Computer Specification

The ENERGY STAR specification for computers is currently under revision for Version 5.0. Materials related to this revision process are provided below and this page will be updated periodically as new information is available. Tier 1 of the Version 4.0 Specification went into effect on July 20, 2007.

For more information on the revised specifications, please contact Katharine Kaplan, EPA, at Kaplan.Katharine@epamail.epa.gov. Consumers may visit the ENERGY STAR products pages for information on qualified computers and other office equipment.

Draft 2 Computer Specification, Version 5.0

Provisional Idle for Desktop, Integrated Desktop, Notebooks, and Tablet Computers in Version 5.0

ENERGY STAR 4.0 for computers anticipated that the next version of the specification would make use of an Energy Efficiency Performance Assessment tool (EEPA tool) in order to assess the energy efficiency of a desktop or notebook but stated that EPA would continue with provisional Idle requirements in Version 5.0 should the agreed upon EEPA tool not be ready within the available time. As announced in an August 8th stakeholder memorandum, BAPCo membership decided not to submit their EEPA Tool, EEcoMark, to EPA at this time. As such, EPA and its counterparts in the EC are immediately moving forward with the provisional idle plan referenced in the final Version 4.0 Computer specification. As made clear in the Version 4.0 Specification, this provisional idle approach will include revised Idle State levels that, in line with ENERGY STAR guiding principles, recognize top performers in energy efficiency.

Below are two files related to data collection for this effort: a test procedure to collect Idle, Sleep, and Off power levels and a data collection spreadsheet to record this data along with other system characteristics. EPA will consider data received on or before September 4, 2008, when creating proposed levels in Draft 2 of the Version 5.0 Specification in September. Please note that EPA will only consider requests for technology power allowances supported data. EPA expects to adjust Idle category bins used in Version 4.0 based on data shared by September 4. Interested stakeholders are asked to test computers according to the conditions and steps detailed in the test procedure and return completed forms via email to Evan Haines, ICF International, at ehaines@icfi.com.

SAVE THE DATE: Version 5.0 Computer Specification Meeting, Washington, DC — September 26, 2008

On Friday, September 26, 2008, EPA will host a stakeholder meeting in Washington, DC, to discuss the Version 5.0 Computer Specification. At this all-day meeting, EPA intends to discuss the next draft of the specification (scheduled for release in the weeks preceding this meeting), collected data, and other updates. Please RSVP via email to computers@icfi.com.

Data Collection Workstations

The Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC) Workstation benchmark introduced in Draft 1 as the evaluation method for ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 workstations is ready for use by ENERGY STAR stakeholders to collect data. This benchmark is comprised of a series of computational workloads and a software control/measurement harness.

The SPEC Workstation benchmark is being made available to EPA for use in developing the ENERGY STAR requirements for workstations. SPEC has granted EPA and its stakeholders use of its tool for this purpose alone. The tool will be made available upon request to interested stakeholders who agree to submit collected data to EPA. All SPEC members (OEMs, IHVs, etc) can obtain the SPEC Workstation Benchmark from the GWPG/GPC committees. For all others, please contact Evan Haines, ICF International, at ehaines@icfi.com.

Below is a data collection spreadsheet to record collected benchmark data along with other system characteristics. Interested stakeholders are asked to return completed forms along with copies of SPEC datasheets created by the tool via email to Evan Haines, ICF International, at ehaines@icfi.com. EPA will consider data received on or before September 4, 2008, when creating proposed levels in Draft 2 of the Version 5.0 Specification in September.

Data Collection Thin Clients and Small-Scale Servers

EPA is kicking off a second round of data collection for the Thin Client and Small-Scale Server product types. Three files are posted below: the first a unified test procedure for both product groups and individual data collection forms for each product type.

In addition to operational mode power data, the forms request information on product characteristics important to refinement of test conditions and technology-appropriate procedures. The second worksheet of each data collection form contains revised definitions for the two product types being tested.

Stakeholders interested in submitting data to EPA are asked to return completed data collection spreadsheets to Evan Haines, ICF International, at ehaines@icfi.com.

ENERGY STAR Computers Version 5.0: Update Memo — July 10, 2008

On July 10, 2008, EPA forwarded to stakeholders an email with Version 5.0 progress updates and other clarifications. The email and attached materials are posted below. The OM Test Procedure document was revised and interested stakeholders are encouraged to provide comment by July 22, 2008 to Evan Haines, ICF International, at ehaines@icfi.com.

ENERGY STAR Computers Version 5.0: Comment Response — June 9, 2008

EPA distributed a Comment Response Document to stakeholders on June 9, 2008, to provide feedback received on the Definitions Summary provided to stakeholders in May. This document was intended to organize stakeholder responses for ease of review and provides feedback from EPA where applicable. The document is organized by overall topic (left column) with line number references to the Definitions Summary provided for reference. The rightmost column contains responses, including where follow-up information may be requested.

The Definitions Summary upon which the attached document is based is available on this web page, further below.

ENERGY STAR Computers Version 5.0: Definitions Summary — May 14, 2008

EPA released a Definitions Summary document to stakeholders with the goals of compiling and responding to stakeholder comments on Draft 1 of the Version 5.0 Specification and solidifying definitions in advance of data collection efforts. Changes tracked in this document reflect updates from the Draft 1 text.

ENERGY STAR Computers Version 5.0 Draft 1: Stakeholder Online Meeting — April 8, 2008

EPA held an online stakeholder meeting to discuss Draft 1 of the Version 5.0 Computer Specification, comments received from stakeholders on this document, and the ENERGY STAR Compliance Testing program. EPA thanks those in attendance for their part in making this a valuable call. Below are materials from this meeting, including text from an action item communication sent after the meeting.

Stakeholder Comments on Draft 1

Draft 1 Computer Specification, Version 5.0

Stakeholder Comments on Discussion Guide

ENERGY STAR Computers Tier 2: Stakeholder Online Meeting — December 6, 2007

EPA held an online stakeholder meeting to discuss key topics related to the Tier 2 specification development process on December 6, 2007. EPA thanks those in attendance for their thoughts and questions during the discussion.

ENERGY STAR Computers Tier 2: Discussion Guide

This Tier 2 Discussion Guide for Computers is intended to provide information on the Tier 2 ENERGY STAR Specification effort, introduce topics for consideration, and encourage stakeholder input.

Please contact Katharine Kaplan, EPA, at Kaplan.Katharine@epamail.epa.gov, or Evan Haines, ICF International, at ehaines@icfi.com, with questions.

Computer Performance and Energy Assessment Tool Stakeholder Meeting, June 20, 2007, Washington, D.C.

Memorandums

ENERGY STAR System Implementation