News

Intel Backs New Efficient PC Power Supply

February 26, 2004 by Jeff Shepard

Intel Corp. (Santa Clara, CA) announced that it is backing a new type of efficient power supply for personal computers, which could shave $1 billion from US energy bills while reducing emissions from power plants. Intel is expected to disclose a new specification for power supplies developed in collaboration with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), an environmental group.

Intel reports that four power supply makers have agreed to use the design, which could cut personal computer power consumption by one-third. One possible drawback is that the new power supplies are more expensive and will add an estimated $10 to the cost of a computer. However, Intel and the NRDC say the improved efficiency will cut the electricity cost for a typical business personal computer by $17 a year.

Intel and the NRDC are working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to incorporate the new power supply design into requirements for the EPA's Energy Star label, which denotes efficient computers and other electronic products. Intel believes the new power supplies can be made smaller, allowing for more innovative personal computer designs.