Is there a standby/suspend mode that works with XP and does NOT shut
down the HDD? I like my PC to powersave (to decrease heat) when not
in use, but I'd like the HDD to stay on (start/stop wears extra)?
In XP I only can select "Standby" not what devices to shut down etc
Other alternative: Is there a way to reduce CPU/bus speed when idle?
Many disks are rated for 50000 start/stop cycles. If a disk lasts
an average of 5 years, that allows you many standby operations
per day (like 27 times). If you are only putting the computer
in standby 3-5 times per day, I think some other failure mode will
finish off the disk.
The ATX power supply only has two operating modes. Either the +5VSB
runs by itself (that mode is used for S3 Suspend To RAM, with RAM
still powered, but CPU is off). The other mode, is for all supply
rails to be operating.
Given that the CPU is either fully powered, or is turned off
completely, you want a processor with as many power saving modes
as possible while it is powered. Some of the Athlon64 processors
have had very good power ratings that way (I remember an article
quoting 3 watts as the best of the best). The Pentium-M is another
candidate, but then you need a motherboard with a mobile chipset,
to allow all the modes of the Pentium-M to be realized.
The CT-479 adapter, for example, is an Asus product that adapts
a Pentium-M to a desktop board. There is a BIOS dependency, so
it is only supported on a very limited set of motherboards. And
by using the adapter, the processor runs at full power (32W at
100% load) all the time, which is still a low number. (That is
because the desktop chipset is missing the ability to trigger
Speedstep and the like).
There are a couple GME855 motherboards, that run a Pentium-M
processor, in a desktop form factor motherboard. Those would
support more power saving modes. There is possible something
with 915 in the chipset name as well.
In a way, the situation is a lot like shopping for gas-saving
cars. There are cars out there with excellent gas mileage, but
the other features of the car suck (cargo space, crash proofing,
acceleration, maximum speed). Processors are the same way. If you
want to save power, generally there are compromises in other
areas. The Athlon64 Cool N' Quiet is about the best compromise
right now, between operating power at idle, and reasonable
CPU performance. Pentium-M just isn't well supported yet,
and it needs a core clock boost to be a winner. But Intel
is working on it.
Under the circumstances, I think S3 standby (suspend to RAM) is
an excellent solution. The computer consumes maybe 5-10 watts
while the processor and disks are turned off.
Paul
