VeryPC server smashes performance per watt barrier

As green initiatives in the datacentre come to the fore, Sheffield-based computer manufacturer VeryPC has announced that it has produced the world's most efficient server.

The company claims that its ultra-green server, dubbed the Janus II, delivers 529GFlops per kW (kilo-watt), compared to the previous best from a x86 server of 290GFlops per kW.

The Janus II consists of two 8-core based servers in a 1u package. Each server features a pair of 2.5GHz Xeon Quad Core chips, 160GB of storage and 4GB of RAM. To reach its low energy use targets, the Janus II employs native EEC RAM, rather than the more energy demanding FB-DIMMs, a highly efficient power supply unit, and low wattage hard disks.

Energy efficient systems can have a real impact on a company's power costs. VeryPC said that a customer replacing 84 1u servers with a full cabinet of 42 Janus II units could reduce their electricity bill by around 15,000 a year.VeryPC's managing director, Peter Hopton, said: "Janus II sets a new record for server efficiency. Assembled in Sheffield, the unit can be customised to the customer's needs exactly, minimising waste and logistical energy."

Benny Har-Even is a twenty-year stalwart of technology journalism who is passionate about all areas of the industry, but telecoms and mobile and home entertainment are among his chief interests. He has written for many of the leading tech publications in the UK, such as PC Pro and Wired, and previously held the position of technology editor at ITPro before regularly contributing as a freelancer.

Known affectionately as a ‘geek’ to his friends, his passion has seen him land opportunities to speak about technology on BBC television broadcasts, as well as a number of speaking engagements at industry events.