Jump to content

Building a Green (Mini-ITX) PC


Empire

Recommended Posts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv300VDiS2U

 

This video shows the construction of an energy efficient PC that uses only around 20W of power. For those who are interested, a build list is as follows (updated slightly from the video due to technology and avaialble components having moved on). I've hyperlinked the components to Mini-ITX.com where I got them from, but there are plenty of other suppliers.

 

Intel D525MW motherboard with integrated 1.8GHz dual core Atom processor. NOTE: I actually used a D510MO motherboard with an integrated 1.66Ghz dual core Atom processor, but this is no longer (widely) available, so I would use a 525MW in any new build today.

 

Mini ITX case 3320 (no manufacturer stated. Includes PSU)

 

2GB DDR3 1333 SODIMM for 2GB of memory (I used two DDR2 667 DIMMs and you will need these if you use a D510MO motherboard. However, the D525MW takes SODIMM DDR3 memory, and it is cheaper to reach 2GB with one DDR3 SODIMM rather than two, which also leaves expansion capacity).

 

40GB Intel X25-V 2.5in SATA II Solid State Disk. You could use any standard-height 2.5" disk drive to reduce the cost of your build. But the SSD is nice, and this Intel one is fast and not that bad a price.

The only other things you need are an operating system -- I used Windows 7, but as so many people have told me, a version of Linux costs nothing and suits this build to the ground if you don't need to run Windows apps (which I did). You'll also need a keyboard, mouse, monitor and patience. The white surface to build the thing on is optional!

 

Good Luck!

lcuoUWl.gif 

Do you have a sec? check out: Empirekicking | Discord Server | #baysidegamers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So, it's a step by step tutorial of how to waste a few hundred dollars?

 

 

UMmm.. Yeah... good one ... :turned:

 

It's good information for people that Are starting very basic, Or buying very very cheap pc. and It's not an gaming rig, good for web and word. :wacko:

 

I thought I'll shell share good information about things in life :thumbsup:

lcuoUWl.gif 

Do you have a sec? check out: Empirekicking | Discord Server | #baysidegamers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

and It's not an gaming rig, good for web and word. :wacko:

 

So is any desktop, or laptop, or netbook, or tablet, or phone, or ipod...

Sorry to rain on your parade. I get the reasoning behind having a cheap PC, but I don't see the point of investing both physical labor and money into this thing unless you're building something small all by yourself just to show people you built something small all by yourself. The best reaction you'll get from someone is "Neat... moving on..."

No matter, to each their own. It sort of reminds me of home theater PCs, if any of you are familiar with what those are/were. Those you can kind of get creative with, like this: 

stephenson-2-11-13-01.jpg

"Neat", as I mentioned before.

Edited by unr3al

Tips/Donate: u.gamecaster.com/unr3al
Twitch Channel: Twitch.tv/unr3al_twitch
YouTube Channel: YouTube.com/unr3algaming
Twitter: @unr3alofficial

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you watch and read the video, It's more then just having a cheap PC, This video shows the construction of an energy efficient PC that uses only around 20W of power.

 

Computing is not currently very environmentally friendly. in the May 2010 edition of the Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics only 2 out of 18 of the PC and other electronics manufacturers listed obtained a reasonably green rating. The two companies concerned were Nokia (1st) and Sony Ericsson (2nd). This is an LOWER POWER HARDWARE

lcuoUWl.gif 

Do you have a sec? check out: Empirekicking | Discord Server | #baysidegamers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That was interesting but, as unr3al said, is a waste of money.

 

Nowadays "green attitude" is a trend, but in most of the cases it's just a spot, a commercial. Sustainability is a very difficult target which requires complex evaluations.

 

Just to make an example: water recycling shower designed by Danish Design Centre

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/11/tech/innovation/futuristic-water-recycling-shower-orbsys/

 

It is not sustainable, it does not seem to be.

First of all: water is a renewable resource, it's not that necessary to recycle it.

The shower uses filters and materials which require expensive (in term of money & work) maintenance.

These filters and components are made of expensive non renewable materials. These materials require long travels to be delivered around the world. Travel means CO2 consumption. Travel means costs.

Constant maintenance, as said before, is expensive. If it is not cost efficient, it is not efficient at all.

These are just few evaluations, we can discuss about this shower's environmental impact for hours.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Whilst the performance and the breadth of application of computers is increasing, so too is our awareness of the cost and scarcity of the energy required to power them, as well as the materials needed to make them in the first place. However, because computing developments can enable individuals and businesses to adopt greener lifestyles and workstyles, in terms of the environmental debate computing is definitely both part of the problem and part of the solution.

