ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements
Product Specification for Computers
Eligibility Criteria
Draft 1, Version 8.0
Following is the Draft 1, Version 8.0 ENERGY STAR Product Specification for Computers. A productshall meet all of the identified criteria if it is to earn the ENERGY STAR.
Note: In the Version 8.0 specification revision, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing
to revise the eligibility criteria for desktops, integrated desktops, workstations. EPA previously adjusted
requirements for the remaining product categories in Version 7.1 and is not focused on those productcategories in the Version 8.0 revision at this time.

1 DEFINITIONSA) Product Types:
1) Computer: A device which performs logical operations and processes data. For the purposes ofthis specification, computers include both stationary and portable units, including Desktop
Computers, Integrated Desktop Computers, Notebook Computers, Small-Scale Servers, Thin
Clients, and Workstations. Although computers are capable of using input devices and displays,
such devices are not required to be included with the computer upon shipment. Computers arecomposed of, at a minimum:a) A central processing unit (CPU) to perform operations. If no CPU is present, then the device
must function as a client gateway to a server which acts as a computational CPU;b) User input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or touchpad; andc) An Integrated Display screen and/or the ability to support an external display screen to output
information.
2) Desktop Computer: A computer whose main unit is designed to be located in a permanent
location, often on a desk or on the floor. Desktop computers are not designed for portability andare designed for use with an external display, keyboard, and mouse. Desktop computers areintended for a broad range of home and office applications, including point of sale applications.
a) Integrated Desktop Computer: A Desktop Computer in which the computing hardware anddisplay are integrated into a single housing, and which is connected to ac mains power
through a single cable. Integrated Desktop Computers come in one of two possible forms: (1)a system where the display and computer are physically combined into a single unit; or (2) asystem packaged as a single system where the display is separate but is connected to themain chassis by a dc power cord and both the computer and display are powered from asingle power supply. As a subset of Desktop Computers, Integrated Desktop Computers are
typically designed to provide similar functionality as Desktop systems.
3) Notebook Computer: A computer designed specifically for portability and to be operated forextended periods of time both with and without a direct connection to an ac mains power source.
Notebook Computers include an Integrated Display, a non-detachable, mechanical keyboard(using physical, moveable keys), and pointing device.
a) Mobile Thin Client: A computer meeting the definition of a Thin Client, designed specificallyfor portability, and meeting the definition of a Notebook Computer. These products are
considered to be Notebook Computers for the purposes of this specification.

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 1 of 23b) Two-In-One Notebook: A computer which resembles a traditional Notebook Computer with aclam shell form factor, but has a detachable display which can act as an independent
Slate/Tablet when disconnected. The keyboard and display portions of the product must be
shipped as an integrated unit. Two-In-One Notebooks are considered Notebooks in theremainder of this specification and are therefore not referenced explicitly.
c) Mobile Workstation: A computer which meets the definition of Notebook Computer but also
meets all of the following criteria:(1) Has a mean time between failures (MTBF) of at least 13,000 hours (based on either
Telcordia SR-332, Issue X or field collected data);(2) Certification by 2 or more Independent Software Vendor (ISV) product certifications;these certifications can be in process, but partner shall ensure they are completed
within 3 months of certification;(3) Supports at least 32 gigabytes of system memory; and(4) Supports either:(a) At least one integrated or discrete GPU with frame buffer bandwidth of 96
gigabytes per second or greater; or(b) A total of 4 gigabytes or more of system memory with a bandwidth of 134
gigabytes per second or greater and an integrated GPU.
d) Multi-Screen Notebook: A computer which resembles a traditional Notebook Computer with aclam shell form factor but has a secondary display with touch and/or pen capability that canbe used as a touch screen keyboard in place of the a traditional mechanical keyboard. These
products are considered to be Notebook Computers for purposes of this specification.
Note: Stakeholders have shared that newer multi-screen notebook products do not fit correctly into thecurrent definition of Notebook Computer due to a different type of user input separate from a mechanicalkeyboard, but otherwise function just like a typical Notebook Computer. EPA is proposing the definition
above to address this product subtype and is also proposing to include them within the scope of thisspecification as a type of Notebook Computer.
4) Slate/Tablet: A computing device designed for portability that meets all of the following criteria:a) Includes an integrated display with a diagonal size greater than 6.5 inches and less than 17.4
inches;b) Lacking an integrated, physical attached keyboard in its as-shipped configuration;c) Includes and primarily relies on touchscreen input; (with optional keyboard);d) Includes and primarily relies on a wireless network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi, 3G, etc.); ande) Includes and is primarily powered by an internal battery (with connection to the mains forbattery charging, not primary powering of the device).
5) Portable All-In-One Computer: A computing device designed for portability that meets all of thefollowing criteria:a) Includes an integrated display with a diagonal size greater than or equal to 17.4 inches;b) Lacking keyboard integrated into the physical housing of the product in its as-shipped
configuration;c) Includes and primarily relies on touchscreen input; (with optional keyboard);d) Includes wireless network connection (e.g. Wi-Fi, 3G, etc.); ande) Includes an internal battery

