Things to look for and do for High Efficiency power usage

I'm basically looking to make home theater and home server type computer. The fact that i have the magic jack is especially a factor. I want to know what types of things when i look for components to make as much energy efficient as possible. I'm trying to be frugal as possible but not skimp on quality for the long term.Monki0

here umm heres a few recommendations then on parts..

1) fm1 socket cpu and motherboard (ideally a llano architecutre apu such as a 3650 or 3850) their cheaper than msot similar preforming cpu's, they also have really good integrated graphics, like you can game on the 3850 pretty well, im not joking. they also consume little power and take 1 component ( a video card) out of the equation as both a spending and power consumption factor.

2) rosewill has a nice 530 watt power supply chase it down, its reasonably energy efficient

3) grab an asus motherboard if possible (asrock would suffice as well) look for EPU support on the board if you can. its an energy regulator addition to the board which optimizes the flow of power ensuring what power you do consume isnt so carelessly tossed about by the power supply.

4) ddr3 ram any kit will do your motherboard would need it anyway.

5) case is a bit of a gray area basically no matter what your going to take a hit here i recommend a rosewill challenger to cut costs or a media center box (antec have a few ncie ones but their pricey)

6) hard drive umm.. whatever you can afford but be wary western digital misleads you with part families green series is low speed (not low power) blue is mid range while black is high speed) power cosnumption means little..

7) optical drive.. umm w/e's cheap

there you are tips to cut power and in some cases your spending. if this is based in new zealand umm.. tell your gov't to stop the fing dumb carbon tax nazi madness their tossing around.. start a peaceful protest and demand aciton. dont sit their and let them tell you how much you can use a given resource.. they dont tell you how much gas you can buy so they shouldnt tell you how much power you can consume..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swGM9sfXaL8

Would an idle graphics card consume a lot of power?Monki0