 

Through more environmentally aware usage (such as more effective power management and shut-down during periods of inactivity), and by adopting current lower power technologies, computers can already be made significantly more energy efficient. Indeed, just as we now look back and wonder why automobiles a decade or two ago used to guzzle so much petrol, in a decade's time we will no doubt be staggered that a typical desktop PC used to happily sit around drawing 100-200W of power every hour night and day, and when accomplishing no more than displaying a screensaver.

 

The computing industry is more prepared and far more competent than almost any other industry when it domes to facing and responding to rapid change. Environmentally it is not a good thing that most PCs -- especially in companies -- have typically entered a landfill after only a few years in service. However, this reality does at least mean that a widespread mindset already exits for both adapting to and paying money for new computer hardware on a regular basis. Hence, whereas it took decades to get more energy efficient cars on the roads, it will hopefully only take a matter of years to reach a state of affairs where most computers are using far less power than they needlessly waste today.

lcuoUWl.gif 

Do you have a sec? check out: Empirekicking | Discord Server | #baysidegamers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh those are pretty cool. But they're just that, pretty cool. It's a fun hobby though. Kinda similar to the PC the OP linked in the terms of size (and maybe efficiency). 

 

Ya you could say that - I would say more than just pretty cool, I have about 15 of them doing various things from controlling my lights and heater remotely at home, to having XBMC on one and using it for a home media center.... so i am kind of a RPi freak :P 

 

Works great for "Word" and Internet browsing as the OP stated, at a MUCH lower cost.

 

Its the little box that can! lol

Edited by WSPChiefReefer
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ya you could say that - I would say more than just pretty cool, I have about 15 of them doing various things from controlling my lights and heater remotely at home, to having XBMC on one and using it for a home media center.... so i am kind of a RPi freak :P 

 

Works great for "Word" and Internet browsing as the OP stated, at a MUCH lower cost.

 

Its the little box that can! lol

 

I was going to get an Raspberry Pi Model B, I read allot of information about it and it's cool. only cost $50 :thumbsup:

 

-But I'm happy with my gaming rig, that cost be $2800

lcuoUWl.gif 

Do you have a sec? check out: Empirekicking | Discord Server | #baysidegamers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Through more environmentally aware usage (such as more effective power management and shut-down during periods of inactivity), and by adopting current lower power technologies, computers can already be made significantly more energy efficient. I

If I'm honest, I think there are more serious problems that need addressing than idling computers, especially on the personal user level. Pitch this idea to big companies with thousands of computers in one building, that'll make a more meaningful dent. Even still though, I'd focus on bio-waste and pollution first. Especially from companies that should know better. One anti-progressive thing being done these days are people buying Toyota Prius's. Building, shipping and selling one creates more waste than the cars actually save vs. another domestic vehicle.

Tips/Donate: u.gamecaster.com/unr3al
Twitch Channel: Twitch.tv/unr3al_twitch
YouTube Channel: YouTube.com/unr3algaming
Twitter: @unr3alofficial

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To try and promote the above and other opportunities for more environmentally-friendly computing, in 2007 the Climate Savers Computing Initiative was set up by Google, Intel and a number of other leading players in the computing industry. The Initiative set itself a target to increase the energy efficiency of all computers shipped in 2010 by 50 per cent. This was hoped would reduce global carbon dioxide emissions from the operation of computers by 54 million tons per year, equivalent to the output of 11 million cars, or 10-20 coal fired power stations. Total energy savings would then be equivalent to 62 billion kWh and worth over $5.5bn.

 

The Climate Savers Computing Initiative has yet to specifically report on its initial targets. However, by July 27th 2010, a study conducted by Natural Logic showed that the IT sector had reduced annual CO2 emissions associated with IT equipment by more than 32 million metric tons worldwide since 2007. The research also showed that the IT sector was on target to achieve the intial Climate Savers Computing Initiative’s hoped for environmental savings by the end of its 2010 fiscal year in June 2011. Looking ahead, the Initiative is intending to leverage the expertise of new members -- including Cisco, Emerson Network Power and Juniper Networks -- in an attempt to reduce the power consumption of always-on computer hardware devices such as network routers.

lcuoUWl.gif 

Do you have a sec? check out: Empirekicking | Discord Server | #baysidegamers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Again, fantastic, but not a priority. Other industries do more planetary damage than idling computers. Cost savings should take a back seat to preserving nature, and as a whole, we (as in humans) need to prioritize. Intel, Google and all of them would actually be doing us a bigger favor by putting pressure on companies that produce physical waste to cut down on what they're doing, or by putting pressure on various governments to impose sanctions on said businesses. Fix physical waste problems first, worry about their energy bill and their dusty old workstations later.