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6) E-Reader: A device designed for display and consumption of static images. The display ischaracterized by a low refresh rate and a display made of bistable materials where no energy isneeded to maintain a visible image, only to alter the image.
7) Small-scale Server: A computer that typically uses desktop components in a desktop form factor,
but is designed primarily to be a storage host for other computers. Small-scale Servers aredesigned to perform functions such as providing network infrastructure services (e.g., archiving)and hosting data/media. These products are not designed to process information for othersystems or run web servers as a primary function. A Small-scale Server has the following
characteristics:a) Designed in a pedestal, tower, or other form factor similar to those of desktop computerssuch that all data processing, storage, and network interfacing is contained within one
box/product;b) Designed to operate 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, with minimal unscheduled downtime (on theorder of hours/year);c) Capable of operating in a simultaneous multi-user environment serving several users throughnetworked client units; andd) Designed for an industry accepted operating system for home or low-end server applications(e.g., Windows Home Server, Mac OS X Server, Linux, UNIX, Solaris).
8) Thin Client: An independently-powered computer that relies on a connection to remote computing
resources (e.g., computer server, remote workstation) to obtain primary functionality. Maincomputing functions (e.g., program execution, data storage, interaction with other Internet
resources) are provided by the remote computing resources. Thin Clients covered by thisspecification are (1) limited to devices with no rotational storage media integral to the computerand (2) designed for use in a permanent location (e.g. on a desk) and not for portability.
a) Integrated Thin Client: A Thin Client in which computing hardware and display areconnected to ac mains power through a single cable. Integrated Thin Client computerscome in one of two possible forms: (1) a system where the display and computer are
physically combined into a single unit; or (2) a system packaged as a single system
where the display is separate but is connected to the main chassis by a dc power cordand both the computer and display are powered from a single power supply. As a subsetof Thin Clients, Integrated Thin Clients are typically designed to provide similarfunctionality as Thin Client systems.
b) Ultra-thin Client: A computer with lesser local resources than a standard Thin Client that
sends raw mouse and keyboard input to a remote computing resource and receives backraw video from the remote computing resource. Ultra-thin clients cannot interface withmultiple devices simultaneously nor run windowed remote applications due to the lack ofa user-discernible client operating system on the device (i.e., beneath firmware, user
inaccessible).
9) Workstation: A high-performance, single-user computer typically used for graphics, CAD,
software development, financial and scientific applications among other compute intensive tasks.
Workstations covered by this specification (a) are marketed as a workstation; (b) do not support
altering frequency or voltage beyond the CPU and GPU manufacturers’ as shipped operating
specifications; and (c) has system hardware that supports error-correcting code (ECC) that
detects and corrects errors with dedicated circuitry on and across the CPU, interconnect, andsystem memory. In addition, a workstation meets two or more of the following criteria:a) Supports one or more discrete GPU or discrete compute acceleratorsb) Supports four or more slots of PCI-express, other than discrete GPU, connected to accessory
expansion slots or ports where each lane has a bandwidth of 8 gigabits per second (Gb/s) or
more.

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c) Provide multi-processor support for two or more physically separate processor packages orsockets. (this requirement cannot be met with support for a single multi-core processor);
and/ord) Certification by 2 or more Independent Software Vendor (ISV) product certifications; thesecertifications can be in process, but partner shall ensure they are completed within 3 monthsof certification.
10) Rack-mounted Workstation: A workstation that is designed to be natively rack mounted as
described in IEC 60297-3-101:2004. The rack-mounted workstation may be accessed locally bydirect connection to the workstation and display or accessed remotely across a network by one ormore users.
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 certification and test requirements.
C) Computer Components:
1) Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): An integrated circuit, separate from the CPU, designed toaccelerate the rendering of either 2D and/or 3D content to displays. A GPU may be mated with aCPU, on the system board of the computer or elsewhere to offload display capabilities from theCPU.
2) Discrete Graphics (dGfx): A graphics processor (GPU) which must contain a local memory
controller interface and local graphics-specific memory.
3) Integrated Graphics (iGfx): A graphics solution that does not contain Discrete Graphics.
4) Display: A commercially-available product with a display screen and associated electronics, often
encased in a single housing, that as its primary function displays visual information from (1) acomputer, workstation or server via one or more inputs (e.g., VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, IEEE
1394, USB), (2) external storage (e.g., USB flash drive, memory card), or (3) a network
connection.
a) Enhanced-performance Integrated Display: An integrated Computer Display that has allof the following features and functionalities:(1) A contrast ratio of at least 60:1 at a horizontal viewing angle of at least 85°, with orwithout a screen cover glass;(2) A native resolution greater than or equal to 2.3 megapixels (MP); and(3) A color gamut of at least sRGB as defined by IEC 61966-2-1. Shifts in color space
are allowable as long as 99% or more of defined sRGB colors are supported.
5) External Power Supply (EPS): Also referred to as External Power Adapter. An external power
supply circuit that is used to convert household electric current into dc current or lower-voltage ac
current to operate a consumer product.
6) Internal Power Supply (IPS): A component internal to the computer casing and designed toconvert ac voltage from the mains to dc voltage(s) for the purpose of powering the computercomponents. For the purposes of this specification, an internal power supply shall be contained
within the computer casing but be separate from the main computer board. The power supply
shall connect to the mains through a single cable with no intermediate circuitry between the
power supply and the mains power. In addition, all power connections from the power supply tothe computer components, with the exception of a DC connection to a display in an Integrated
Desktop Computer, shall be internal to the computer casing (i.e., no external cables running fromthe power supply to the computer or individual components). Internal dc-to-dc converters used toconvert a single dc voltage from an external power supply into multiple voltages for use by thecomputer are not considered internal power supplies.
7) System Memory Bandwidth: The rate at which data can be read or stored into computer system’s
memory, expressed in gigabytes per second (GB/s).

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D) Operational Modes:
1) Active State: The power state in which the computer is carrying out useful work in response to a)prior or concurrent user input or b) prior or concurrent instruction over the network. Active State
includes active processing, seeking data from storage, memory, or cache, including Idle State
time while awaiting further user input and before entering low power modes.
2) Idle State: The power state in which the operating system and other software have completed
loading, a user profile has been created, activity is limited to those basic applications that thesystem starts by default, and the computer is not in Sleep Mode. Idle State is composed of two
sub-states: Short Idle and Long Idle.
a) Long Idle: The mode where the Computer has reached an Idle condition (i.e., 15 minutes
after OS boot or after completing an active workload or after resuming from Sleep Mode)and the main Computer Display has entered a low-power state where screen contents
cannot be observed (i.e., backlight has been turned off) but remains in the working mode
(ACPI G0/S0). If power management features are enabled as-shipped in the scenario
described in this definition, such features shall engage prior to evaluation of Long Idle
(e.g., display is in a low power state, HDD may have spun-down), but the Computer isprevented from entering Sleep Mode. PLONG_IDLE represents the average power measured
when in the Long Idle Mode.
b) Short Idle: The mode where the Computer has reached an Idle condition (i.e., 5 minutes
after OS boot or after completing an active workload or after resuming from Sleep Mode),the screen is on, and Long Idle power management features have not engaged (e.g.
HDD is spinning and the Computer is prevented from entering sleep mode). PSHORT_IDLE
represents the average power measured when in the Short Idle Mode.
3) Off Mode: The lowest power mode which cannot be switched off (influenced) by the user and thatmay persist for an indefinite time when the appliance is connected to the main electricity supply
and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. For systems where ACPI standards
are applicable, Off Mode correlates to ACPI System Level S5 state.
4) Sleep Mode: A low power mode that the computer enters automatically after a period of inactivity
or by manual selection. A computer with Sleep capability can quickly “wake” in response to
network connections or user interface devices with a latency of less than or equal to 5 seconds
from initiation of wake event to system becoming fully usable including rendering of display. For
systems where ACPI standards are applicable, Sleep Mode most commonly correlates to ACPI
System Level S3 (suspend to RAM) state. PSLEEP represents the average power measured whenin the Sleep Mode.
5) Alternative Low Power Mode (ALPM): A low power mode that the computer enters automaticallyafter a period of inactivity or by manual selection that is defined by the display turning off and thecomputer entering a state of reduced functionality. A computer with Alternative Low Power Mode
must maintain immediate responsiveness to network connections or user interface devices. PALPM
represents the average power measured when in the Alternative Low Power Mode.
E) Networking and Additional Capabilities:
1) Additional Internal Storage: Any and all internal hard disk drives (HDD) or solid state drives (SSD)
installed beyond the largest capacity non-volatile storage device present in the system in its as
shipped state. This definition does not include external drives.
2) Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE): A technology which enables reduced power consumption of
Ethernet interfaces during times of low data throughput. Specified by IEEE 802.3az.

