My current home server, a Raspberry Pi4 with 4GiB RAM is running out of memory and i wondered whether i could convert my existing desktop PC into a home server. The Pi4 with a SSD connected over USB consumes only 7.1W at idle and 9.9W at load. Before i replace the Pi with the desktop, i wanted to check if it could achieve low power consumption at idle.
  • tomkatt@lemmy.worldEnglish
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    6 months ago

    Neat write up.

    Power consumption is a big reason I ditched my full size server for an AMD mini-PC. Way more efficient with a tdp of 25w, and idles pretty low (sub-10w, I forget the exact wattage).

    I’m not really doing a lot with it, it’s mostly for Plex and Jellyfin, and I’ve got a separate VM hosting home assistant. It’s running Proxmox, and plenty of headroom if I needed more VMs or containers.

    • ag10n@lemmy.worldEnglish
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      6 months ago

      Same, picked up an Asrock x300 and running a 4750g at 35w.

      Perfect for anything the house needs, and use the gaming pc for testing and prototyping

    • pHr34kY@lemmy.worldEnglish
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      6 months ago

      That’s amazing. I’ll have to take your word for it. I only have Firefox on my devices.

      • Ooops@feddit.orgEnglish
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        6 months ago

        I was about to ask how to get that error after checking with a non-firefox-based backup-browser…

        But people stupid enough to still run actual chrome nowadays don’t deserve any better.

      • undefinedTruth@lemmy.zipEnglish
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        6 months ago

        You are not blocking just Chrome though. You are also blocking Vanadium on GrapheneOS.

        To be fair though it works fine with JavaScript disabled. I only enabled JavaScript to test it.

  • BlameThePeacock@lemmy.caEnglish
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    6 months ago

    The simple answer is most desktop PCs will not come even close to that at idle. Even just having a few case fans may draw more than that, without involving the CPU at all.

    Laptop devices can do that in some cases with their extra power management features.

    That being said, do the math to see if it matters. The difference between 10w and 40w is 0.7kwh per day, at least where I live that’s about 7 cents or about $25 per year.

    In my case it would be more expensive to purchase a dedicated low power device than it will save me in 4-5 years compared to just using something I already have laying around.

  • pHr34kY@lemmy.worldEnglish
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    6 months ago

    What’s crazy is that my small UPS consumes 20W at idle (fully charged; AC connected).

    I got my server down to 40W too, and the UPS ate all the savings.

  • hendrik@palaver.p3x.deEnglish
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    6 months ago

    I’m a bit below 20W. But I custom-built the computer a long time ago with an energy-efficient mainboard and a PicoPSU. I think other options for people who don’t need a lot of harddisks or a graphics card include old laptops or Mini-PCs. Those should idle at somewhat like 10-15W. It stretches the definition of “desktop pc” a bit, but I guess you could place them on a desk as well 😉

  • Sir_Kevin@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
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    6 months ago

    Something that I’d like to point out that a lot of people seem to miss, is that power saving is not always about saving money.

    I live off-grid, so for me it’s about not draining my battery bank, which is a precious and limited resource. It can make the difference between getting by on solar power or having to run a generator to recoup the losses.

    Running a generator uses fuel (another limited resource), it’s loud, and produces heat and exhaust. It’s the last thing I ever want to do if I can avoid it. Depending on the time and location it may not even be an option.