the #1 cost on your electic bill. Cutting down power on ur CPU is crazy, not sure if u'd even save a dollar a month doing that if u only left ur rig on like 4-6 hours a day.

Next monitor u buy get an LCD if your THAT power concious. Also an idle TV can cot ya up to $20 a month if u leave it on all the time (turn off cable box but not TV ect).

Might wanna get a new fridge since some of the newer onces don't cot much to run. I kno our power bill was $110, n i have 3Rigs on 24/7 doing F@H, AC @ 74F, 2Fans in the comp room on 24/7 (coz it's so hot in there) with the door closed to comp room.

We also have well water which uses the power to pump the water and pressurize it. And I've fone just about everything i mentioned up there.

If your worried about those extra CPU cycles join a Distributed Computing Project