GreenTech/Cleantech: Hot PSUs Run Cool, Save...

Originally published under a slightly different title at my external environmental blog.

Driven by the Energy Star 5.0 requirements as set down by the EPA, in consultation with the industry and PC Magazine, Corsair has reached the 80 PLUS standard with a new series of PC power supplies.

80 PLUS specifies at least 80 efficiency all the way from low (20%) load to high (100%) load.

This is a major improvement and a most welcome one- many power supplies (or PSUs) are near 70% or less efficient, so they generate more heat and waste more electricity (the more efficient power supplies generate less heat and keep more of the energy in the form of electricity that is used by the computer).

With all of the advances in Europe regarding clean and efficient technology, it is nice to see the US EPA making tougher requirements and driving the industry! EnergyStar 5.0 will require 85% efficiency!

I happen to have the HX620W, one of the qualifying 80 PLUS PSUs, in the desktop machine I'm working on now, and I chose it after searching the web for PSU efficiency ratings.