More power usage in Ubuntu than Windows XP.

[aceO07]

I recently just plugged in my Kill-A-Watt meter into my main outlet that my computer/network/speaker system uses.

With just router/modem/speakers plugged in and on, it takes about 33W.

211W - With all and computer running Ubuntu
195W - With all and computer running Windows XP pro

Somehow Ubuntu is taxing the computer more so that it's using 16W more. Both were recorded at desktop and idling after all activity settled down.

Anybody else have measurements of their systems? I thought it was weird to have such a difference in power usage.

 

[fallstoofast]

I guess it has to do with Ubuntu's power management. Ubuntu failed miserably on one of my computers to hibernate, suspend, and do anything properly concerning power. It eventually caused the fuse to go out in my basement....

 

[Horsepower]

Although I do not have a power meter, I can tell Ubuntu is using more because the processor fan runs faster a lot more on Ubuntu than Vista or XP.

 

[aceO07]

I love Ubuntu and have been using it 90% of the time for the last few months on my home desktop and laptop. This extra power consumption issue might make me stop using it for this summer, at least the extra hot days.

I'll check later to see if there's also a big power difference when on my laptop. I don't want to use Ubuntu while traveling if the usage is higher.

 

[fallstoofast]

well... you could try other distros
like Gentoo, which is compiled on your computer to fit your hardware perfectly
or just something simple like Mandriva or Fedora

 

[BassBomb]

Maybe the video card isn't downclocking?

 

[aceO07]

Originally posted by: BassBomb
Maybe the video card isn't downclocking?

I'm using the latest ATI drivers from ATI website. They do still have quite a few issues. I wouldn't be too surprised. I should look at their release notes and bug lists.

 

[aceO07]

I tested on my laptop. It seems to use 1W more in ubuntu.