Australia and New Zealand's Minimum Energy Performance Standard for Desktop Computers

On April 1^st, 2013, the Australian government implemented a “Minimum Energy Performance Standard”, or “MEPS” for short, for desktop computers or small scale servers.  This same standard was implemented in New Zealand on October 1^st, 2013.

System builders that wish to build PCs in, or import PCs into Australia and New Zealand are required to meet certain efficiency standards in order to be sold in these countries.

System builders that want to build or import more than 200 pieces of a particular model of desktop computer or small scale server will need to test their computers to the AS/NZS 5813.1 standard and register the product on the Energy Rating website.  For those who are building less than 200 units, the only requirement is that the power supply used is at least 80 Plus Silver efficient.

An 80 Plus Silver power supply is no less than 85% efficient at 20% load, 88% efficient and 50% load and 85% efficient at 100% load.  Corsair’s RM, HX, AX and AXi series of products all exceed this level of efficiency.

The RM and HX series of power supplies from Corsair are rated at 80 Plus Gold.  This means that they are at least 87% efficient at 20% load, 90% efficient at 50% load and 87% efficient at 100% load.

The Corsair RM series are fully-modular, meaning all of the DC output cables can be removed if not needed, and remains absolutely silent until approximately 40% load due in part to Corsair’s “Zero RPM fan-less mode”.  Using Corsair’s Link software, the RM series power supplies’ user can monitor fan RPM and +12V rail load.  RM series come with a 5 year warranty.

The Corsair HX series of power supplies are silent up to 20% load.  The HX also features a dual ball-bearing fan and all Japanese capacitors for longer life and better performance and are warranties for 7 years.

The AX and AXi series of power supplies from Corsair are certified as 80 Plus Platinum.  This means they are at least 90%, 92% and 89% efficient at 20%, 50% and 100% loads respectively.

The Corsair AX series feature Zero RPM fan-less mode at up to 60% load, have all Japanese capacitors, are fully modular and carry a 7 year warranty.

The Corsair AXi series are also fully modular, and are also fully digital power supplies and allow the user to monitor voltages, loads, temperature and fan speed within the Corsair Link software.  Furthermore, users can control fan speed, enable or disable the Zero RPM fan-less mode and turn OCP on or off for the +12V rails as well as adjust the OCP.  The AXi series also carry a 7 year warranty.

Whether you are a system builder by trade or building a PC for your own personal use, Corsair has a full breadth of product that exceeds the MEPS requirements with many of the features enthusiast computer users look for in a power supply.

For more information about MEPS, please visit:  http://www.energyrating.gov.au/programs/about/

For more information about 80 Plus, please visit:  http://www.plugloadsolutions.com/80PlusPowerSupplies.aspx