semi-OT: power requirements

[Colin McGregor]

On 2/17/10, Matt Price <matt.price-H217xnMUJC0sA/PxXw9srA at public.gmane.org> wrote:
> hey folks,
>
> I'm putting together a proposal to build a linux-based computer lab
> using salvaged hardware in a public housing building, and realize i
> don't have a really good idea how much power i'm going to need in it.
> Has anyone on the list built computer labs, and do you know rules of
> thumb for energy requirements?  these are older machines with CRT
> monitor, so though not quite as power-hungry as today's quad-cores,
> they're nowhere near as efficient as modern thin clients or the like.
>
> thanks much!  all the best,
> matt

I had the above sort of problem (setting up a Linux based Internet
Lounge) a few years ago and wrote about it here:

http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7127

For power, I went with the following numbers, 5 amps per PC and 2 amps
per CRT  monitor for a total of 7 amps per machine. A normal
electrical circuit is 15 amps, so 1 circuit per 2 machines. Now, it is
very unlikely that any one the PCs I was looking at would be using the
full 5 amps, so it left a comfortable (maybe very comfortable) margin
on power... Also, remember to set aside 1 or 2 circuits to support
extras like a hub, DSL/cable modem, extra lights, etc...

Well, you can see the issues I saw and dealt with in the above article.

The above was with machines that are likely going to be older than
yours, so your millage may vary somewhat...

Do let folks know how all of this goes as I and I assume a number of
other folks here would be interested in hearing details.

Colin McGregor

> --
> Matt Price
> matt.price-H217xnMUJC0sA/PxXw9srA at public.gmane.org
>
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