ENERGY STAR Computer Servers SERT V2.0.8 Clarification Memo (September 25, 2024)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (ENERGY STAR) · Ryan Fogle
A one-page EPA memo announcing that SPEC SERT version 2.0.8 is the version to use for ENERGY STAR server certification. It tells anyone storing or comparing server efficiency scores which tool version is current.
U.S. public domain — U.S. Government work; free to reuse
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Overview
The memo is a letter dated 25 September 2024 from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ENERGY STAR Computer Server partners, certification bodies and recognised laboratories. EPA reports that SPEC's Server Efficiency Rating Tool (SERT) has been updated and that, for certification, servers should be tested with SERT 2.0.8 from now on.
The update is described as minor, and the results it produces are stated to be comparable with those of earlier versions. Two changes are listed: added support for regulatory certification of NVIDIA Grace, AMD Instinct MI300A and Microsoft Pioneer platforms, and the PTDaemon 1.11.0 interface together with support for newer LTS Java versions.
There is no retroactive effect: results already submitted through the certification process using a SERT version that EPA accepted earlier are unaffected. The memo is posted on the Computer Servers Version 4.0 specification development website, and it gives separate contact points for SERT 2.0.8 certification questions and for other server questions.
Key points
- From the date of the memo, certification testing should use SERT 2.0.8.
- Results submitted with previously accepted SERT versions remain valid.
- The update is minor and its results are comparable with earlier versions.
- Regulatory certification support is added for NVIDIA Grace, AMD Instinct MI300A and Microsoft Pioneer.
- The PTDaemon 1.11.0 interface and newer LTS Java versions are supported.
- The memo is posted on the Version 4.0 specification development site.
Using it in design
- Store the SERT version alongside every imported server efficiency score so comparisons between catalogue entries stay traceable.
- Do not recompute or invalidate scores obtained with earlier accepted SERT versions; treat them as comparable per the memo.
- Flag accelerator-class platforms such as Grace and MI300A as eligible candidates in ENERGY STAR-aware server selection.
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Who should read it
Engineers who catalogue server efficiency data or select ENERGY STAR certified hardware, and test-laboratory staff.
Document contents
- Memo body: use of SERT 2.0.8
- Change list (new platform support, PTDaemon, Java)
- Validity of previously submitted results
- Contacts and certification enquiries
Related standards
- SPEC SERT 2.0.8
- ENERGY STAR Computer Servers V4.0
Read the document
energystar-servers-sert-2-0-8-memo.pdf
U.S. public domain — U.S. Government work; free to reuse
The document is provided unaltered because its licence permits redistribution.
Publication details
- Authors
- Ryan Fogle
- Publisher
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (ENERGY STAR)
- Year
- 2024
- Document language
- English
- Source type
- Government / public
- Access
- Open licence — downloadable
- Licence
- U.S. public domain — U.S. Government work; free to reuse
- Licence evidence
- www.copyright.gov
Original licence note
Memo on EPA Office of Air and Radiation letterhead signed by the EPA ENERGY STAR manager; U.S. government work (17 U.S.C. 105).
Citation
Ryan Fogle (2024). ENERGY STAR Computer Servers SERT V2.0.8 Clarification Memo (September 25, 2024). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (ENERGY STAR). https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/ENERGY%20STAR%20Computer%20Servers%20SERT%20V2.0.8%20Clarification%20Memo.pdf
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