One of the key attributes of the new Optiplex line is its energy efficiency. For example, when compared to older systems in a customers’ environment – say the Optiplex 170L from about 4 years ago – the energy savings can be up to 84 percent (actual performance will vary based on configuration, usage and manufacturing variability). In fact, we just did a green makeover with Robertson Homes, a green-builder based outside of Orlando, Florida, where we replaced aging Opti 170Ls and non-branded systems with eight Optiplex 960s, a PowerEdge 400SC server with a PowerEdge T300, and provided eight new 19-inch EPEAT gold-certified flat panel monitors.
To view details on the makeover and hear firsthand from Robertson Homes co-owner and IT manager Clint Robertson on the value of green to his customers and his business, check out the “green makeover” video. We’ll be going back to visit Clint and his team in three months to see the REAL savings based on how companies actually use our technology on a daily basis vs. relying solely on our own engineering tests! We’ll update you on those results here and on our small business blog. A few things we do know from our energy calculations:
- The Optiplex 960 enables up to 84 percent less power consumption over Robertson Homes older OptiPlex 170L desktops and up to 43 percent less power consumption over the previous generation of OptiPlex desktops to reduce energy costs (actual performance will vary based on configuration, usage and manufacturing variability);
- The new PowerEdge T300 server is 23 percent more efficient than their previous 400SC server; and
- Three CRT monitors were removed and replaced with EPEAT Gold-certified 19-inch widescreen monitors for an approximate 50-percent reduction in average power consumption per monitor.
Added up, these savings directly impact the bottom line! If you are in the market for new desktops and want to ensure you are getting the most energy-efficient Dell configuration possible to experience similar savings, consider these components and settings:
- Energy Star 4.0 Category B or C, EPEAT Gold, Dell ESMART Settings (additional $20)
- Intel Core 2 Duo Processors
- 88% efficient power supply
- Quiet Kit (50% less noise; additional $50)
- Integrated Graphics or DVI-add in card ($10)
- 2.5” hard drives (more energy efficient than 3.5” drives) ($16 more for 80GB 2.5” hard drive vs. 80GB 3.5” hard drive)
On average, this will add around $100 to the upfront cost per desktop, but with the energy savings expected over the life of the system, the benefits more than outweigh the cost.
For more Optiplex news, visit www.dell.com/seriousbusiness. Here you can learn more about the productivity, manageability and serviceability gains and security features of the new systems – all the more reason to give the new Optiplex a serious look. And stay tuned for a follow-up post and video tomorrow featuring Leigh Stringer, aka Greenette, editor of The Green Workplace blog and author of the upcoming book, “The Green Workplace.” Leigh will be sharing additional tips for “greening” your business to save even more in energy costs.
