ENNERGY STAR® Prrogram Requiremeents
ecificationn for Commputer Se
ervers
Product Spe
Eligibility Criteria
Draft 3 Version 2.0
12

Following is the Versio
on 2.0 ENERG
GY STAR Pro
oduct Specificcation for Com
mputer Serverrs. A product shallmeet all of the identified criteria if it is to earn thee ENERGY ST
TAR.

3

1 DEF
FINITIONSS4A) Produ
uct Types:

5
6
7
8
9
10
11

1)) Computer Server: A com
mputer that provides servicces and manages networkked resourcess forclient devicces (e.g., dessktop computeers, notebookk computers, thin clients, wireless devicces,
PDAs, IP telephones, other computeer servers, or other network devices). A computer serveris sold throough enterpris
se channels for use in dataa centers andd office/corporate environm
ments.
A computeer server is prrimarily acces
ssed via netwo
ork connectio
ons, versus diirectly-conneccted
user input devices suchh as a keyboa
ard or mouse. For purposes of this speccification, acomputer server must meet all of thee following criiteria:

12a) is marketed and sold as a Compputer Server;

1314b) is desiigned for and listed as suppporting one o r more compputer server operating systtems(OS) and/or hyperv
visors;1516c) is targeted to run us
ser-installed applications tyypically, but not exclusively, enterprise innature
e;

17
18
19

d) provides support for error-correc
cting code (ECCC) and/or bu
uffered memoory (including bothbuffereed dual in-line
e memory moodules (DIMM
Ms) and bufferred on board (BOB)
configuurations).

20
21
22

Note: Afteer further analysis, accounting for changging market c onditions, annd discussion with stakeholders,
EPA has removed the proposed EC
CC exemption for systems larger than 50
0 nodes sharring the samechassis.

23e) is packkaged and so
old with one or more ac-dc or dc-dc pow
wer supplies; and

24
25

f)

26
27
28

is desiigned such th
hat all processsors have acccess to sharedd system mem
mory and aree
indepeendently visible to a single OS or hypervvisor.

2)) Managed Server: A com
mputer serverr that is desig ned for a highh level of ava
ailability in a highly
managed environment. For purposess of this speccification, a maanaged serve
er must meet all of
the followinng criteria:

29a) is desiigned to be coonfigured withh redundant p ower supplie
es; and30b) containns an installed dedicated management controller (e.g., service prrocessor).

31
32
33
34
35

3)) Blade Systtem: A system
m comprised of a blade ch assis and one
e or more rem
movable bladee
servers annd/or other units (e.g., blade storage, bla
ade network equipment). Blade systems
provide a scalable means for combinning multiple b lade server or storage unnits in a singleeenclosure, and are desiigned to allow
w service techhnicians to ea
asily add or reeplace (hot-sw
wap)
blades in the field.

3637a) Blade Server: A com
mputer server that is desig
gned for use in a blade cha
assis. A bladee
serverr is a high-den
nsity device th
hat functions as an indepe
endent compu
uter server annd

ENERGY ST
TAR Program Re
equirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Crriteria

Page 1 of 20

38
39
40

includes at least one processor and system memory, but is dependent upon shared blade
chassis resources (e.g., power supplies, cooling) for operation. A processor or memory
module that is intended to scale up a standalone server is not considered a Blade Server.

4142(1) Multi-bay Blade Server: A blade server requiring more than one bay for installation ina blade chassis.

4344(2) Single-wide Blade Server: A blade server requiring the width of a standard blade
server bay.

45
46(3) Double-wide Blade Server: A blade server requiring twice the width of a standard
blade server bay.

4748(4) Half-height Blade Server: A blade server requiring one half the height of a standard
blade server bay.

49
50
51
52

b) Blade Chassis: An enclosure that contains shared resources for the operation of blade
servers, blade storage, and other blade form-factor devices. Shared resources provided
by a chassis may include power supplies, data storage, and hardware for dc power
distribution, thermal management, system management, and network services.

53
54
55

c) Blade Storage: A storage device that is designed for use in a blade chassis. A blade
storage device is dependent upon shared blade chassis resources (e.g., power supplies,
cooling) for operation.

56
57
58
59
60
61

4) Fully Fault Tolerant Server: A computer server that is designed with complete hardware
redundancy, in which every computing component is replicated between two nodes running
identical and concurrent workloads (i.e., if one node fails or needs repair, the second node
can run the workload alone to avoid downtime). A fully fault tolerant server uses two systems
to simultaneously and repetitively run a single workload for continuous availability in a
mission critical application.

62
63
64
65
66

5) Resilient Server: A Computer Server designed with extensive Reliability, Availability,
Serviceability (RAS) and scalability features integrated in the micro architecture of thesystem, CPU and chipset. For purposes of ENERGY STAR qualification under thisspecification, a Resilient Server shall have the characteristics as described in Appendix B ofthis specification.

67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78

Note: Given the length of the description for a Resilient Server, EPA has created a new Appendix B forreference. The definition provided in Appendix B is based on stakeholder recommendation andevaluation by EPA prior to inclusion in this draft version. It is EPA’s intention to proceed with this definition
to accurately characterize socket Resilient Servers. EPA has examined data indicating that two socket
Resilient Servers use considerably more power in Idle compared to Non-Resilient Servers; however, thedata does not clearly show the driver of this additional power consumption. Instead, analysis shows asignificant portion of the additional power consumption is not likely attributed to differences in Processor
Socket Power nor documented CPU power states. EPA welcomes additional input from stakeholders on
the components responsible for the increase in power consumption in systems using state of the art
processors that have energy management features. This input will be used to determine whether
separate Resilient Server Idle thresholds, similar to those shown in Table 3, would be appropriate for
Version 2.0.

79
80
81
82

6) Multi-node Server: A computer server that is designed with two or more independent server
nodes that share a single enclosure and one or more power supplies. In a multi-node server,
power is distributed to all nodes through shared power supplies. Server nodes in a multi-nodeserver are not designed to be hot-swappable.

8384a) Dual-node Server: A common multi-node server configuration consisting of two server
nodes.