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3) Full Network Connectivity: The ability of the computer to maintain network presence while in
Sleep Mode or an Alternative Low Power Mode (ALPM) with power demand of less than or equal
to 10 watts and intelligently wake when further processing is required (including occasional
processing required to maintain network presence). Presence of the computer, its network
services and applications, is maintained even though the computer is in an ALPM. From thevantage point of the network, a computer with full network connectivity that is in ALPM isfunctionally equivalent to an idle computer with respect to common applications and usage
models. Full network connectivity in ALPM is not limited to a specific set of protocols but cancover applications installed after initial installation. Also referred to as “network proxy”
functionality and as described in the Ecma-393 standard.
a) Network Proxy - Base Capability: To maintain addresses and presence on the network while
in Sleep Mode or ALPM, the system handles IPv4 ARP and IPv6 NS/ND.
b) Network Proxy - Full Capability: While in Sleep Mode or ALPM, the system supports BaseCapability, Remote Wake, and Service Discovery/Name Services.
c) Network Proxy - Remote Wake: While in Sleep Mode or ALPM, the system is capable ofremotely waking upon request from outside the local network. Includes Base Capability.
d) Network Proxy - Service Discovery/Name Services: While in Sleep Mode or ALPM, thesystem allows for advertising host services and network name. Includes Base Capability.
4) Network Interface: The components (hardware and software) whose primary function is to makethe computer capable of communicating over one or more network technologies. Examples of
Network Interfaces are IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) and IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi).
5) Wake Event: A user, scheduled, or external event or stimulus that causes the computer totransition from Sleep Mode or Off Mode to an active state of operation. Examples of wake events
include, but are not limited to: movement of the mouse, keyboard activity, controller input, realtime clock event, or a button press on the chassis, and in the case of external events, stimulus
conveyed via a remote control, network, modem, etc.
6) Wake On LAN (WOL): Functionality which allows a computer to transition from Sleep Mode or Off
Mode to an Active State of operation when directed by a network Wake Event via Ethernet.
7) Switchable Graphics: Functionality that allows Discrete Graphics to be disabled when not
required in favor of Integrated Graphics.
Note: This functionality allows lower power and lower capability integrated GPUs to render the
display while on battery or when the output graphics are not overly complex while then allowing
the more power consumptive but more capable discrete GPU to provide rendering capability
when required.
F) Marketing and Shipment Channels:
1) Enterprise Channels: Sales channels typically used by large and medium-sized business,government, educational, or other organizations to purchase computers for use in managed
client/server environments.
2) Model Name: A marketing name that includes reference to the computer model number, productdescription, or other branding references.
3) Model Number: A unique marketing name or identification reference that applies to a specifichardware and software configuration (e.g., operating system, processor type, memory, GPU), andis either pre-defined or selected by a customer.
G) 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. Product models within a family differ from each other according to one or morecharacteristics or features that either (1) have no impact on product performance with regard to
ENERGY STAR certification criteria, or (2) are specified herein as acceptable variations within a
product family. For Computers, acceptable variations within a product family include:

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1) Color;2) Housing; and3) Electronic components other than the chassis/motherboard, such as the processor,
memory, GPU, etc.

2 SCOPE
2.1
2.1.1

Included Products
Products that meet the definition of a Computer and one of the following Product Type definitions,as specified herein, are eligible for ENERGY STAR certification, with the exception of products
listed in Section 2.2:i.

Desktop Computers and Integrated Desktop Computers;ii.

Notebook Computers;iii. Slates/Tablets;
iv. Portable All-In-One Computers;v.

Workstations; andvi. Thin Clients.

2.2

Excluded Products

2.2.1

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

2.2.2

The following products are not eligible for certification under this specification:i.

Docking Stations;ii.

Game Consoles;iii. E-Readers;iv. Handheld gaming devices, typically battery powered and intended for use with an integral
display as the primary display;v.

Mobile Thin Clients not meeting the definition of Notebook Computer;vi. Personal Digital Assistant devices (PDAs);vii. Point of Sale (POS) products that do not use internal components common to Notebook,
Desktop, or Integrated Desktop Computers, including a processor, motherboard, andmemory;viii. Slate/Tablet based POS products;
ix. Handheld Computers and Slates/Tablets which contain cellular voice capability;x.

Ultra-thin Clients; andxi. Small-scale Servers.
Note: EPA has expanded the exclusion ix above to include Slate/Tablets which contain cellular voice
capability. The intent of this additional exclusion is to ensure foldable smartphones that can function liketablets when folded out remain out of scope of the computer specification.

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3 CERTIFICATION CRITERIA
3.1

Significant Digits and Rounding

3.1.1

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

3.1.2

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

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.

3.2

General Requirements

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 certifying the ENERGY STAR product.

3.2.2

Internal Power Supply (IPS) Requirements: IPSs 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
http://www.plugloadsolutions.com/docs/collatrl/print/Generalized_Internal_Power_Supply_Efficien
cy_Test_Protocol_R6.6.pdf).
i.

IPS with maximum rated output power less than 75 watts shall meet minimum efficiency
requirements as specified in Error! Reference source not found..

ii.

