ENERGY STAR Epa Server V4 Discussion Instructions
- June 10, 2024
- Energy Star
Table of Contents
EPA SERVER V4 DISCUSSION
GUIDE – TGG RESPONSE PART I
April 29, 2022
INTRODUCTION
TGG appreciates US EPA’s continuing efforts to improve the ENERGY STAR Computer Server specification and the launch of the discussion guide for Version 4.0, providing the initial list of priority areas for this specification revision with key questions for stakeholders. Our comments touch on all aspects identified in the discussion guide (Updated and new definitions; Potential treatment of Storage “heavy” Servers; Revisions to the SERT tool and Internal Power Supply Efficiency) and more. To help correlate EPA questions and TGG comments, TGG has added “EPA Qx”, in bold blue text throughout the document when appropriate.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This document provides recommendations for four updated or new definitions that need to stay current with the market and technology dynamics:
- Resilient Server
- High-Performance Computing System
- Storage Heavy Server
- Hyperconverged Server.
With respect to storage heavy servers (SHS), TTG recommends creating SHS
categories based on the maximum number of devices and set an energy efficiency
limit for each of those categories. It is impossible to test all permutations,
so TGG recommends testing two configurations (one with the minimum storage
device count and one with 50% of the maximum storage device count).
TGG is not expecting significant updates to the SERT 2.x test suite for the
EPA Server Energy Regulation Version 4.0. However, even with minor updates it
is important to define a process that allows those without creating
unnecessary EPA effort and churn. As such, TGG recommends utilizing
the ISO/IEC 21836:2020 Section 9 compliance methodology.
When it comes to internal power supply efficiency, to avoid unnecessary energy
consumption and cost, TGG recommends that 80 Plus Titanium level is adopted
only for power supplies that are rated for 750 watts or more, and Platinum for
power supplies less than 750 watts.
TGG also recommends the use of external Power Supplies that meet DOE level VI
as an option for low end ENERGY STAR compliant servers.
Finally, the current EPA Energy Star Computer Server specification V3.0
includes conflicting text between family definitions and test requirements
when dealing with Servers with one processor populated in a two Socket system.
TGG proposes to modify Section 6.1.2 of the specification to specify how to
handle 2 Socket servers which ship with CPU models which only support 1 socket
operation.
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTED CHANGES
3.1 Definitions (EPA Q1, EPA Q2)
Resilient Servers
TGG recommends the following changes (bold indicates added words) to section
B(2) and B(4) of the Resilient Server definition. Section A, numerals 1., 3.,
and 5. to 10. of Section “B” and Sections “C” and “D” remain without change.
“Resilient Server: A computer server designed with extensive Reliability,
Availability, Serviceability (RAS) and scalability features integrated in the
micro architecture of the system, CPU and chipset. For purposes of ENERGY STAR
certification under this specification, a Resilient Server shall have the
following characteristics …”
B. System Recovery & Resiliency: No fewer than six of the following
characteristics shall be present in the server:
2. “The processor technology is designed to provide additional capability and
functionality without additional chipsets, enabling it to be designed into
systems with four or more processor sockets;”
Rationale: Changing from “enabling the design into systems…” to “enabling it”
as this text is intended to refer to the processor technology itself.
4. “Memory Sparing: A portion of available memory may be pre-allocated or
repurposed to a spare function such that data may be migrated to the spare
upon a perceived impending failure;” Rationale: Adding “or re-purposed” to the
memory sparing definition enables more inclusiveness of solutions that may not
require extra memory reserved for sparing purposes.
Storage Heavy Server
TGG recommends the following definition for a Storage Heavy Server. A storage
heavy server has additional support infrastructure which increases the power
consumption of the server even without the additional storage capacity
installed. As SERT is normally run with two storage devices installed, this
will decrease the SERT score due to the additional power consumption of the
additional infrastructure. This requires a different treatment for this type
of servers which we also propose in section 3.2 of this document.
storage heavy server
a Storage Heavy Server is a Server with greater storage capacity than a
standard server. As shipped, the server supports 30 or greater internal
storage devices.In support of the previous definition, the ENERGY STAR
Computer Server specification v4 needs to also include a definition of
Internal Storage Device, which we provide below for your consideration.
internal storage device
A non-volatile device installed inside the primary server chassis which is
intended for data storage.
Note 1 to entry: Examples of internal storage devices include magnetic disk
drives, solid state drives and NVM-e devices.
Per the EPA Discussion Guide released, there is also a need to define the term
“Hyperconverged Server” and modify and/or simplify the definition of “High-
Performance Computing (HPC) System” to align with recent technology changes.
We recommend the following definitions high-performance computing system HPC
system HPC server computing system which is designed, marketed, sold, and
optimized to execute highly parallel applications for high performance, deep
learning, or artificial intelligence applications Note 1 to entry: HPC systems
consist of multiple clustered servers, primarily for increased computational
capability, high speed inter-processing interconnects, large and high
bandwidth memory capability and often accelerators such as GPGPUs or FPGAs.
