[ale] [OT]Random wonderings

[Jeff Hubbs]

It's still Intel, but...

http://tinyurl.com/3zevh96



On 4/10/11 8:20 AM, Tom Freeman wrote:
> I needed to bring a machine back up and recommission it yesterday. A few
> random thoughts occured to me which I thought I'd toss out. Nothing really
> commercial, but a DIY might blaze a trail.
>
> Big thing was, why do we put up with a separate UPS  for a desktop style
> computer? Although not cheaper, moving the UPS components into the system
> case could eliminate a cord or two, help with the housekeeping by reducing
> the exposed "thing" count, and encourage better power for the equipment.
> Of course, I've never seen such a thing offered commercially, and I'm sure
> I'm overlooking something important. I do know that thermal management is
> a potiential headache. Simple overall weight is another. How big those two
> issues are I just don't know.
>
> Of course, there could also be advantages to such a scheme. Aren't some
> data centers switching to DC power, which is little more than battery
> power. Such a change might (maybe?) improve the power efficiency just a
> mite also although the improvement would be pretty minor.
>
> Another idea, probably born of ignorance, is why are consumer UPS's setup
> with just one battery? OK, the UPS can be built for a pretty hefty
> battery, but still. Why cann't the end user drop in another battery to
> extend run times? Are the circuits that much different? I am assuming
> maintaining the same peak current draw here.
>
> In fact, are we actually limited to just batteries in our UPS's? Both
> graphite flywheels and super capacitors appear to have longer lifetimes
> with similar levels of care as the modern lead acid battery. Plus less
> hazardous disposal procedures.
>
> Last psychotic thought. Is there a nonX-86 derived motherboard out there
> suitable for desktop/server use? One with the power levels of some of the
> embeded chips, but with memory expansion and access to the bus and
> periferal (sp?) boards? I cann't remember such since about 1996 and the
> Rebel line of servers.
>
> I'm probably missing something important at each point here. Education
> will be welcomed.
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