Vendors Are Blocking Data Centre Energy Cuts

Almost any CPU can run over 60 DegC without ill effect, so why are we running data centers at a maximum of 27 DegC? The answer in this article in Tech Week Europe is the vendors made us do it.

The current maximum operating temperature recommended by standards group ASHRAE is 27C or 80.6F. Evidence suggests that facilities could operate at up to 113F (45C) without damaging equipment, but this would render equipment warranties void, as manufacturers specify a conservative operating temperature for the products. 

Earlier this year, Dell announced that it had increased the upper temperature limits for some its equipment, so data centres can operate the kit at higher temperatures- albeit only for limited periods of 900 hours per year at 40C and 90 hours per year at 45C. Despite these caveats, Dell is ahead of other vendors in offering to support equipment at higher temperatures.

Clearly, the maximum server inlet temperature cannot exceed the design limits of the CPUs themselves, but they should be able to exceed the maximum outdoor temperature in most climates.