IPS with maximum rated output power greater than or equal to 75 watts shall meet bothminimum efficiency requirements and minimum power factor requirements, as specified in
Error! Reference source not found. as applicable.
Table 1: Requirements for all Internal Power Supplies
Loading Condition(Percentage of Nameplate
Output Current)
20%
50%
100%

Minimum
Efficiency

Minimum
Power Factor

0.87
0.90
0.87

0.90
-

Note: Multiple stakeholders have raised concerns regarding poor efficiency at low load operating levels(e.g. 5% load), while other stakeholders commented that the Version 7.1 requirements were sufficient andtesting at low load would add testing burden. EPA does see value in addressing low load power supply
efficiency as it is the operating condition desktop computers spend a majority of their time in while turnedon according to the latest desktop mode weighting data obtained from stakeholders. As such, EPA is
proposing a path that allows the Agency to encourage impoved low load efficiency without adding testing
requirements. EPA is proposing 80Plus Gold equivalent internal power supply requirements for all IPS
sizes in Version 8.0. EPA reviewed the data provided by EPRI and found that most 80Plus Gold andabove power supplies perform well at the low load operating levels, while a higher number of 80Plus
Bronze rated products have poorer perfromance at these operating levels (see NRDC graphic utilizing
80Plus data below). EPA is proposing 80Plus Gold equivalent internal power supply requirements for all
IPS sizes in Version 8.0. Extending the 80Plus Gold requirement to IPSs with a nameplate power ratingof 500 watts or lower aligns with the existing requirements implemented in Version 7.1 for IPSs with anameplate power rating above 500 watts.

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3.2.3External Power Supply (EPS) Requirements: Single- and Multiple-voltage EPSs shall meet theLevel VI or higher performance requirements under the International Efficiency Marking Protocol
when tested according to the Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption ofExternal Power Supplies, Appendix Z to 10 CFR Part 430.
i.

Single-voltage EPSs shall include the Level VI or higher marking.

ii.

Multiple-voltage EPSs meeting Level VI or higher shall include the Level VI or higher
marking.

iii. Additional information on the Marking Protocol is available
at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EERE-2008-BT-STD-0005-0218
3.2.4

Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) Requirements: All products which contain one or more Ethernet
ports with a bandwidth of 1Gb/s or higher shall have EEE enabled in each of these ports in theiras-shipped configuration.

Note: EPA has learned that a majority of computer products, across all subtypes, are currently sold with
Ethernet ports with a throughput capability of 1Gb/s or greater. In addition, all available data suggests thatmost if not all 1Gb/s or faster Ethernet ports support EEE. As such, EPA is proposing that all Ethernet
ports contained with an ENERGY STAR computer product must have EEE enabled.

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3.3
3.3.1

Power Management Requirements
Products shall include power management features in their “as-shipped” condition as specified inTable 2, subject to the following conditions:i.

For Thin Clients, the Wake-on-LAN (WOL) requirement shall apply for products designed toreceive software updates from a centrally managed network while in Sleep Mode or in Off
Mode. Thin Clients whose standard software upgrade framework does not require off-hours
scheduling are exempt from the WOL requirement.

ii.

For Notebooks, WOL may be automatically disabled when the product is disconnected fromac mains power.

iii. For all products with WOL, directed packet filters shall be enabled and set to an industry
standard default configuration.
iv. Products that do not support Sleep Mode by default are only subject to the Display Sleep
Mode requirement.

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Thin Clients

Workstations

Wake
Management

Slates/Tablets

Wake onLAN(WOL)

Notebooks

Display
Sleep
Mode

Portable All-In-Ones

SystemSleep i/Alternative
Low
Power
Mode

Integrated Desktops

Mode or
Mode
Transition

Desktops

Table 2: Power Management Requirements

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

N/A

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

N/A

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

N/A

Yes

Yes

Requirement(1) Sleep/Alternative Low Power
Mode shall be set to activate after nomore than 30 minutes of user
inactivity.
(2) The speed of any active 1 Gb/s or
faster Ethernet network links shall be
reduced when transitioning to Sleep
Mode or Off Mode.
Or the links shall enter Energy
Efficient Ethernet state whentransitioning to Alternative Low PowerMode(1) Display Sleep Mode shall be set toactivate after no more than 15
minutes of user inactivity.
(1) Computers with Ethernet
capability shall provide users with an
option to enable and disable WOL for
Sleep Mode.
(2) Computers with Ethernet
capability that are shipped throughenterprise channels shall either:(a) be shipped with WOL enabled
by default for Sleep Mode, when thecomputer is operating on ac mains
power; or(b) provide users with the ability toenable WOL that is accessible fromboth the client operating systemuser interface and over the
network ii.
(1) Computers with Ethernet
capability that are shipped throughenterprise channels shall:(a) be capable of both remote (via
network) and scheduled (via realtime clock) wake events from Sleep
Mode, and(b) provide clients with the ability tocentrally manage (via vendor tools)
any wake management settings thatare configured through hardware
settings if the manufacturer has
control over such features.

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3.4
3.4.1

User Information Requirements
Products shall be shipped with informational materials to notify customers of the following:i.

A description of power management settings that have been enabled by default,ii.

A description of the timing settings for various power management features, andiii. Instructions for properly waking the product from Sleep Mode.
3.4.2

Products shall be shipped with one or more of the following:i.

A list of default power management settings.

ii.

A note stating that default power management settings have been selected for compliancewith ENERGY STAR (within 15 min of user inactivity for the display, within 30 min for thecomputer, if applicable per Table 2), and are recommended by the ENERGY STAR programfor optimal energy savings.

iii. Information about ENERGY STAR and the benefits of power management, to be located ator near the beginning of the hard copy or electronic user manual, or in a package or box
insert.
3.4.3

3.5
3.5.1

Provisions 3.4.1 and 3.4.2 may be met through use of either electronic or printed productdocumentation, provided it adheres to all of the following:i.

Documentation is shipped with the product (e.g., in a printed manual or insert, on included
optical media, in a file installed with the software load shipped to the customer) or available
electronically on the manufacturer’s website. In the latter case, instructions for accessing theinformation on the website shall be provided in the product package or on the Desktop or
home screen; andii.

Documentation is included either (a) only with ENERGY STAR certified Computers; or (b) as
part of the standard documentation if and only if accompanied by EPA-approved customer
guidance on how to identify if their computer configuration is ENERGY STAR certified.

Requirements for Desktop, Integrated Desktop, and Notebook Computers
Calculated Typical Energy Consumption (ETEC) for Desktop, Integrated Desktop, and Notebook
Computers per Equation 1 shall be less than or equal to the maximum TEC requirement(ETEC_MAX) per Equation 2, subject to the following requirements:i.