85
867) Server Appliance: A computer server that is bundled with a pre-installed operating system
and application software that is used to perform a dedicated function or set of tightly coupled

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 2 of 20

87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97

functions. Server appliances deliver services through one or more networks (e.g., IP or SAN),
and are typically managed through a web or command line interface. Server appliancehardware and software configurations are customized by the vendor to perform a specifictask (e.g., name services, firewall services, authentication services, encryption services, andvoice-over-IP (VoIP) services), and are not intended to execute user-supplied software.
8) High Performance Computing (HPC) System: A computing system which is designed andoptimized to execute highly parallel applications. HPC systems feature a large number ofclustered homogeneous nodes often featuring specialized high speed inter-processing
interconnects as well as large memory capability and bandwidth. HPC systems may be
purposely built, or assembled from more commonly available servers. HPC systems mustmeet ALL the following criteria:

98a) Marketed and sold as a high performance computer;99b) Designed (or assembled) and optimized to execute highly parallel applications;

100
101

c) Consist of a number of typically homogeneous computing nodes, clustered primarily toincrease computational capability;102d) Includes high speed IPC interconnections between nodes.

103
104
105

Note: A definition for High Performance Computing System was submitted by stakeholders to differentiate
HPC systems from typical server products. EPA has condensed the proposed definition and welcomesstakeholder feedback on this definition.

106
107

9) Direct Current (Dc) Server: A computer server that is designed solely to operate on a dc
power source.

108
109
110

10) Large Server: A resilient/scalable server which ships as a pre-integrated/pre-tested system
housed in one or more full frames or racks and that includes a high connectivity I/O
subsystem with a minimum of 32 dedicated I/O slots.

111
112

Note: A definition for Large Server was submitted by a stakeholder to differentiate mainframe-type
servers from typical server products. EPA welcomes stakeholder feedback on this definition.

113
114
115

B) Product Category: A second-order classification or sub-type within a product type that is based on
product features and installed components. Product categories are used in this specification todetermine qualification and test requirements.

116C) Computer Server Form Factors:

117
118
119
120

1) Rack-mounted Server: A computer server that is designed for deployment in a standard 19­
inch data center rack as defined by EIA-310, IEC 60297, or DIN 41494. For the purposes ofthis specification, a blade server is considered under a separate category and excluded fromthe rack-mounted category.

121
122
123

2) Pedestal Server: A self-contained computer server that is designed with PSUs, cooling, I/O
devices, and other resources necessary for stand-alone operation. The frame of a pedestal
server is similar to that of a tower client computer.

124D) Computer Server Components:

125
126
127
128

1) Power Supply Unit (PSU): A device that converts ac or dc input power to one or more dc
power outputs for the purpose of powering a computer server. A computer server PSU must
be self-contained and physically separable from the motherboard and must connect to thesystem via a removable or hard-wired electrical connection.

129
130

a) Ac-Dc Power Supply: A PSU that converts line-voltage ac input power into one or more
dc power outputs for the purpose of powering a computer server.

131b) Dc-Dc Power Supply: A PSU that converts line-voltage dc input power to one or more dc

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 3 of 20

132
133
134
135

outputs for the purpose of powering a computer server. For purposes of this specification,a dc-dc converter (also known as a voltage regulator) that is internal to a computer server
and is used to convert a low voltage dc (e.g., 12 V dc) into other dc power outputs for use
by computer server components is not considered a dc-dc power supply.

136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144

c) Single-output Power Supply: A PSU that is designed to deliver the majority of its rated
output power to one primary dc output for the purpose of powering a computer server.
Single-output PSUs may offer one or more standby outputs that remain active wheneverconnected to an input power source. For purposes of this specification, the total rated
power output from any additional PSU outputs that are not primary and standby outputs
shall be no greater than 20 watts. PSUs that offer multiple outputs at the same voltage as
the primary output are considered single-output PSUs unless those outputs (1) are
generated from separate converters or have separate output rectification stages, or (2)have independent current limits.

145
146
147
148
149
150

d) Multi-output Power Supply: A PSU that is designed to deliver the majority of its rated
output power to more than one primary dc output for the purpose of powering a computer
server. Multi-output PSUs may offer one or more standby outputs that remain active
whenever connected to an input power source. For purposes of this specification, thetotal rated power output from any additional PSU outputs that are not primary andstandby outputs is greater than or equal to 20 watts.

151
152
153
154
155

2) I/O Device: A device which provides data input and output capability between a computer
server and other devices. An I/O device may be integral to the computer server motherboard
or may be connected to the motherboard via though expansion slots (e.g., PCI, PCIe).
Examples of I/O devices include discrete Ethernet devices, InfiniBand devices, RAID/SAS
controllers, and Fibre Channel devices.

156
157
158

a) I/O Port: Physical circuitry within an I/O device where an independent I/O session can beestablished. A port is not the same as a connector receptacle; it is possible that a single
connector receptacle can service multiple ports of the same interface.

159
160
161

3) Motherboard: The main circuit board of the server. For purposes of this specification, themotherboard includes connectors for attaching additional boards and typically includes thefollowing components: processor, memory, BIOS, and expansion slots.

162
163
164
165
166

4) Processor: The logic circuitry that responds to and processes the basic instructions that drivea server. For purposes of this specification, the processor is the central processing unit
(CPU) of the computer server. A typical CPU is a physical package to be installed on theserver motherboard via a socket or direct solder attachment. The CPU package may include
one or more processor cores.

167
168

5) Memory: For purposes of this specification, memory is a part of a server external to theprocessor in which information is stored for immediate use by the processor.

169
170

6) Hard Drive (HDD): The primary computer storage device which reads and writes to one ormore rotating magnetic disk platters.

171
172

7) Solid State Drive (SSD): A disk drive that uses memory chips instead of rotating magnetic
platters for data storage.

173E) Other Datacenter Equipment:

174
175
176
177

1) Network Equipment: A device whose primary function is to pass data among various network
interfaces, providing data connectivity among connected devices (e.g., routers and switches).
Data connectivity is achieved via the routing of data packets encapsulated according toInternet Protocol, Fibre Channel, InfiniBand or similar protocol.

178
179
180
181

2) Storage Product: A fully-functional storage system that supplies data storage services toclients and devices attached directly or through a network. Components and subsystems thatare an integral part of the storage product architecture (e.g., too provide internal
communications between controllers and disks) are considered to be part of the storage

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 4 of 20

182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194

product. In contrast, components that are normally associated with a storage environment at
the data center level (e.g., devices required for operation of an external SAN) are notconsidered to be part of the storage product. A storage product may be composed ofintegrated storage controllers, storage devices, embedded network elements, software, andother devices. While storage products may contain one or more embedded processor, theseprocessors do not execute user-supplied software applications but may execute data-specificapplications (e.g., data replication, backup utilities, data compression, install agents).
Note: The Storage Equipment definition has been revised to harmonize with the Storage Productdefinition found in the proposed Version 1.0 Data Center Storage specification.
3) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Combination of convertors, switches, and energy
storage devices (such as batteries) constituting a power system for maintaining continuity ofload power in case of input power failure.
F) Operational Modes and Power States:

195
196
197
198
199

1) Idle State: The operational state in which the OS and other software have completed loading,the computer server is capable of completing workload transactions, but no active workloadtransactions are requested or pending by the system (i.e., the computer server is operational,
but not performing any useful work). For systems where ACPI standards are applicable, Idle
State correlates only to ACPI System Level S0.