Edited by unr3al

Tips/Donate: u.gamecaster.com/unr3al
Twitch Channel: Twitch.tv/unr3al_twitch
YouTube Channel: YouTube.com/unr3algaming
Twitter: @unr3alofficial

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Again, fantastic, but not a priority. Other industries do more planetary damage than idling computers. Cost savings should take a back seat to preserving nature, and as a whole, we (as in humans) need to prioritize. Intel, Google and all of them would actually be doing us a bigger favor by putting pressure on companies that produce physical waste to cut down on what they're doing, or by putting pressure on various governments to impose sanctions on said businesses. Fix physical waste problems first, worry about their energy bill and their dusty old workstations later.

 

this thread is becoming very interested, really Just buy an Raspberry Pi, as it's very cheap-ish, and can run of a car battery, and use the Screen from the car radio or DVD player that all cars have

lcuoUWl.gif 

Do you have a sec? check out: Empirekicking | Discord Server | #baysidegamers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Again, fantastic, but not a priority. Other industries do more planetary damage than idling computers. Cost savings should take a back seat to preserving nature, and as a whole, we (as in humans) need to prioritize. Intel, Google and all of them would actually be doing us a bigger favor by putting pressure on companies that produce physical waste to cut down on what they're doing, or by putting pressure on various governments to impose sanctions on said businesses. Fix physical waste problems first, worry about their energy bill and their dusty old workstations later.

 

It is not the same topic: power consumption and waste treatment have very different environmental impact. Waste and pollutions, generally speaking, are not priorities for mankind survival.

 

Energy production and consumption, on the contrary, is the real problem nowadays. I'm not talking about energy "green" impact, because the real problem human kind is facing is: where and how are we going to retrieve energy if we have not enough sources anymore? I know, it seems science fiction, but it is not: we are consuming sources faster than earth can renew them. It is called "Earth Overshoot" and it's valued by the "Earth Overshoot Day".

You can study it in deep consulting the pages of the Global Footprint Network, here's an interesting link:

http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/earth_overshoot_day/

 

That said, I'm going to repeat myself: energy consumption is a priority and it is not a pollution problem. It's about exhausting planet resources. And this is why we talk about sustainability: we need to consume less producing more. Of course garbage and pollutions are serious problems too, but don't seem a priority to me, if compared.

 

By the way, talking about industries: economical primary & secondary sectors, the "high polluters", are not world's majority (talking about percentanges). Tertiary sector, the one which potentially uses computers, is the world's majority. And this is incredible, because we are talking about a planetary average! "Evoluted" countries are not the planet's majority: it means that "we", evoluted citizens in evoluted countries, mostly work in tertiary sector, confusing the statistics.

These are the GDP world's percentages composition by sector of origin (2013 est. from CIA's World Factbook):

agriculture: 5.9%

industry: 30.5%

services: 63.6%

 

Here a few link for consultation:

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/xx.html

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2012.html

 

So: even if we think about waste and pollution, we have to focus on energy consumption.

 

What about Google? Servers and data banks are very high polluters! Just think about servers' cooling costs and energy consumption, not to mention the power every server rack consumes itself.

A few interesting articles about:

http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2288738/googles-footprint-falls-as-users-emit-eight-grams-of-co2-per-day

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/4217055/Two-Google-searches-produce-same-CO2-as-boiling-a-kettle.html

 

What about IT in general:

http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70866

 

What about Facebook:

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/facebook-expands-server-farm-sweden-22815462

(This is not casual: scandinavian countries are investing a lot on IT. It's funny: being very cold places, servers' cooling is very less expensive)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That said, I'm going to repeat myself: energy consumption is a priority and it is not a pollution problem. It's about exhausting planet resources. And this is why we talk about sustainability: we need to consume less producing more. Of course garbage and pollutions are serious problems too, but don't seem a priority to me, if compared.

Creating all that energy for all of these newly manufactured devices creates waste. Green PCs are fine, but are not the impact maker. Pollution is the immediate threat the way I see it due to things like global warming coming to the forefront of world politics. The two can go hand in hand, because pollution is often created by power companies themselves. The best compromise between our two visions? Target the power companies and sources of energy. Renewable sources of energy are a good thing to work towards in all aspects of day to day life, not just computing. Nuclear energy and hydrogen fuel may be good solutions, I just hope we can test them and implement them properly before it's too late. I don't have to have future generations living on Mars.

Edited by unr3al

Tips/Donate: u.gamecaster.com/unr3al
Twitch Channel: Twitch.tv/unr3al_twitch
YouTube Channel: YouTube.com/unr3algaming
Twitter: @unr3alofficial

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




×
×
  • Create New...