The Additional Internal Storage adder allowance (TECSTORAGE) shall be applied if there are
more than one internal storage devices present in the product, in which case it shall only beapplied once.

ii.

The Integrated Display adder allowance (TECINT_DISPLAY) applies only for Integrated Desktops
and Notebooks and may be applied for each display. For Enhanced-performance Integrated
Displays, the adder is calculated as presented in Table 8 and Equation 3.

iii. For a Notebook Computer product to certify for the Full Network Connectivity mode
weightings, one of the following sets of criteria shall be satisfied:i

Where Sleep Mode is supported by the UUT by default and Sleep Mode power is used as part of the
TEC equation for qualification.
ii
Option (b) is not permitted for systems that use WOL in order to meet the definition of Full Network
Connectivity to claim the Full Capability mode weighting.
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••Option 1:-

Products shall meet a non-proprietary Full Network Connectivity standard such as
ECMA 393 or another solution that has been approved by EPA as meeting thegoals of ENERGY STAR.

-

Products shall have the applied level of functionality in Table 4 enabled andconfigured by default upon shipment.

Option 2:-

Products shall be capable of Sleep Mode or an Alternative Low Power Mode which
maintains constant network connectivity with energy consumption less than orequal to 2 watts in order to qualify for the Full Capability mode weighting.

Note: If a Notebook Computer product does not comply with Option 1 or 2 above, the productshall be tested and reported with Conventional mode weightings shown in Table 4. Full
Network Connectivity is a manufacturer-reported parameter. On Mac computers, “Wake for
network access” enabled within the Energy Saver/Power Adapter Preferences signifies BaseCapability or better. On Windows computers, “ARP Offload” or “NS Offload” or similar enabledwithin the Advanced Properties of the Network Interface Card (accessed through the Device
Manager) signifies Base Capability or better. For systems with a dual Network Interface Card
(NIC) configuration, only one NIC configuration needs to comply. The manufacturer can
provide further guidance on how to confirm Proxy Support.
Note: EPA has altered Section 3.5.1.iii to only reference Notebook Computers in Version 8.0. EPA is
proposing to remove the Full Network Connectivity mode weightings for desktops and integrated
desktops in Version 8.0 due to the new mode weightings which renders those previous mode weightings
obsolete. Due to the complexity of incorporating the new mode weightings into notebook computers, EPA
is currently considering incorporating the mode weightings as part of the Version 9.0 revision.

iv. For Notebooks, Desktops, and Integrated Desktops that use an Alternative Low Power Modein place of System Sleep Mode and Long Idle Mode, power in Alternative Low Power Mode
(PALPM) may be used in place of both the power in Sleep (PSLEEP) and the power in Long Idle
(PLONG_IDLE) in Equation 1 if the Alternative Low Power Mode measured power is less than orequal to 10 watts. In such instances, (𝑃𝑃𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 × 𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 ) and (𝑃𝑃𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿_𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 × 𝑇𝑇𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿_𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 )are replaced by (𝑃𝑃𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 × 𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 ) and (𝑃𝑃𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 × 𝑇𝑇𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿_𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 ); Equation 1 remains
otherwise unchanged.

v.

Notebooks, Desktops, and Integrated Desktops with switchable graphics may not apply the
Discrete Graphics allowance, TECGRAPHICS, from Table 8 in Equation 2. However, for Desktop
and Integrated Desktop systems providing Switchable Graphics and enabling it by default, anallowance equal to 18 watts (Desktop or Integrated Desktop) may be applied. The switchable
graphics incentive only applies to automated switching that is enabled by default. This
capability is manufacturer-declared.

Note: EPA has replaced the switchable graphics reference of 50% of the G1 graphics allowance fordesktop and integrated desktops in Version 7.1 to 18 watts which is the equivalent value. The G1 graphic
adder category was removed in Draft 1, Version 8.0 Table 8.

Equation 1: TEC Calculation (ETEC) for Desktop, Integrated Desktop, Thin Clientand Notebook Computers

𝐸𝐸𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 =8760
× (𝑃𝑃𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 × 𝑇𝑇𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 + 𝑃𝑃𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 × 𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 + 𝑃𝑃𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿_𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 × 𝑇𝑇𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿_𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
1000+ 𝑃𝑃𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆_𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 × 𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆_𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 )ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computers – Eligibility Criteria

Page 13 of 23

Where:
POFF = Measured power consumption in Off Mode (W);
PSLEEP = Measured power consumption in Sleep Mode (W);
PLONG_IDLE = Measured power consumption in Long Idle Mode(W);PSHORT_IDLE = Measured power consumption in Short Idle Mode
(W); and
TOFF, TSLEEP, TLONG_IDLE, and TSHORT_IDLE are mode weightings as
specified in Table 3 (for Desktops, Integrated Desktops, and Thin
Clients) or Table 4 (for Notebooks).

Table 3: Mode Weightings for Desktops and Integrated Desktop Computers
Mode
Weighting

Conventional

TOFF
TSLEEP

15%
45%
10%
30%

TLONG_IDLETSHORT_IDLE

Note: EPA received new mode weighting data from stakeholders comprised of over 700,000 individual
data points across multiple manufacturers, product types, user profiles (commercial & residential), andgeographies, with very similar mode weightings across the dataset. This latest data allows EPA toseparate the short and long idle components of the new proposed mode weightings for desktops, further
refining the original values presented in the Discussion Guide. The scale and breadth of the latest data
provides confidence that these values are representative of the aggregate current behavior of deployeddesktop computers in the field.
Absent any additional large scale data sources (ideally 50,000+ tracked products) that suggest that thesevalues are not an accurate representation of the current desktop market, EPA will adopt these mode
weightings.