200
201
202
203

2) Active State: The operational state in which the computer server is carrying out work in
response to prior or concurrent external requests (e.g., instruction over the network). Active
state includes both (1) active processing and (2) data seeking/retrieval from memory, cache,or internal/external storage while awaiting further input over the network.

204
205
206

G) Other Key Terms:
1) Controller System: A computer or computer server that manages a benchmark evaluation
process. The controller system performs the following functions:

207a) start and stop each segment (phase) of the performance benchmark;208b) control the workload demands of the performance benchmark;

209
210

c) start and stop data collection from the power analyzer so that power and performancedata from each phase can be correlated;

211d) store log files containing benchmark power and performance information;

212
213

e) convert raw data into a suitable format for benchmark reporting, submission andvalidation; and

214

f)

collect and store environmental data, if automated for the benchmark.

215
216

2) Network Client (Testing): A computer or computer server that generates workload traffic fortransmission to a UUT connected via a network switch.

217
218
219

3) RAS Features: An acronym for reliability, availability, and serviceability features. RAS issometimes expanded to RASM, which adds “Manageability” criteria. The three primary
components of RAS as related to a computer server are defined as follows:

220
221
222

a) Reliability Features: Features that support a server’s ability to perform its intended
function without interruption due to component failures (e.g., component selection,
temperature and/or voltage de-rating, error detection and correction).

223
224
225

b) Availability Features: Features that support a server’s ability to maximize operation at
normal capacity for a given duration of downtime (e.g., redundancy [both at micro- andmacro-level]).

226
227

c) Serviceability Features: Features that support a server’s ability to be serviced without
interrupting operation of the server (e.g., hot plugging).

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 5 of 20

228
229
230

4) Server Processor Utilization: The ratio of processor computing activity to full-load processor
computing activity at a specified voltage and frequency, measured instantaneously or with ashort term average of use over a set of active and/or idle cycles.

231
232

5) Hypervisor: A type of hardware virtualization technique that enables multiple guest operating
systems to run on a single host system at the same time.

233
234
235

H) Product Family: A high-level description referring to a group of computers sharing one
chassis/motherboard combination that often contains hundreds of possible hardware and software
configurations.

236
237
238

1) Common Product Family Attributes: A set of features common to all models/configurations
within a product family that constitute a common basic design. All models/configurations
within a product family must share the following:

239a) Be from the same model line or machine type;240b) Share the same form factor (i.e., rack-mounted, blade, pedestal);

241
242

c) Either share processors from a single defined processor series or share processors thatplug into a common socket type.

243
244
245
246
247
248

Note: EPA received stakeholder feedback inquiring whether models without all sockets fully populated
can be included in the same family as systems with all processors installed. Both fully populated andpartially populated configurations are considered to be in the same family, but all measurements shall bemade with fully populated sockets. As an example: In the case of two socket servers two processor
configurations shall be used for qualification purposes, but the system can be sold with one processor
under the same family.

249
250
251
252

d) share PSUs that perform with efficiencies greater than or equal to the efficiencies at all
required load points specified in Section 3.2 (i.e., 10%, 20%, 50%, and 100% of
maximum rated load for single-output; 20%, 50%, and 100% of maximum rated load for
multi-output).

253
254

2) Product Family Tested Product Configurations:a) Purchase Consideration Variations:

255
256
257

(1) Low-end Performance Configuration: The combination of Processor Socket Power,
PSUs, Memory, Storage (HDD/SDD), and I/O devices that represents the lower-priceor lower-performance computing platform within the Product Family.

258
259
260

(2) High-end Performance Configuration: The combination of Processor Socket Power,
PSUs, Memory, Storage (HDD/SDD), and I/O devices that represents either thehigher-price or higher-performance computing platform within the Product Family.

261
262
263
264
265

b) Typical Configuration:(1) Typical Configuration: A product configuration that lies between the Minimum andMaximum Power configurations and is representative of a deployed product with highvolume sales.
c) Power Utilization Variations:

266
267
268
269
270

(1) Minimum Power Configuration: The minimum configuration that is able to boot andexecute supported OSs. The Minimum Configuration contains the lowest Processor
Socket Power, least number of installed PSUs, Memory, Storage (HDD/SDD), andI/O devices, that is both offered for sale and capable of meeting ENERGY STAR
requirements.

271
272
273

(2) Maximum Power Configuration: The vendor-selected combination of components thatmaximize power usage within the Product Family once assembled and operated. The
Maximum Configuration contains the highest Processor Socket Power, greatest

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 6 of 20

274
275

number of installed PSUs, Memory, Storage (HDD/SDD), and I/O devices that is bothoffered for sale and capable of meeting ENERGY STAR requirements.

276
277
278
279
280

Note: In response to the Product Family Tested Configurations section (above) in Draft 2, stakeholders
commented that they anticipated the possibility of products falling outside the power profile defined by thefive tested product configurations. Stakeholders recommended that these outside configurations be
considered ENERGY STAR qualified provided that the manufacturer was responsible for verifying that theconfiguration fully met the ENERGY STAR requirements.

281
282
283
284
285

EPA wishes to clarify that in this scenario, the manufacturer may not have correctly selected the fivetested product configurations to sufficiently describe the Product Family. The four boundary points aremeant to delineate an enclosed border and to illustrate the maximum and minimum power consumption of
products in the family. If configuration A is beyond the point defined by the High-End, Max Powerconfiguration, then configuration A should be the High-End Max Power configuration.

286
287
288
289
290

If this configuration, for whatever reason, is not appropriate to list as the High-End Max Powerconfiguration, then manufacturers are welcome to test it as an independent product, outside of the
product family. This product would be listed separately on the ENERGY STAR qualified product list. The
same consideration applies to small groups of product configurations that fall outside the main boundariesof the four corners—in this case, this group would define a new product family.

291
292
293

The program will maintain the ability to individually test and qualify single configurations of Computer
Servers or to qualify additional families as needed if one or more configurations can meet ENERGYSTAR requirements but fall outside the four corner boundaries of an initial family.

