Energy efficiency is a growing global concern—a concern that has prompted technology providers and their customers to look for new ways to maximize energy savings. Everyone knows that memory is a power hog in the data center; the challenge is to reduce energy consumption, while maintaining, or improving, performance. To meet both power and performance demands, Micron has introduced a new line of innovative products—energy-efficient Aspen Memory® modules.

Micron's Aspen Memory product line features 1.5V DDR2 and 1.35V DDR3 reduced chip count (RCC) modules, specifically designed to lower data center server power consumption. Download the Aspen Memory technology flyer to find out more about our power-saving module solutions for servers.

• Greater than 50% total power reduction
• Reduced cooling costs
• No performance compromises

Data Center Memory-Power Calculator

When you implement Micron's 1.5V RCC Aspen Memory products in place of existing 1.8V solutions, you will lower your data center power consumption. Use the Data Center Memory-Power Calculator to calculate how much you will be able to save.

Power Demands of Data Centers Require Memory Innovations

The U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR program is conducting a study to assess opportunities for energy efficiency improvements to computer servers and data centers. This is in response to Public Law 109-431, which was passed and signed into law December 20, 2006. This legislation requires an investigation down to the microchip level. As a manufacturer of semiconductor memory products used in server systems, Micron intends to proactively address these opportunities.

Learn more about the energy consumption of DRAM in computing applications and the opportunities for maximizing energy savings by targeting more efficient products for data center servers. Download Micron's white paper, “The Power Demands of Data Centers Require Memory Innovations.” If you don't have a micron.com account, create one—it only takes a few minutes to sign in or request access.

Q and A

• Q: What is 1.5V DDR2 SDRAM?

A: The DDR2 devices that populate most servers in todays data centers operate at 1.8 volts. Microns new energy-efficient DDR2 operates at 1.5 volts.

• Q: How does this reduce power consumption?

A: Voltage is proportional to power. Reducing the volts reduces the power.

• Q: How much of a decrease in power consumption is possible with the new 1.5V DDR2 technology?

A: By converting to 1.5V DDR2, module power consumption is reduced by 10 to 15 percent.

• Q: Why are customers concerned with power consumption in server systems?

A: Growing computing demand, rising energy prices, and the potential for energy shortages have made energy consumption a growing concern. There is even some concern in the IT industry whether current levels of energy consumption are sustainable. Improved energy efficiency can potentially reduce operating costs, contribute to energy security, and help conserve valuable natural resources for future generations.

• Q: What is the Green Grid?

A: The Green Grid is a consortium of information technology companies and professionals seeking to improve energy efficiency in data centers around the globe. The organization is chartered to develop meaningful, platform-neutral standards, measurement methods, processes, and new technologies to improve the energy-efficient performance of global data centers.

• Q: Why did you join the Green Grid?

A: Microns objective is to use our memory expertise and technology perspective to meet the consortiums goals of reducing data center power consumption. Reduced power consumption is becoming a priority for our customers. Power was largely ignored until the past couple of years. Now, it's one of the first questions we get from our customers.

Innovations