Note 2 to entry: HPC systems may be purposely built or assembled from more
commonly available computer servers.
hyperconverged server A highly integrated enterprise device which contains the
same components as a computer server in addition to the features of a network
server and storage server.
3.1.1 Treatment of Storage Heavy Servers
Per EPA Q5, EPA is requesting additional SERT data for this type of servers to
support the criteria development process for separate active efficiency
requirements. TGG is collecting these data and will be conducting analysis
which will be happy to share in the future with the US EPA, but unfortunately
TGG will not be able to do this by the specified date of May 6 th.
3.1.2 What are Storage Heavy Servers used for?
Storage heavy servers are typically use as cache to an enterprise storage
system. Example of applications include intelligent video analytics and media
streaming.
3.1.3 Storage Heavy Server SERT Threshold and Categorization Methodology
3.1.3.1 Storage heavy server categories:
Per EPA Q3 and Q4, TGG is collecting data to determine its suggested approach,
and does have an additional proposal to the EPA’s recommended solutions under
consideration.
Our initial recommendation is for storage heavy servers to be categorized by
the maximum number of supported devices. Categories with corresponding
efficiency limits will be determined once the analysis mentioned above is
finalized. A combination of measured and modeled data is being used for this
purpose.
3.1.4 Storage Heavy Storage Test Configuration Definitions
As the EPA is aware, testing many of the enormous number of server
configuration permutations is not feasible, and for storage heavy servers, the
cost to populate the maximum number of supported storage devices is
substantial. Thus, similar to the volume server family configurations, TGG
proposes that only two configurations be tested, and similar to the current
Blade server test methodology, a “minimum” configuration and a configuration
with “50% of storage devices supported”, be tested. Additionally, since lower-
end CPUs obtain lower SERT scores, they are a good proxy for all CPUs, TGG
recommends that the CPU and memory configuration for both tested
configurations use the CPU and memory requirements of the Low-end Performance
Configuration.
Family Configurations for testing:
Storage heavy server families should be represented by two tested
configurations. SPEC SERT results should be collected using these two
configurations.
Test Condition | Storage Device Count | Server Efficiency |
---|---|---|
Minimum storage device count | ||
Typical (50% of maximum supported storage devices) |
Minimum Storage Configuration: This configuration shall be the Low-end
Performance Configuration as defined in Section 1.G.2.A of the Product
Specification for Computer Servers Eligibility Criteria Version 3.0, with the
additional requirement that the storage device count shall match the minimum
number supported by the storage heavy server.
Typical Storage Configuration: This configuration shall be the Low-end
Performance Configuration as defined in Section 1.G.2.A of the Product
Specification for Computer Servers Eligibility Criteria Version 3.0, with the
additional requirement that the storage device count shall match 50% of the
maximum number supported by the storage heavy server.
3.2 Revisions to the SPEC Server Efficiency Rating Tool (SERT)
Per EPA Q6, TGG does not believe there will be any significant updates to the
SERT 2.x suite. The only expected updates would be to add support for new
servers, power analyzers, and temperature sensors.
There is, however, an important update related to the SERT suite. Section 9 of
ISO/IEC 21836:2020 standard provides a robust way to ensure that changes to
the five main components related to the SPEC SERT® suite are only updated in a
manner which does not adversely affect quality or comparability. These test
plans provide functionality and quantitative requirements for updates and
ensure thorough testing has been conducted on new server architectures, power
analyzers, temperature sensors, and software components.
To utilize this important safeguard, save the EPA the effort necessary to
evaluate and communicate acceptance for each SERT suite minor update, and
remove the delay between SERT suite minor version release and EPA acceptance,
The Green Grid recommends adding the below requirement to
the ENERGY STAR Sever v4 specification.
“Only ISO/IEC 21836:2020 compliant SPEC SERT® suite minor versions, SPEC
PTDaemon® interface versions, power analyzers, temperature sensors, and Client
Configurations as documented in section 9 of ISO/IEC 21836:2020 international
standard, shall be used.”
3.3 Internal Power Supply Efficiency (EPA Q7, EPA Q8)
Per the EPA Discussion Guide, the EPA is considering raising the bar on the
power supply efficiency requirements for Version 4 of the Product
Specification for Computer Servers.
In addition to the supply chain problems that are presently experienced by the
industry and the impact it reflects on the availability of Titanium power
suppliers in the market, the availability of wattage Titanium power supplies
is limited. Currently, only 4 power supplies meeting the Titanium level are
listed under the 230V Internal category on the 80 PLUS website that are less
than 750 watts. 3 of those are from a single supplier. However, at 750 watts,
there are 15 Titanium level power supplies and at 800 watts, there are 20
power supplies listed as Titanium.