294

2 SCOPE

295

2.1

296
297
298
299
300

2.1.1

301
302

Note: In response to stakeholder feedback, EPA has revised the above language to clearly indicate theinclusion of Multi-node Servers in the program scope.

303

2.2

304
305
306

2.2.1

Products that are covered under other ENERGY STAR product specifications are not eligible for
qualification under this specification. The list of specifications currently in effect can be found atwww.energystar.gov/products.

307

2.2.2

The following products are not eligible for qualification under this specification:

Included Products
A product must meet the definition of a Computer Server provided in Section 1 of this document
to be eligible for ENERGY STAR qualification under this specification. Eligibility under Version 2.0
is limited to Blade-, Multi-node, Rack-mounted, or Pedestal form factor computer servers with nomore than four processor sockets. Products explicitly excluded from Version 2.0 are identified in
Section 2.2.

Excluded Products

308

i.

Fully Fault Tolerant Servers;

309

ii.

Server Appliances;310

iii. High Performance Computing Systems;

311
312
313
314
315

Note: In response to stakeholder feedback and EPA’s own internal evaluation, HPC systems have been
excluded from the scope of Version 2.0. These highly specialized and customized configurations differ
greatly from the more standardized rack/pedestal or blade server configurations that this specification
covers. The development of a test method, suitable metrics, and appropriate qualification criteria forthese systems would require an extended, independent effort in the future.

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 7 of 20

316
317
318
319
320

iv. Large Servers
Note: EPA proposes to exclude Large Servers from the scope of this specification. These systems, as
defined above, are effectively small mainframes that are configured, operated, and sold in ways that differ
from more common rack/pedestal or blade servers. EPA believes these products are not appropriate forinclusion in the scope of this specification and welcomes stakeholder feedback on this issue.

321

v.

Storage Products including Blade Storage; and322

vi. Network Equipment.

323

3 QUALIFICATION CRITERIA

324

3.1

325

3.1.1

All calculations shall be carried out with directly measured (unrounded) values.

326
327

3.1.2

Unless otherwise specified, compliance with specification limits shall be evaluated using directly
measured or calculated values without any benefit from rounding.

328
329
330

3.1.3

Directly measured or calculated values that are submitted for reporting on the ENERGY STAR
website shall be rounded to the nearest significant digit as expressed in the corresponding
specification limit.

331

3.2

332
333

3.2.1

Power supply test data and test reports from testing entities recognized by EPA to perform power
supply testing shall be accepted for the purpose of qualifying the ENERGY STAR product.

334
335
336
337
338

3.2.2

Power Supply Efficiency Criteria: Power Supplies used in products eligible under this specificationmust meet the following requirements when tested using the Generalized Internal Power Supply
Efficiency Test Protocol, Rev. 6.6 (available at www.efficientpowersupplies.org). Power Supply
data generated using Rev. 6.4.2 (as required in Version 1.1), 6.4.3, or 6.5 are acceptableprovided the test was conducted prior to the effective date of Version 2.0.

339
340
341
342

Note: EPA has clarified that legacy PSU data generated using the revision of the test protocol
incorporated in Version 1.1 will be accepted if the data was generated prior to Version 2.0 taking effect.
Such an approach allows Partners to avoid unnecessary retesting, and EPA believes that the changes
implemented in the test protocol do not impact the consistency of the data requested in this specification.

Significant Digits and Rounding

Power Supply Requirements

343
344
345

i.

Pedestal and Rack-mounted Servers: To qualify for ENERGY STAR, a pedestal or rack­
mounted computer server must be configured with only PSUs that meet or exceed theapplicable efficiency requirements specified in Table 1 prior to shipment.

346
347
348
349

ii.

Blade and Multi-node Servers: To qualify for ENERGY STAR, a Blade or Multi-node server
shipped with a chassis must be configured such that all PSUs supplying power to the chassis
meet or exceed the applicable efficiency requirements specified in Table 1 prior to
shipment.

350
351
352

Note: A stakeholder recommended that the previous language referring to PSUs “in the chassis” bereworded to refer to PSUs supplying power to the chassis. This change has been incorporated in both theefficiency and power factor language.

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 8 of 20

353

354
355
356
357
358

Table 1: Efficiency Requirements for PSUs

3.2.3

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

85%

88%

85%

Single-output(Ac-Dc & Dc-Dc)

All Output Levels

80%

88%

92%

88%

Power Supply Power Factor Criteria: Power Supplies used in Computers eligible under thisspecification must meet the following requirements when tested using the Generalized InternalPower Supply Efficiency Test Protocol, Rev. 6.6 (available at www.efficientpowersupplies.org).
Power Supply data generated using Rev. 6.4.2 (as required in Version 1.1), 6.4.3, or 6.5 are
acceptable provided the test was conducted prior to the effective date of Version 2.0.

359
360
361
362
363
364

i.

Pedestal and Rack-mounted Servers: To qualify for ENERGY STAR, a pedestal or rack­
mounted computer server must be configured with only PSUs that meet or exceed theapplicable power factor requirements specified in Table 2 prior to shipment, under all
loading conditions for which output power is greater than or equal to 75 watts. Partners are
required to measure and report PSU power factor under loading conditions of less than 75
watts, though no minimum power factor requirements apply.

365
366
367
368
369
370

ii.

Blade or Multi-node Servers: To qualify for ENERGY STAR, a Blade or Multi-node Server
shipped with a chassis must be configured such that all PSUs supplying power to the chassis
meet or exceed the applicable power factor requirements specified in Table 2 prior to
shipment, under all loading conditions for which output power is greater than or equal to 75
watts. Partners are required to measure and report PSU power factor under loading
conditions of less than 75 watts, though no minimum power factor requirements apply.

371

Table 2: Power Factor Requirements for PSUs
Power Supply Type

Rated Output Power

10%
Load

20%
Load

50%
Load

100
%
Load

Dc-Dc (All)All Output Ratings

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Ac-Dc Multi-output

All Output Ratings

N/A

0.80

0.90

0.95

Output Rating ≤ 500 W

N/A

0.80

0.90

0.95

Output Rating > 500 W
andOutput Rating ≤ 1,000
W

0.65

0.80

0.90

0.95

Output Rating > 1,000
watts

0.80

0.90

0.90

0.95

Ac-Dc Single-output

372
373

3.3

374
375
376
377

3.3.1

Power Management Requirements
Server Processor Power Management: To qualify for ENERGY STAR, a server must offer
processor power management that is enabled by default in the BIOS and/or through amanagement controller, service processor, and / or the operating system shipped with the server.
All processors must be able to reduce power consumption in times of low utilization by

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 9 of 20

378
379

i.

reducing voltage and/or frequency through Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS),
or

380

ii.

enabling processor or core reduced power states when a core or socket is not in use.

