220v vs 110v Power for HPC Servers, Workstations, and Computers

Introduction

When it comes to High Performance Computing solutions like multi-GPU workstations, servers, clusters, and such, these solutions are often on higher VAC ranges. VAC (Volts Alternating Current) is the measure of strength of an outlet in terms of volts via AC current. For optimal safety and adequate power, match the VAC range of appliance to a matching outlet.

• Most higher VAC appliance can plug into lower VAC outlet and draw less power. There are some appliances only meant for higher VAC and do not support using a lower VAC power source.
• Using lower VAC appliances in a higher VAC outlet will most likely cause burning, fire or even explosion if the appliance isn’t rated for (doesn’t support) high VAC.

220V or 110V for Servers and Workstations

First, we want to preface, Exxact is not responsible for ensuring that you have adequate electricity for your system and suggest consulting your building manager or an electrician to evaluate your power needs and capabilities. Exxact support staff are not trained electricians and therefore can only offer general guidance as to what our system needs to run adequately. If you do not know the ratings of your power outlets, please consult a professional.

220V

Higher Power Capacity 220V can handle higher wattage demands, making them suitable for power hungry computer system that require more than 1500W of power. High performance computing solutions like servers dedicated to rendering, deep learning training, running complex simulation, powering VMs, and other demanding tasks require additional computing hardware. Additional GPUs, networking cards, multiple storage drives, and sometimes dual processors benefits from using 220V power, since it is imperative to keep these operations running continuously and therefore require consistent reliable power, performance, and redundancy.

However, having access to a 220V outlet is not as easy as it seems for the normal user. Standard products (in the US) are designed for 110V systems and running 220V appliances, servers, and computers on these outlets will require installation of additional adapters and transformers. Because of the higher voltage, it poses a greater risk of short if proper precautions are not taken with surge, and temperature over protection.

110V

Most consumer electronics and peripherals sold in North America are designed to operate on 110V systems standard and don’t require additional adaptors or transformers. Operating at the lower wattage is generally safer and reduces the risk of harmful electrical shock.

However, the lower voltage likely won’t satisfy a high-performance system’s electrical needs. The 1500W limit for 110V outlets restricts the use of power-hungry systems leading to decreased efficiency. If a system is not capable of modulating its power draw and draws over the 1500W limit, you can trip the power breaker (which is a safety measure system for safe power draw). Frequent and sudden electrical interruptions can cause damage to the system, hardware components, and even corrupt software and storage.

Reading VAC/Power Requirements on a Power Supply

When assessing the power supply label to determine the supported voltage ranges for a computer system, it's essential to look for specific information that can guide you in understanding the compatibility with different voltage systems. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Input voltage range: Check the power supply label for the input voltage range specification, which typically indicates the acceptable voltage values that the power supply can handle. This information will help you determine whether the power supply is compatible with the 110V or 220V standard or both.
2. Safety certifications: Look for safety certifications and compliance labels, such as UL, CE, or other relevant standards, on the power supply label. These certifications indicate that the power supply meets industry safety standards and has undergone rigorous testing to ensure safe and reliable operation within the specified voltage ranges.
3. Power output ratings: Verify the power output ratings of the PSU, including the maximum wattage and current output for different voltage inputs. Understanding these specifications can help you assess whether the power supply can adequately support the power requirements of the computer system without encountering any issues related to insufficient power supply or potential overloading.

By carefully examining the power supply label and understanding the information provided regarding voltage compatibility, safety certifications, power output ratings, and considering the computer system's power draw, users can ensure that the power supply is appropriately configured to operate within the specific voltage range of the electrical system, thereby ensuring the safe and efficient performance of the computer system. Evaluating the total power consumption of the computer components and assessing the compatibility with the power supply's maximum wattage capacity is crucial for preventing potential issues related to insufficient power supply and ensuring the stability and reliability of the entire system.

The power supply label lists input ranges from 100v to 240v meaning that power supply supports 100-240VAC. Per the listed ranges, when using 100-127V the power supply output is 1000W, but when using 230-240VAC the power supply output is the full 2000W.

We encourage consulting the building manager or electrician for information on the VAC ratings of the outlets you plan to use. If you have any questions regarding your new Exxact Solution’s power requirements, talk to our engineers. Explore our various solutions or get a quick quote on a potential HPC server, workstation, or cluster by contacting us today detailing your workload and computational goals.