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Computer Servers Key Product Criteria

Key product criteria for Computer Servers are listed below. For additional definitions and more detailed information on these requirements please refer to the full Program Requirements for Computer Servers PDF (279KB).

Computer Server: A computer that provides services and manages networked resources for client devices, e.g., desktop computers, notebook computers, thin clients, wireless devices, PDAs, IP telephones, other Computer Servers and other networked devices. Computer Servers are sold through enterprise channels for use in data centers and office/corporate environments. Computer Servers are designed to respond to requests and are primarily accessed via network connections, and not through direct user input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, etc. In addition, Computer Servers must have all of the following characteristics:

  • Marketed and sold as a Computer Server;
  • Designed for and listed as supporting Computer Server Operating Systems (OS) and/or hypervisors, and targeted to run user-installed enterprise applications;
  • Support for error-correcting code (ECC) and/or buffered memory (including both buffered DIMMs and buffered on board (BOB) configurations);
  • Packaged and sold with one or more AC-DC or DC-DC power supply(s); and
  • All processors have access to shared system memory and are independently visible to a single OS or hypervisor.

Note: In addition to those products that do not meet the computer server definition above, the following product types are explicitly ineligible for ENERGY STAR qualification:

  • Blade Systems including Blade Servers and Blade Chassis
  • Fully Fault Tolerant Servers
  • Server Appliances
  • Multi-Node Systems
  • Storage Equipment including Blade Storage
  • Network Equipment

Tier 1 Requirements: Effective May 15, 2009

A. Power Supply Efficiency Requirements

Efficiency Requirements for Computer Server Power Supplies
Power Supply Type Rated Output Power 10% Load 20% Load 50% Load 100% Load
Multi-Output (AC-DC & DC-DC) All Output Levels N/A 82% 85% 82%
Single-Output (AC-DC & DC-DC) <= 500 watts 70% 82% 89% 85%
> 500–1,000 watts 75% 85% 89% 85%
> 1,000 watts 80% 88% 92% 88%
Power Factor Requirements for Computer Server Power Supplies
Power Supply Type Rated Output Power 10% Load 20% Load 50% Load 100% Load
DC-DC All All Output Levels N/A N/A N/A N/A
AC-DC Multi-Output All Output Levels N/A 0.8 0.9 0.95
AC-DC Single-Output <= 500 watts N/A 0.8 0.9 0.95
> 500–1,000 watts 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.95
> 1,000 watts 80% 88% 92% 88%

Note: Power factor requirements pertain to all loading conditions where the output power is greater than or equal to 75 watts. Manufacturers are still required to measure and report power factor values for loading conditions less than 75 watts to qualify for ENERGY STAR.

B. Active Power Requirements

Single and Dual Processor Socket Computer Servers (1S & 2S)
Base System Idle Power Requirements
Computer Server System Type Idle Power Limit
Category A: Standard Single Installed Processor (1P) Servers 55.0 watts
Category B: Managed Single Installed Processor (1P) Servers 65.0 watts
Category C: Standard Dual Installed Processor (2P) Servers 100.0 watts
Category D: Managed Dual Installed Processor (2P) Servers 150.0 watts
Additional Idle Power Allowances for Extra Components
System Characteristic Additional Idle Power Allowance
Additional Power Supplies 20.0 watts per Power Supply
Additional Hard Drives 8.0 watts per Hard Drive
Additional Memory 2.0 watts per GB
Additional I/O Devices <1Gbit: No Allowance
=1Gbit: 2.0 watts / Active Port
>1Gbit and <10Gbit: 4.0 watts / Active Port
>=10 Gbit: 8.0 watts / Active Port
Computer Servers with Greater than Two Processor Sockets (3S & 4S)
Systems must be shipped with power management functionality enabled on the system BIOS and/or a management controller of service processor.

All processors must be able to reduce power consumption in times of low utilization by either:

  • Reducing voltage and/or frequency through Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS), or
  • Using processor or core reduced power states when a core or socket is not being used.

C. Standard Information Reporting Requirements

Partners must provide a standardized Version 1.0 Power and Performance Data Sheet with each ENERGY STAR qualified Computer Server. This information must be posted on the Partner's Web site where information on the qualified model, or qualified configuration, is posted.

D. Data Measurement and Output Requirements

All Managed Servers and Computer Servers with greater than two sockets must have the ability to provide data on input power consumption in watts, inlet air temperature, and utilization of all logical CPUs during normal operation.

Tier 2 Requirements: Effective October 15, 2010

EPA has commenced the Tier 2 development process, which will include the following tasks:

  • Review all specification elements and criteria for refinements
  • Expand the scope to include, but not limited to: servers with greater than four processor sockets, Blade Systems, Fully Fault Tolerant Servers, Server Appliances, Multi-Node systems
  • Evaluate the potential benefits of a Net Power Loss approach.

For more information visit the Computer Server Specification Development Archive.