381
382
383

Note: To accommodate systems that enable power management features via in-band capabilities,
operating system has been added to the power management list in 3.3.1.

384
385
386

3.3.2

Supervisor Power Management: To qualify for ENERGY STAR, a product which offers a pre­installed supervisor system (e.g., operating system, hypervisor) must offer supervisor system
power management that is enabled by default.

387
388
389

3.3.3

Power Management Disclosure: To qualify for ENERGY STAR, all power management
techniques that are enabled by default must be itemized on the Power and Performance Data
Sheet.

390

3.4

Blade System Criteria

391
392
393
394

3.4.1

Blade Chassis Thermal Management: To qualify for ENERGY STAR, a blade chassis that is (1)shipped with an ENERGY STAR qualified blade server, or (2) marketed for use with an ENERGYSTAR qualified blade server, must provide real-time chassis temperature monitoring and fan
speed management capability that is enabled by default.

395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403

3.4.2

Blade Server Shipping Documentation: To qualify for ENERGY STAR, a blade server that isshipped to a customer independent of a blade chassis must be accompanied with documentation
to inform the customer that the blade server is ENERGY STAR qualified only if it is installed in a
blade chassis meeting requirements in Section 3.4.1 of this document. A list of qualifying blade
chassis and ordering information must also be provided as part of product collateral provided withthe blade in either a printed format or an alternative format approved by EPA. These
requirements may be met via either printed materials, electronic documentation provided with theBlade Server, or information publically available on the Partner’s website where information about
the Blade Server is found.

404
405
406

Note: EPA understands that some manufacturers may no longer provide physical documentation in aneffort to reduce waste. The shipping documentation requirement above has been clarified to allow
information to be communicated via Partner websites.

407

3.5

408
409
410

3.5.1

Active State Efficiency Criteria
Active Mode Efficiency Disclosure: To qualify for ENERGY STAR, a computer server or computer
server family must be submitted for qualification with the following information disclosed in fulland in the context of the complete active mode efficiency rating test report:

411

i.

final rating tool results; and

412
413

ii.

intermediate rating tool results over the entire test run at all of the following load levels:[TBD].

414

Public disclosure and formatting requirements are discussed in Section 3.7 of this specification.

415
416
417

3.5.2

Incomplete Disclosure: Partners shall not selectively report individual workload module results, orotherwise presenting efficiency rating tool results in any form other than a complete test report, incustomer documentation or marketing materials.

418
419
420

Note: Section 3.5 remains to be determined and will be updated as the SERT development process
comes to a close. EPA will re-engage with stakeholders regarding Section 3.5 before finalizing any
changes to this section.

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 10 of 20

421
422

3.6

423
424

3.6.1

Idle Mode and Full Load Efficiency Criteria – One-Socket (1S) and Two-Socket (2S)
Servers (non-Blade)
Idle Mode Efficiency: Measured Idle State power (PIDLE) shall be less than or equal to theMaximum Idle State Power Requirement (PIDLE_MAX), as calculated per Equation 1.

425

Equation 1: Calculation of Maximum Idle State Power

426

PIDLE _ MAX = PBASE + ∑ PADDL _ i

n

i =1

427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438

Where:

PIDLE_MAX is the Maximum Idle State Power Requirement,
PBASE is the base idle power allowance, as determined perTable 3,PADDL_i is the Idle State power allowance for additional
components, as determined per Table 4.

i.

These Idle power limits are applicable to single and dual socket systems only.

ii.

All quantities (with the exception of installed processors) in Table 3 and Table 4 refer to thenumber of components installed in the system, not the maximum number of components thesystem can support (e.g., installed memory, not supported memory; etc.)

439
440

iii. The Additional Power Supply allowance may be applied for each redundant power supply
used in the configuration.

441
442

iv. For the purposes of determining Idle power allowances, all memory capacities shall be
rounded to the nearest GB.

443
444
445
446

v.

447
448
449

vi. The Additional I/O Device allowance shall be calculated based upon the rated link speed of asingle connection, rounded to the nearest Gbit. I/O devices with less than 1 Gbit speed do
not qualify for the Additional I/O Device allowance.

450
451
452

vii. The Additional I/O Device allowance shall only be applied for I/O devices that are
active/enabled upon shipment, and are capable of functioning when connected to an active
switch.

The Additional I/O Device allowance may be applied for all I/O Devices over the Base
Configuration (i.e., Ethernet devices additional to two ports of 1 Gigabit per second (Gbit/s),
onboard Ethernet, plus any non-Ethernet I/O devices), including on-board I/O devices andadd-in I/O devices installed through expansion slots.

453

Table 3: Base Idle State Power Allowances for 1S and 2S Servers

CategoryA
B
C
D

Maximum
Possible Numberof Installed
Processors
(# P)
1
1
2
2

Managed ServerBase Idle State Power
Allowance, PBASE(watts)

No
Yes
No
Yes

47.0
57.0
92.0
142.0

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 11 of 20

454
455
456
457

Note: EPA proposes to reduce all base Idle State Power Allowances proposed in Draft 2 by 8 Watts andapply the adder for hard drives to any installed drives, not just those in excess of the first one. Thischange has been made to more accurately represent systems designed to operate only on remotestorage and with no internal storage capacity.

458

Table 4: Additional Idle Power Allowances for Extra Components
SystemCharacteristic

Applies To:

Additional Idle Power Allowance

Additional
Power Supplies

Power supplies
installed explicitly for
power redundancy(iii)

20 watts per Power Supply

Any Hard Drives(including solidstate drives)

Per installed harddrive

8.0 watts per Hard Drive

Additional
MemoryInstalled memory
greater than 4 GB(iv)0.75 watts per GB(iv)Installed Devices
greater than two portsof 1 Gbit, onboard
Ethernet< 1Gbit: No Allowance= 1 Gbit: 2.0 watts / Active Port
> 1 Gbit and < 10 Gbit: 4.0 watts / Active Port
≥ 10 Gbit: 8.0 watts / Active Port

Additional
I/O Devices(v), (vi),
(vii)

459
460
461
462
463
464

Note: In Draft 2, EPA asked for stakeholder feedback on the possibility of revising the redundant power
supply adder. EPA understands that the performance of these products has not progressed since V1.0
and 20W remains a challenging target for redundant power supplies. As such, EPA proposes retaining
the 20 watt adder for each redundant power supply that was present in Version 1. EPA welcomesstakeholder feedback on this approach.

