Intel launches Energy Star guidelines for manufacturers

Intel's guide will let manufacturers boost energy efficiency when designing kit

Intel yesterday unveiled a new implementation guide for PC and notebook manufacturers planning to deliver Intel-based systems that comply with the forthcoming Energy Star standards for energy efficient PCs.

Intel said the guide, which was developed in conjunction with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), would provide large- and small-scale manufacturers with "key understandings on how to specify and test desktop PC, notebook PC, workstation computer and desktop derived server configurations that can best meet the required power levels of the new specification".

The new Energy Star standards are the fourth edition for PCs, and the first update since 2000. They are scheduled to be rolled out from July and will require manufacturers to slash the amount of energy a machine uses when idle and to develop significantly more efficient power supplies.

The Intel guidelines come just days after HP launched three new desktop PCs - HP Compaq dc5700, dc5750 and dc7700 – which it claims are the first to comply fully with the new Energy Star standards.