Table 4: Mode Weightings for Notebook Computers
Full Network Connectivity
Mode
Weighting
TOFF
TSLEEP
TLONG_IDLETSHORT_IDLE

Conventional

Base
Capability

Remote Wake

25%
35%
10%
30%

25%
39%
8%
28%

25%
41%
7%
27%

Service
Discovery /Name Services
25%
43%
6%
26%

Full
Capability
25%
45%
5%
25%

Note: EPA also received over 1.2 million new data points for notebook mode weightings, representing
great diversity, like with the desktop dataset. Given the recent finalization of Version 7.1 and thecomplications with translating the current mode weighting results to new mode weightings, EPA is
proposing to solicit feedback on the mode weightings from the data obtained, but delay implementing thechange until the next revision. The data that EPA has received on notebook computers indicates that thefollowing mode weightings could be used.
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computers – Eligibility Criteria

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Equation 2: ETEC_MAX Calculation for Desktop, Integrated Desktop, and Notebook Computers

ETEC_MAX = (1+ALLOWANCEPSU ) × (TECBASE + TECMEMORY + TECGRAPHICS + TECSTORAGE +TECINT_DISPLAY + TECSWITCHABLE + TECMOBILEWORKSTATION)
Where:

ALLOWANCEPSU is an allowance provided to power supplies thatmeet the optional more stringent efficiency levels specified inTable 5; power supplies that do not meet the requirements
receive an allowance of 0;
TECBASE is the Base allowance specified in Table 6 or Table 7;and,
TECGRAPHICS is the discrete graphics allowance as specified inTable 8, with the exception of systems with integrated graphics,
which do not receive an allowance, or Desktops and Integrated
Desktops with switchable graphics enabled by default, which
receive an allowance through TECSWITCHABLE; and TECMEMORY , TECSTORAGE, TECINT_DISPLAY, TECSWITCHABLE, and
TECMOBILEWORKSTATION are adder allowances as specified in Table
8.

Note: EPA has removed references to the EEE adder in Equation 2 since this adder was removed fromthe Draft 1, Version 8.0 specification.

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computers – Eligibility Criteria

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Table 5: Internal Power Supply Efficiency Allowance

Power
SupplyType

ComputerType
Desktop

IPS

Integrated
Desktop

Minimum Efficiency at Specified
Proportion of Rated Output
Current
10%
0.86
0.90
0.86
0.90

20%
0.90
0.92
0.90
0.92

50%
0.92
0.94
0.92
0.94

100%
0.89
0.90
0.89
0.90

AllowancePSU
0.015
0.03
0.015
0.04

Table 6: Base TEC (TECBASE) Allowances for Desktops and Integrated Desktops

Category
Name
0
I1
I2
D1
D2

Graphics
Capability iii
AnyGraphics
Integrated or
Switchable
Graphics
Discrete
Graphics

Desktop or
Integrated Desktop
Performance
Base
Score, P iv
Allowance
P≤3

10.0

3<P≤8

18.0

P>8

37.0

3<P≤9

30.0

P>9

40.0

Note: In May 2018, EPA requested data from stakeholders on non-ENERGY STAR certified desktops
and integrated desktops and received a variety of data points. This data was paired with the Version 7.0
QPL and provides the foundation for the EPA analysis. This data set is available to stakeholders on the
EPA website. The analysis incorporated data from over 570 unique desktop and integrated desktop
product families. In response to the comments received from stakeholders as part of the Discussion
Guide, EPA considered the following questions.
1. Was there a need to split out separate base allowances for desktop and integrated desktop computerswhen factoring in the updated display adder? EPA analysis shows that this request from stakeholders did
not provide meaningful differentiation.
2. Is there a need to revise the p-score boundaries and/or number of categories? EPA found that
consolidating the I1 and I2 categories into a single I1 category is possible in Version 8.0. This change
also resulted in the previous I3 category changing to I2 in order to provide better differentiation than theprevious categories. EPA has also proposed adjusting the boundary of the new I2 to more appropriately
identify lower and higher end configurations.

iii
iv

Discrete Graphics capability is categorized based on frame buffer bandwidth, as shown in Table 8.
P = [# of CPU cores] × [CPU clock speed (GHz)] , where # of cores represents the number of physical CPU
cores and CPU clock speed represents the Max TDP core frequency, not the turbo boost frequency.

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computers – Eligibility Criteria

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After adjusting the p-score categories and boundaries, EPA then analyzed desktop computer energy
consumption and found that since the last specification revision to desktops six years ago, energy
consumption has dramatically fallen. As a result, EPA has amended the base allowances to reflect theseadvancements in energy efficiency as well as the changes to the mode weightings and adder allowances.
The base allowances identified above result in pass rates ranging from roughly 25% to 33% dependingon the p-score category. For the most common categories, the pass rates were roughly 25%. EPA has
provided scatterplots within the data and analysis package showing how the criteria levels were
determined. The estimated savings from the proposal would range from an average of 18 kWh/year in
Category I1 to an average of 98 kWh/year in Category D2 with a weighted average savings of 68.5
kWh/year.

Table 7: Base TEC (TECBASE) Allowances for Notebooks
Category
Name

Notebook

01

Performance
Score, Piv
P≤2
2<P<8

Base
Allowance
6.5
8.0

2

P≥8

14.0

ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computers – Eligibility Criteria

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Table 8: Functional Adder Allowances for Desktop, Integrated Desktop, Thin Client, and Notebook
Computers

Function

Desktop

Integrated Desktop

TECMEMORY (kWh) v

Notebook

2.4 + (0.294 × GB)TECGRAPHICS (kWh) vi , vii

58.6 ×tanh(0.0038 × FB_BW – 0.137) + 26.8

29.3 ×tanh(0.0038 × FB_BW –0.137) + 13.4

TECSWITCHABLE (kWh) viii

18

N/A

TECSTORAGE(kWh) ix

TECINT_DISPLAY(kWh) x3.5” HDD
2.5” HDD
Hybrid HDD/SSD
SSD (including
M.2 port solutions)

26
2.6
1.0
0.5

A < 190[(4.00 × r) + (0.172 × A) +1.50] × (1 + EP)

190 ≤ A < 210[(4.00 × r) + (0.020 × A) +30.4] × (1 + EP)

N/A
210 ≤ A < 315[(4.00 × r) + (0.091 × A) +15.4] × (1 + EP)

A ≥ 315[(4.00 × r) + (0.182 × A) - 13.2]
× (1 + EP)

TECMOBILEWORKSTATION (kWh) xi

N/A

8.76 ×0.30 × (1+EP) × (0.43×r +0.0263×A)

4.0

Equation 3: Calculation of Allowance for Enhanced-performance Integrated Displays

0,
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = � 0.3,
0.75,
Where:



𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷, 𝑑𝑑 < 27
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷, 𝑑𝑑 ≥ 27

d is the diagonal of the screen, in inches

Note: EPA is proposing the following changes to the functional adders for desktop and integrated
desktop computers based on stakeholder feedback and other data acquired through recent ENERGYSTAR consumer electronic specification development processes:v
vi