Several lower cost servers using lower power processors are on the market and
these products can utilize 500 watt power supplies, using these smaller (right
sized) power supplies is more efficient.Making smaller Titanium power supplies
is harder than large Titanium power supplies because this a fixed amount of
energy consumed for AC to DC and voltage conversion. Small power supplies
cannot amortize these fixed costs per Watt. The result is that manufacturers
will choose to use higher wattage power supplies that are able to meet
Titanium level efficiency more cost effectivel
There is a small efficiency difference between these two efficiency curves and
using a larger powesupply than necessary will change the load point on the PSU
efficiency curve. The result is very liketo be a negligible energy savings for
the end user at significant cost increase. The two tables beloshow example
comparisons of a 500W platinum and 1000W titanium power supply for a 250W load
point using the efficiency values defined in the appropriate 80 Plus standard
for both the 115V internal and 230V internal categories. The energy cost
savings are negligible in both cases.
115V | DC Power | AC Power | Annual Energy Cost @ 0.15/kWh |
---|---|---|---|
Platinum 500W | 250 | 271.74 | 357.07 |
Titanium 1000W | 250 | 270.76 | 355.78 |
230V | DC Power | AC Power | Annual Energy Cost @ 0.15/kWh |
Platinum 500W | 250 | 265.96 | 349.47 |
Titanium 1000W | 250 | 265.02 | 348.24 |
If the ENERGY STAR program would decide to require Titanium level for all
single output power supplies, Data Center products (servers) will be required
to utilize much higher wattage power supplies than necessary in order to meet
operational needs specific to the requirement. This is completely counter to
achieving the energy savings hoped for by establishing this efficiency
increase in the specification in the first place. Data centers will face
increased costs due to requirement for using the 96% efficient (Titanium
Certification) power supplies (over 750 watts) when they are not operationally
required for the Data Center servers. At the same time, data centers will
experience decreased energy savings as power supply wattages will be
oversized, larger than the wattage needed, and peak efficiency will be
achieved less frequently due to lack of need for more power in the servers.
For full details please see:
https://www.thegreengrid.org/en/resources/library-and-tools/538
-230VENTERPRISE-PSU-MARKET-READY-EFFICIENCY-STUDY
Recommendations:
Create a 2-tier system of efficiency baseline targets as shown below to
provide for maximum efficiency for single output power supplies.
TGG recommends the US EPA only use the 80plus specifications, as any deviation
from the standard are difficult for industry to ensure and can lead to
redesign and retesting of power supplies. If the EPA does desire changes to
80plus power supply efficiencies, TGG would request EPA, TGG and the 80 Plus
program (CLEAResult) work together to propose the changes through the
standardized process.
If possible, it would be appreciated if the EPA could provide any power supply
efficiency improvements planned for past Version 4 of the EPA server
specification as soon as possible, to provide manufacturers adequate
development time, especially in the current difficult supply chain
environment.
Finally, TGG recommends adding the below text to EPA ENERGY STAR Servers 4.0:
a) For power supplies at or over 750 watts require 80 PLUS ® Titanium
Certification.
b) For power supplies under 750 watts, require 80 PLUS Platinum Certification.
3.4 External Power Supply Option
Add External Power Supplies that meet DOE level VI as an option for low end
ENERGY STAR compliant servers.
3.5 Handling of Partially Populated Systems (2 Socket Servers with 1P only
CPUs)
TGG requests the US EPA resolves current conflict that exists between family
definitions and test requirements.
The “Product Family” definition in Version 3.0 of the Product Specification
for Computer Servers states that a product family can be defined for a server
with only partially populated processor sockets (e.g., 1 Processor populated
in a two-socket system) as long as it is tested as a separate product family.
At the same time, Section 6.1.2 of the specification states that Units Under
Test (UUTs) must have the maximum number of processor sockets populated in
order to test.
Proposed Solution
Section 6.1.2 of the Product Specification for Computer Servers should be
modified to allow for testing of partially populated processor socket product
families.
A special case exists where a two-socket server is sold with a CPU model which
only supports one socket operation (1P only capable CPU). This effectively
turn the server into a one-socket server and it is reasonable to take the
position that two-socket populated data is not representative of these
servers.
For two-socket servers which support both 1P only capable CPUs and 2P capable
CPUs, two sets of family configurations are needed. This will create two
entries into the QPL database under a single product Model designation. Both
will have the same product model name with a product model number that differs
by a -1P designation in the Model Number field. Each of these entries will
reference the other product model number in the Additional Model Information
field. This will be part of a single Energy Star 4.0 product certification and
will not require separate certification certificates for the two scenarios.
ENERGY
STAR
Unique ID| ENERGY STAR
Partner| Brand Name| Model Name| Model Number| Additional Model
Information
---|---|---|---|---|---
1234567| Partner Name| Brand| Model Name| Man Model Num| Man_Model_Num-1P
1234568| Partner Name| Brand| Model Name| Man_Model_Num-1P| Man_Model_Num
Systems that support less than 3 separate 1P processors in a 2-processor socket system have the option of duplicating the one of the tested processors in multiple configuration fields in the QPL. The table below describes the options for the two possible scenarios.
| Low End| Typical| High End
---|---|---|---
Only 1 supported 1P Processor| A| A| A
Only 2 Supported 1P Processor| A| A or B| A or B
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