Give your gaming a green tinge

Mike Bantick
Friday, 03 April 2009 05:56

Science - Energy

Our test PC TrickleStar came without a trimmer.  The trimmer allows a little sensitivity manipulation for the master connection, adjusting the wattage detection.  Though for the TV model, the default setting worked a dream, the USB connection on my PC was obviously drawing enough wattage, even with the PC powered down, to not trip the TrickleStar sensor. 

Upon further investigation the PC TrickleStar worked fine on most test machines, but had a couple of issues with one box requiring a check of the USB Hub settings in Hardware Manager to ensure “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” is set in the Power Management properties.  Failing this, it may be time to play with motherboard jumpers, but this is rare.

TrickleStar have announced a forthcoming third product for the market:  The PC TrickleSwitch gives further granularity to powered devices by providing a manual PC accessory device On/Off and to supply power to devices as and when required thus significantly reducing the amount of standby power consumed when a PC is on.   It works in-line with the PC TrickleStar.

All up, the TrickleStar product is a great idea for saving a significant chunk of energy and therefore household budget. 

But it will depend entirely on how your electronics are set-up.  If you are Folding@home on your PS3, or searching for extraterrestrial intelligence whilst your PC screen-saver is up, then this might not be for you.  This device, and others like it, is aimed at consumers of stand-by power unnecessarily. 

At an Australian RRP of $119.95 for the TV TrickleStar, and $79.95 for the PC TrickleStar, the other consideration will be financial.  Will the connivance and power-savings ultimately have the TrickleStar pay its own way in your household?