TECMEMORY Adder: GB applies per GB installed in the system.
TECGRAPHICS Adder: Applies to only the first dGfx installed in the system, but not Switchable Graphics.
vii FB_BW: Is the display frame buffer bandwidth in gigabytes per second (GB/s). This is a manufacturer declaredparameter and should be calculated as follows: (Data Rate [Mhz] × Frame Buffer Data Width [bits]) / ( 8 × 1000 )viii TECSWITCHABLE Incentive: Applies to automated switching that is enabled by default in Desktops and Integrated
Desktops.
ix TECSTORAGE Adder: Applies once if system has more than one Additional Internal Storage element.
x
TECINT_DISPLAY Adder: EP is the Enhanced Performance Display allowance calculated per Equation 3;
r is the Screen resolution in megapixels; and A is viewable screen area in square inches. This adder may be
applied for each display if there are multiple displays in the system which are enabled as-shipped and in testing.
xi TECMOBILEWORKSTATION Adder: Applies once if the system meets the full Mobile Workstation definition in Section 1.
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computers – Eligibility Criteria

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- The memory adder for all product types now aligns with the memory adder recently used for notebooksin the Version 7.1 specification revision, as the technologies are the same in each product type.
- Per stakeholder feedback, the discrete graphics adder now aligns with the latest California Energy
Commission (CEC) discrete graphics adder for desktop products found in CEC’s computer regulation.
- With the removal of the G1 graphics category, the switchable graphics adder for desktops has been
converted to a mathematical value equivalent to the previous G1 x 50%.
- The EEE adder has been removed as EEE is now required to be enabled in all Ethernet ports with a
1Gb/s or faster throughput capability to certify as ENERGY STAR, as was discussed in Section 3.2.4.
- Stakeholders provided data showing the need for storage adders that include both hybrid SSD and full
SSD options. As such, EPA is proposing to new adder levels for those storage types, and has also
applied the existing Version 7.1 2.5” HDD adder across all product types, not just notebooks.
- The integrated display adder for integrated desktops now aligns with the latest ENERGY STAR Version
8.0 Final Draft Displays specification, including four separate equations for different screen size ranges.
Stakeholders also provided feedback on potential adders for additional discrete GPUs, add-in cards,
10Gb/s Ethernet ports, 2.5Gb/s Ethernet ports, and high bandwidth system memory. EPA understands
that additional data may be coming on these adders and will revisit these requests, as justified, whenfurther data is provided.

3.6
3.6.1

3.7
3.7.1

Requirements for Slates/Tablets and Portable All-In-One Computers
Slates/Tablets and Portable All-In-One Computers shall follow all of the requirements for
Notebook Computers in Section 3.5 above, including calculations of the following:i.

Calculated Typical Energy Consumption (ETEC), using Equation 1 with the Notebook
Computer Mode Weightings from Table 4.

ii.

Calculated Maximum Allowed Typical Energy Consumption (ETEC_MAX), using Equation 2 withthe appropriate base Notebook Computer allowance from Table 7, and applicable Notebook
Computer functional adder allowances from Table 8.

Requirements for Workstations
Weighted power consumption (PTEC) as calculated per Equation 4 shall be less than or equal tothe maximum weighted power consumption requirement (PTEC_MAX) as calculated per Equation 5.
Equation 4: PTEC Calculation for Workstations

PTEC = POFF×TOFF + PSLEEP×TSLEEP + PLONG_IDLE×TLONG_IDLE+ PSHORT_IDLE×TSHORT_IDLE
Where:

POFF = Measured power consumption in Off Mode (W);
PSLEEP = Measured power consumption in Sleep Mode (W);
PLONG_IDLE = Measured power consumption in Long Idle Mode(W);PSHORT_IDLE = Measured power consumption in Short Idle Mode
(W); and
TOFF, TSLEEP, TLONG_IDLE, and TSHORT_IDLE are mode weightings as
specified in Table 9.

Table 9: Mode Weightings for Workstations
TOFF

TSLEEP

TLONG_IDLETSHORT_IDLE

10%

35%

20%

35%

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Equation 5: PTEC_MAX Calculation for Workstations

PTEC_MAX = 0.28×(PMAX + NHDD×5)
Where:

PMAX = Measured maximum power consumption (W)
NHDD = Number of installed hard disk drives (HDD) or solid statedrives (SSD)

Note: In light of the low market share of ENERGY STAR workstations, EPA has not made the TEC
requirement more stringent. However, EPA received updated workstation mode weighting datacontaining over 8,000 data points which follows a similar trend to the updated desktop mode weightings in
Section 3.5 above, weighted slightly more towards the short idle mode. EPA is proposing to use these
updated mode weightings and welcomes additional large, datasets from stakeholders (ideally larger than
1000 products).
When factoring in these new mode weightings, EPA analysis shows that 96.2% of existing certified
workstations still meet the Version 7.1 requirements.
EPA has also removed the additional EEE allowance as that is now a requirement across the computer
specification for any product with a 1Gb/s or faster Ethernet port.

3.7.2

Active State Benchmark: To be ENERGY STAR certified, a Workstation must be submitted for
certification with the following information disclosed in full:i.

Linpack benchmark test results, compiler optimizations, and total energy consumed over theduration of the test; andii.

SPECviewperf benchmark test results, configuration options, total duration of the test, andtotal energy consumed over the duration of the test.

Note: EPA and DOE continue to seek feedback on whether the active state benchmark tests currently
being conducted for workstations are still relevant and/or whether there are newer benchmarks which
provide more useful information for consumers.
3.7.3

3.8
3.8.1

Desktop Workstations: Products marketed as workstations may be ENERGY STAR certified
under the Desktop requirements in Section 3.5 instead of the Workstation requirements in
Section , at the Partner’s option. EPA will identify Workstations certified as Desktops as“Desktops” in all ENERGY STAR marketing materials, on certified product lists, etc.

Requirements for Thin Clients
Calculated Typical Energy Consumption (ETEC) per Equation 1 shall be less than or equal to theMaximum TEC Requirement (ETEC_MAX), as calculated per Equation 6, subject to the following
requirements.
i.

Allowances can only be applied if the corresponding adders are enabled by default.

ii.

