Test Results
RAM Speeds And Timings
| Memory Speed | Timings | Voltage | System Idle Power | Max. System Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DDR2-533 | 3-3-3-9 | 1.8 V | 148 W | 189 W |
| DDR2-533 | 5-5-5-15 | 1.8 V | 148 W | 189 W |
| DDR2-667 | 3-3-3-9 | 1.8 V | 149 W | 191 W |
| DDR2-667 | 5-5-5-15 | 1.8 V | 149 W | 192 W |
| DDR2-800 | 3-4-3-9 | 2.0 V | 152 W | 196 W |
| DDR2-800 | 5-5-5-15 | 1.8 V | 151 W | 193 W |
| DDR2-1066 | 5-5-5-15 | 2.1 V | 158 W | 205 W |
Using DDR2-1066 RAM increases the system power draw (and memory cost) considerably, without delivering a huge performance increase.
Graphics Cards
| Graphics Card | System Idle Power | Max. System Power |
|---|---|---|
| Nvidia GeForce 8800GTS | 143 W | 248 W |
| Nvidia GeForce 7800GT | 103 W | 184 W |
| Nvidia GeForce 6800GT | 117 W | 189 W |
GeForce 7 can be considered the most efficient GeForce graphics card, as both its successor and its predecessor required more power. The latest GeForce 8 series is a power hog, which we cannot recommend for efficiency-aware users unless you want maximum performance or DirectX 10 support now.
Hard Drives
| Hard Drive | Specs | Setup | System Idle Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Digital WD1500ADFD (150 GB) | 3.5" - 10,000 RPM | 4 platters | 145 W |
| Seagate Barracuda ES (750 GB) | 3.5" - 7,200 RPM | 4 platters | 143 W |
| Samsung HD321KJ (320 GB) | 3.5" - 7,200 RPM | 2 platters | 141 W |
| Samsung HM160JI (160 GB) | 2.5" - 5,400 RPM | 2 platters | 134 W |
The difference between a 10,000 RPM WD Raptor and other 7,200 RPM drives is only noteworthy when compared to hard drives with few platters (1-2). In other cases, the energy requirements will only differ by a few watts.
Add-On Cards
| Add-On cards | System Idle Power |
|---|---|
| no add-on cards | 143 W |
| Intel Pro/1000 MT Network Card | 145 W |
| Adaptec 1430SA SATA RAID Controller | 148 W |
Adding expansion cards increases the power requirements, but the two test cards (a network card and a storage controller) didn't boost consumption by much.