465
466

3.6.2

Full Load Data Disclosure: Measured Full Load power (PFULL_LOAD) shall be measured andreported, both in qualification materials and as required in Section 4.

467
468

3.7

Idle Mode and Full Load Efficiency Criteria – Three-Socket (3S) and Four-Socket(4S) Servers (non-Blade)

469
470

3.7.1

Idle Mode Data Disclosure: Measured Idle State power (PIDLE) shall be measured and reported,
both in qualification materials and as required in Section 4.

471
472

3.7.2

Full Load Data Disclosure: Measured Full Load power (PFULL_LOAD) shall be measured andreported, both in qualification materials and as required in Section 4.

473

3.8

474
475

3.8.1

Idle Mode Data Disclosure: Measured Idle State power (PIDLE) shall be measured and reported,
both in qualification materials and as required in Section 4.

476
477

3.8.2

Full Load Data Disclosure: Measured Full Load power (PFULL_LOAD) shall be measured andreported, both in qualification materials and as required in Section 4.

478
479

3.8.3

The testing of Blade Servers for compliance with 3.8.1 and 3.8.2 shall be carried out under all of
the following conditions:

Idle Mode and Full Load Efficiency Criteria – Blade Servers

480

i.

Power values shall be measured and reported using a half-populated Blade Chassis.

481
482

ii.

Power for a fully-populated blade chassis may be optionally measured and reported, provided
that half-populated chassis data is also provided.

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 12 of 20

483
484

iii. All Blade Servers installed in the Blade Chassis shall share the same configuration(homogeneous).

485

iv. Per-blade power values shall be calculated using Equation 2.

486

Equation 2: Calculation of Single Blade Power

PBLADE =

487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494

Where:


PTOT _ BLADE _ SYS
N INST _ BLADE _ SRVPBLADE is the per-Blade Server Power (either Idle or Fullload),
PTOT_BLADE_SYS is total measured power of the Blade System,NINST_BLADE_SRV is the number of installed Blade Servers in
the tested Blade Chassis.

495
496
497
498

Note: EPA proposes that manufacturers be required to report Idle and Full Load data based on a half­
populated Blade Chassis only. It is EPA’s belief that this provides a consistent standard for all Partners,
will produce more comparable data for future review, and will also reduce testing burden. An optional
provision for submittal of full chassis data is included.

499

EPA has also proposed testing conditions for Blade Server testing in 3.8.3.

500

3.9

501
502
503

3.9.1

Other Testing Criteria
Auxiliary Processing Accelerators (APA): For all Computer Servers sold with computing
expansion add in cards installed in general-purpose add-in expansion slots (e.g., GPGPUs
installed in a PCI slot), the following criteria and provisions apply:

504
505
506

i.

For single configurations: All Idle Mode testing shall be conducted both with and without the
APAs installed. Idle Power measurements taken both with the APAs installed and removed
shall be submitted to EPA as part of ENERGY STAR qualification materials.

507
508
509

ii.

For Product Families: Idle Mode testing shall be conducted both with and without the APAs
installed in the Maximum Power Configuration found in 1.H)2).Testing with and without the
APAs installed may optionally be conducted and disclosed at the other test points.

510
511

iii. Idle Power measurements taken both with the APAs installed and removed shall be
submitted to EPA as part of ENERGY STAR qualification materials.

512
513

iv. Idle Power data with the APAs removed shall be used as PBASE for the purposes ofqualification of the single configuration or Product Family test point.

514
515

v.

516
517
518
519
520
521

The total idle power consumption of all installed APAs in qualified configurations shall not
exceed 46 watts.

Note: Recognizing that “add-in compute” capability may be delivered by solutions other than GPUs, EPA
proposes the use of the more general term Auxiliary Processing Accelerators (APAs). Further, EPA also
proposes a maximum Idle Power of 46 Watts for APAs shipped with a qualified product. This requirement
supports EPA’s goal of better understanding the power implications of APAs as an emerging producttrend while maintaining the rigor of the efficiency criteria. This level is informed by EPA’s research into
power consumption of fully-featured GPUs in the Workstation/Computer space.

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 13 of 20

522

4 STANDARD INFORMATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

523

4.1

524
525

Power and Performance Datasheet (PPDS)

4.1.1

Data for a standardized Power and Performance Data Sheet (PPDS) shall be submitted to
EPA for each ENERGY STAR qualified Computer Server or Computer Server Product Family.

526
527
528

i.

Partners are encouraged to provide one set of data for each ENERGY STAR qualified
product configuration, though EPA will also accept a data set for each qualified productfamily.

529

ii.

A product family PPDS must include data for all defined test points in 1.H)2), as applicable.

530
531
532

iii. Whenever possible, Partners must also provide a hyperlink to a more detailed power
calculator on their Web site that purchasers can use to understand power and performancedata for specific configurations within the product family.

533
534
535
536
537
538

4.1.2

Templates for the Power and Performance Data Sheet can be found on the ENERGY STARWeb site at www.energystar.gov/products.

Note: EPA has published a proposed PPDS template for the Version 2.0 ENERGY STAR Computer
Servers specification on the ENERGY STAR Computer Severs product development page found atwww.energystar.gov/revisedspecs (click on Computer Servers). EPA seeks feedback on the proposed
data to be collected for Version 2.0.

539
540
541

The PPDS contains the following information:i.

model name and number, identifying SKU and/or configuration ID;

542

ii.

system characteristics (form factor, available sockets/slots, power specifications, etc.);

543

iii. system type (unmanaged, managed, scalable, etc.);

544
545
546

iv. system configuration(s) (including Low-end Performance Configuration, High-end
Performance Configuration, Minimum Power Configuration, Maximum Power Configuration,
and Typical Configuration for Product Family qualification);

547

v.

548
549

vi. power data for Idle and Full Load, estimated kWh/year, link to power calculator (whereavailable);

550
551

Note: Based on the near term completion of SERT and the widespread investment in and support of thistool, EPA proposes to consider only power and performance data from the SERT benchmark..

Data from required Active State Efficiency Criteria testing;

552
553

vii. available and enabled power saving features (e.g., power management);

554
555
556

viii. power consumption and performance data, along with guaranteed accuracy levels for all
power and temperature measurements, disclosure of the time period used for data averaging,
and a hyperlink to a detailed power calculator, as available;

557

ix. a list of selected data from the ASHRAE Thermal Report;

558
559

x.