Thin Clients shall utilize the mode weightings in Table 10 when calculating ETEC.

iii. For Thin Clients that lack a discrete System Sleep Mode, Long Idle State power (PLONG_IDLE)
may be used in place of Sleep Mode Power (PSLEEP) in Equation 1 so long as the systemmeets the Thin Client TEC allowance. In such instances, (𝑃𝑃𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 × 𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 ), is replaced by(𝑃𝑃𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿_𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 × 𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 ); Equation 1 remains otherwise unchanged.
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computers – Eligibility Criteria

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Table 10: Mode Weightings for Thin ClientsTOFF

TSLEEP

TLONG_IDLETSHORT_IDLE

45%

5%

15%

35%

Equation 6: Calculation of ETEC_MAX for Thin Clients

ETEC_MAX = TECBASE + TECGRAPHICS + TECWOL + TECINT_DISPLAY
Where:


TECBASE is the Base Allowance specified in 11;
TECGRAPHICS is the Discrete Graphics allowance specified inTable 11 if applicable;
TECWOL is the Wake-on-LAN allowance specified in 11 if
applicable;
TECINT_DISPLAY is the Integrated Display allowance for Integrated
Desktops specified in Table 8 if applicable; andNote: EPA has removed references to the EEE adder as this has become a requirement across allcomputer products. EPA has also specified that Thin Clients shall use the mode weightings in Table 10
for certification. These mode weightings are the same as the Version 7.1 mode weightings. EPA
considered updating the thin client mode weightings with the desktop mode weightings. However, theAgency found that making this update now would reduce the number of thin client products by almost
75%. EPA will look to harmonize the mode weightings with desktop mode weightings in Version 9.0.

Table 11: Adder Allowances for Thin Clients
Adder
TECBASETECGRAPHICSTECWOL

Allowance
(kWh)
31
36
2

Note: Products intended for sale in the US market are subject to minimum toxicity and recyclability
requirements. Please see ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Computers: Partner Commitments
for details.

4 TESTING
4.1
4.1.1

Test Methods
When testing Computer products, the test methods identified in Table 12 shall be used todetermine ENERGY STAR certification.
Table 12: Test Methods for ENERGY STAR Certification
Product Type orComponent

Test Method

All

ENERGY STAR Draft Test Method for Computers, Rev. April 2019

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Note: The test method reference has been updated to reflect the date for the current draft test method.

4.2
4.2.1

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

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

ii.

For certification of a Product Family of all product types, with the exception of Workstations,product configurations that represent the worst-case power consumption for each productcategory within the family are considered Representative Models. When submitting Product
Families, manufacturers continue to be held accountable for any efficiency claims madeabout their products, including those not tested or for which data were not reported. This
includes ensuring that all models shipped as ENERGY STAR certified within the productfamily maintain the same power management settings when testing the Representative
Model(s).

iii. For systems that meet the definition for multiple categories (as defined in Section 1.B)
depending on the specific configuration, manufacturers will have to submit the highest power
configuration for each category under which they would like the system to be ENERGY STAR
certified. For example, a system that could be configured as either a Category 0 or 1
Desktop, as defined in Table 6 would require submittal of the highest power configuration forboth categories in order to be ENERGY STAR certified. If a product could be configured tomeet all categories, it would then have to submit data for the highest power configuration in
all categories.
iv. For certification of a Product Family of Workstations under the Workstation or Desktop
product type, the product configuration that represents the worst-case power consumption
with a single GPU within the family is considered the Representative Model.
Note: Workstations that meet ENERGY STAR requirements with a single graphics device
may also have a configuration with more than one graphics device be ENERGY STAR
certified, provided the additional hardware configuration is identical with the exception of theadditional graphics device(s). The use of multiple graphics includes, but is not limited to,
driving multiple displays and ganging for high performance, multi-GPU configurations (e.g.
ATI Crossfire, NVIDIA SLI). In such cases, and until such time as SPECviewperf® supports
multiple graphics threads, manufacturers may submit the test data for the workstation withthe single graphics device for both configurations without retesting the system.
4.2.2

A single unit of each Representative Model shall be selected for testing.

4.2.3

All units/configurations for which a Partner is seeking ENERGY STAR certification, must meet the
ENERGY STAR requirements. However, if a Partner wishes to certify configurations of a model
for which non-ENERGY STAR certified alternative configurations exist, the Partner must assign
the certified configurations an identifier in the model name/number that is unique to ENERGYSTAR certified configurations. This identifier must be used consistently in association with thecertified configurations in marketing/sales materials and on the ENERGY STAR list of certified
products (e.g. model A1234 for baseline configurations and A1234-ES for ENERGY STAR
certified configurations).
Note: There may be cases—as described in the paragraph above—where not allunits/configurations will meet ENERGY STAR requirements. If so, the worst-case configuration
for test will be the worst-case certified configuration, and not one of the presumably even higherenergy consuming non-certified configurations.

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4.3
4.3.1

4.4
4.4.1

International Market Certification
Products shall be tested for certification at the relevant input voltage/frequency combination foreach market in which they will be sold and promoted as ENERGY STAR.

Customer Software and Management Service Pre-Provisioning
If a manufacturing Partner is hired by a customer to load a custom image on an ENERGY STAR
certified computer, the Partner shall take the following steps:i.

Inform the customer that their product may not meet ENERGY STAR with the custom image.
A sample notification letter is available on the ENERGY STAR Web site.

ii.

Encourage the customer to test the product for ENERGY STAR compliance.

iii. Encourage the customer, should the product no longer meet ENERGY STAR, to make use of
EPA's free technical assistance that can assist with Power Management performance, which
can be found at www.energystar.gov/fedofficeenergy.

5 USER INTERFACE
5.1.1

Manufacturers are encouraged to design products in accordance with the user interface standard
IEEE 1621: Standard for User Interface Elements in Power Control of Electronic Devices
Employed in Office/Consumer Environments. For details, see http://eetd.LBL.gov/Controls.

6 EFFECTIVE DATE
6.1.1

Effective Date: The Version 8 ENERGY STAR Computers specification shall take effect TBD. To
be ENERGY STAR certified, a product model shall meet the ENERGY STAR specification in
effect on its date of manufacture. The date of manufacture is specific to each unit and is the dateon which a unit is considered to be completely assembled.

Note: EPA anticipates completing the Version 8.0 process in Q3/Q4 2019 with an effective date in nolater than July 2020.

6.1.2

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 certification is not automatically granted for the life of a product model.

7 CONSIDERATIONS FOR FUTURE REVISIONS
7.1.1

Active Mode: EPA will continue to monitor developments in test methodology that addresses
active mode, where the computer is actively performing tasks, and assess whether thesemeasurements warrant inclusion into the ENERGY STAR Computers specification.

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