XServe dual quad core max power consumption

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Level 1

9 points

XServe dual quad core max power consumption

What can I expect to be the max power consumption of a dual quad-core XServe?

I have four new XServes that I administer in four separate locations and I need to know what Apple recommends for an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) per server.

Right now, I have a 500VA one that I've had on hand at least one site. However, I've noticed that this one, eventhough the UPS has a new battery in it, does not support an XServe -- ie, when I test it, the XServe shuts down abruptly. My guess is that 500VA is inadequate.

XServe Dual Quad-Core, Mac OS X (10.5.2), Got RAM?

Posted on Mar 26, 2008 12:21 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 26, 2008 12:53 PM in response to lucid green

Hi lucid_green-

Specifications are here: Xserve (Early 2008) - Technical Specifications

500VA will not cut it. I have never gotten more than 12-15 minutes run time from a 1500VA supply.

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

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Answer 2

Mar 26, 2008 1:24 PM in response to DaddyPaycheck

Ditto what DPC said. I have gotten more like 30 minutes out of Dual G5 machines on 1500VAs but that usually because when the power goes out the clients lose power so the load drops and the machine is essentially at idle. 😉

=Tod

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Answer 3

MrHoffman

Level 10

146,575 points

Mar 26, 2008 1:27 PM in response to lucid green

What Apple might recommend and what might work in your environment, I do not know.

The APC SmartUPS 1500 works reasonably well for an Xserve and its usual accretion of giblets and accouterments, and Mac OS X Server automatically recognizes this device via its USB connection.

And one thing I've discovered that's not widely listed. Get yourself some short power cords. A handful of appropriately-rated power extension cords (of about one foot in length) makes most UPS products far easier to deal with. These cords are a few dollars each from various vendors, and very useful.

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Answer 4

lucid green Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 31, 2008 12:35 PM in response to DaddyPaycheck

Alright, so I have admit that 1500VA UPS's aren't exactly cheap. Fortunate for me, so are my employers (sarcasm).

So my new question is:

What's the minimum we're looking at?

30 mins might be a luxury for me, but on days that I'm working, I can usually get them in 15 minutes, and the real problem we have is that at a few of my locations have regular power hiccups.

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Answer 5

MrHoffman

Level 10

146,575 points

Apr 13, 2008 8:49 PM in response to lucid green

Buy or borrow a power meter, measure your particular consumption, and work out the requirements, and fudge the values upward.

Non-contact watt meters are available various larger tools stores, and usually less than US$100 or so.

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Answer 6

Apr 14, 2008 2:56 AM in response to lucid green

Hi lucid_green-

They aren't cheap, but either is a power supply or other related damage

APC actually has a load calculator on their site. You enter your devices and it gives you a ballpark.

The real problem is that an underrated UPS will die a quick death. If you are drawing as much as or more than the batteries can put out even your sag protection will be lost.

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

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