560
561

xi. for a blade server, a list of compatible blade chassis that meet ENERGY STAR qualification
criteria.

562
563

4.1.3

for product family qualifications, a list of qualified configurations with qualified SKUs or
configuration IDs; andEPA may periodically revise this PPDS, as necessary, and will notify and invite stakeholder
engagement in such a revision process.

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 14 of 20

565

5 STANDARD PERFORMANCE DATA MEASUREMENT AND OUTPUTREQUIREMENTS

566

5.1

564

Measurement and Output

567
568
569
570
571

5.1.1

A computer server must provide data on input power consumption (W), inlet air temperature(°C), and utilization of all logical CPUs. Data must be made available in a published or user­
accessible format that is readable by third-party, non-proprietary management software over a
standard network. For blade servers and systems, data may be aggregated at the chassis
level.

572
573
574
575
576

5.1.2

Servers classified as Class B equipment as set out in EN 55022:2006 are exempt from therequirements to provide data on input power consumption and inlet air temperature in 5.1.1.
Class B refers to household and home office equipment (intended for use in the domestic
environment). All servers in the program must meet the requirement and conditions to reportutilization of all logical CPUs.

577

5.2

Reporting Implementation

578
579
580

5.2.1

Products may use either embedded components or add-in devices that are packaged with thecomputer server to make data available to end users (e.g., a service processor, embedded
power or thermal meter (or other out-of-band technology), or pre-installed OS);

581
582
583
584
585
586
587

5.2.2

Products that include a pre-installed OS must include all necessary drivers and software forend users to access standardized data as specified in this document. Products that do notinclude a pre-installed OS must be packaged with printed documentation of how to accessregisters that contain relevant sensor information. This requirement may be met via either
printed materials, electronic documentation provided with the Computer Server, or information
publically available on the Partner’s website where information about the Computer Server isfound.

588
589

Note: The shipping documentation requirement has been clarified to allow information to becommunicated via Partner websites.

590
591

5.2.3

When an open and universally available data collection and reporting standard becomes
available, manufacturers should incorporate the universal standard into their systems;

592
593
594

5.2.4

Evaluation of the accuracy (5.3) and sampling (5.4) requirements shall be completed throughreview of data from component product datasheets. If this data is absent, Partner declaration
shall be used to evaluate accuracy and sampling.

595

Note: 5.2.4 is added to clarify CB responsibilities in evaluating requirements in Section 5.

596

5.3

Measurement Accuracy

597
598
599
600

5.3.1

Input power: Measurements must be reported with accuracy of at least ±5% of the actual
value, with a maximum level of accuracy of ±10W for each installed PSU (i.e., power reporting
accuracy for each power supply is never required to be better than ± 10 watts) through theoperating range from Idle to full power;

601
602
603

5.3.2

Processor utilization: Utilization must be estimated for each logical CPU that is visible to the
OS and must be reported to the operator or user of the computer server through the operating
environment (OS or hypervisor);

604

5.3.3

Inlet air temperature: Measurements must be reported with an accuracy of at least ±2°C.

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 15 of 20

605

5.4

Sampling Requirements

606
607
608
609

5.4.1

Input power and processor utilization: Input power and processor utilization measurements
must be collected at a rate of ≥ 1 measurement per contiguous 10 second period. A rolling
average, encompassing a period of no more than 30 seconds, must be reported at afrequency of greater than or equal to once per ten seconds.

610
611

5.4.2

Inlet air temperature: Inlet air temperature measurements must be collected at a rate of ≥ 1
measurement every 10 seconds.

612
613

5.4.3

Timestamping: Systems that implement timestamping of environmental data shall collect data
at a rate of ≥ 1 measurement every 30 seconds

614
615
616
617
618
619

Note: EPA proposes that systems which incorporate timestamping of environmental data (power andtemperature) shall be subject to modified data reporting frequency requirements in Section 5.4.3. The
frequency of reporting measurements in Sections 5.4.1 and 5.4.2 will remain unchanged. Timestamped
data can be assembled in time-order at a later date, providing increased flexibility for users of systems
that offer this capability. EPA wishes to encourage this capability and has relaxed the reporting frequency
requirements to encourage its use.

620

6 TESTING

621

6.1

622
623

6.1.1

Test Methods
When testing Computer Server products, the test methods identified in Table 5 shall be used todetermine ENERGY STAR qualification.

624

Table 5: Test Methods for ENERGY STAR Qualification
Product Type orComponent
All

Test Method
ENERGY STAR Test Method for Computer Servers, Rev. May
2012

625
626

6.1.2

When testing Computer Server products, SUTs must have all Processor Sockets populated
during testing.

627
628
629
630

Note: As stated in the note box in the Common Product Family Attributes definition above, allmeasurements and data collection shall be made with fully populated sockets. This requirement ensuresthat systems are tested in configuration that the end-user is most likely to purchase. EPA welcomes
feedback on this proposed change.

631

6.2

632

6.2.1

Number of Units Required for Testing
Representative Models shall be selected for testing per the following requirements:

633
634
635

i.

For qualification of an individual product configuration, the unique configuration that is
intended to be marketed and labeled as ENERGY STAR is considered the Representative
Model.

636
637
638
639

ii.

For qualification of a product family of all product types, one product configuration for eachof the five points identified in definitions 1.H)2) within the family are considered
Representative Models. All such representative models shall have the same Common
Product Family Attributes as defined in 1.H)1).

640

6.3

Qualifying Families of Products

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 16 of 20

641
642
643
644

6.3.1

Partners are encouraged to test and submit data on individual product configurations for
qualification to ENERGY STAR. However, a Partner may qualify multiple productconfigurations under one Product Family designation if each configuration within the family
meets one of the following requirements:

645
646
647

i.

Individual products are built on the same platform, are eligible under and meet the same
specific requirements in this specification, and are identical in every respect to the tested,
representative product configuration except for housing and color; or

648
649

ii.

Individual products meet the requirements of a product family, as defined in Section H),
above. In this case, partners must test and submit data as required in Section 6.2.1ii.

650
651

6.3.2

Partners are required to submit a Power and Performance Data Sheet for each product family
that is submitted for qualification.

652
653

6.3.3

All product configurations within a product family that is submitted for qualification must meet
ENERGY STAR requirements, including products for which data was not reported.

654

7 EFFECTIVE DATE

655
656
657
658

7.1.1

659
660
661
662
663
664
665

Effective Date: The Version 2.0 ENERGY STAR Computer Server specification shall take effecton August 1, 2013. To qualify for ENERGY STAR, a product model shall meet the ENERGYSTAR specification in effect on its date of manufacture. The date of manufacture is specific toeach unit and is the date on which a unit is considered to be completely assembled.
Note: EPA intends to publish the final ENERGY STAR Servers v2.0 specification by November
9, 2012.

7.1.2

Future Specification Revisions: EPA reserves the right to change this specification should
technological and/or market changes affect its usefulness to consumers, industry, or theenvironment. In keeping with current policy, revisions to the specification are arrived at throughstakeholder discussions. In the event of a specification revision, please note that the ENERGYSTAR qualification is not automatically granted for the life of a product model.

666

667
668

8 CONSIDERATIONS FOR FUTURE REVISIONS

669

8.1

TBD

670

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 17 of 20

671
672
673
674
675

APPENDIX A:
Sample Calculations
Note: This appendix will ultimately include sample calculations for reference in calculating performancelevels for products covered in this specification.

676
677
678

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 18 of 20

679
680
681
682
683

APPENDIX B:
IDENTIFYING RESILIENT SERVER CLASS
Note: This appendix describes the feature set for identification of Resilient Servers.
a) Processor RAS and Scalability - All of the following shall be supported:

684
685

(1) Processor RAS: The processor must have capabilities to detect, correct, and containdata errors, as described by all of the following:

686
687

(a) Error detection on L1 caches, directories and address translation buffers using
parity protection;

688
689
690

(b) Single bit error correction using ECC on caches that can contain modified data.
Corrected data is delivered to the recipient (i.e., error correction is not used forbackground scrubbing only);

691
692
693
694

(c) Error recovery and containment by means of (1) processor checkpoint retry andrecovery, (2) data poison indication (tagging) and propagation, or (3) both. The
mechanisms notify the OS or hypervisor to contain the error within a process orpartition, thereby reducing the need for system reboots; and

695
696
697
698

(d) (1) Capable of autonomous error mitigation actions within processor hardware,such as disabling of the failing portions of a cache, (2) support for predictive
failure analysis by notifying the OS, hypervisor, or service processor of thelocation and/or root cause of errors, or (3) both.

699
700
701
702
703

(2) The processor technology used in resilient and scalable servers is designed toprovide additional capability and functionality without additional chipsets, enablingthem to be designed into systems with 4 or more processor sockets. The processors
have additional infrastructure to support extra, built-in processor busses to support
the demand of larger systems.

704
705
706
707
708

(3) The server provides high bandwidth I/O interfaces for connecting to external I/O
expansion devices or remote I/O without reducing the number of processor sockets
that can be connected together. These may be proprietary interfaces or standard
interfaces such as PCIe. The high performance I/O controller to support these slots
may be embedded within the main processor socket or on the system board.

709
710

b) Memory RAS and Scalability - All of the following capabilities and characteristics shall bepresent:

711(1) Provides memory fault detection and recovery through Extended ECC;

712

(2) In x4 DIMMs, recovery from failure of two adjacent chips in the same rank;

713
714
715

(3) Memory migration: Failing memory can be proactively de-allocated and data migrated
to available memory. This can be implemented at the granularity of DIMMs or logicalmemory blocks. Alternatively, memory can also be mirrored;

716
717
718
719
720
721
722
723

(4) Uses memory buffers for connection of higher speed processor -memory links to
DIMMs attached to lower speed DDR channels. Memory buffer can be a separate,
standalone buffer chip which is integrated on the system board, or integrated on
custom-built memory cards. The use of the buffer chip is required for extended DIMM
support; they allow larger memory capacity due to support for larger capacity DIMMs,
more DIMM slots per memory channel, and higher memory bandwidth per memory
channel than direct-attached DIMMs. The memory modules may also be custom­built, with the memory buffers and DRAM chips integrated on the same card;

724(5) Uses resilient links between processors and memory buffers with mechanisms to

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 19 of 20

725

recover from transient errors on the link; and

726
727

(6) Lane sparing in the processor-memory links. One or more spare lanes are available
for lane failover in the event of permanent error.

728
729
730
731
732
733

c) Power Supply RAS: All PSUs installed or shipped with the server shall be redundant andconcurrently maintainable. The redundant and repairable components may also behoused within a single physical power supply, but must be repairable without requiring
the system to be powered down. Support must be present to operate the system indegraded mode when power delivery capability is degraded due to failures in the power
supplies or input power loss.

734
735
736
737
738

d) Thermal and Cooling RAS: All cooling components, such as fans or water-based cooling,
shall be redundant and concurrently maintainable. The processor complex must havemechanisms to allow it to be throttled under thermal emergencies. Support must bepresent to operate the system in degraded mode when thermal emergencies aredetected in system components.

739
740

e) System Resiliency – no fewer than six of the following characteristics shall be present in
the server:

741(1) Support of redundant storage controllers or redundant path to external storage;

742(2) Redundant service processors;

743(3) Redundant dc-dc regulator stages after the power supply outputs;

744(4) The server hardware supports runtime processor de-allocation;745(5) I/O adapters or hard drives are hot-swappable;

746
747

(6) Provides link level retry (LLR) based protection on processor to memory or processor
to processor interconnects;

748
749

(7) Supports on-line expansion/retraction of hardware resources without the need for
operating system reboot (“on-demand” features);

750
751
752

(8) Processor Socket migration: With hypervisor and/or OS assistance, tasks executing
on a processor socket can be migrated to another processor socket without the needfor the system to be restarted;

753
754

(9) Memory patrol or background scrubbing is enabled for proactive detection andcorrection of errors to reduce the likelihood of uncorrectable errors; and

755
756
757

(10)Internal storage resiliency: Resilient systems have some form of RAID hardware in
the base configuration, either through support on the system board or a dedicatedslot for a RAID controller card for support of the server’s internal drives.

758

f)

System Scalability – All of the following shall be present in the server:

759
760

(1) Higher memory capacity: >=8 DDR3 or DDR4 DIMM Ports per socket, with resilient
links between the processor socket and memory buffers; and

761
762
763
764

(2) Greater I/O expandability: Larger base I/O infrastructure and support a higher
number of I/O slots. Provide at least 32 dedicated PCIe Gen 2 lanes or equivalent I/Obandwidth, with at least one x16 slot or other dedicated interface to support external
PCIe, proprietary I/O interface or other industry standard I/O interface.

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 20 of 20