Keep Your HTPC Cool and Green
By: Pikaluk
I work my HTPC hard. It’s on almost 24/7 and when I’m not actively using it, it’s compressing video files. So how do I keep my electricity bill down and my HTPC cool? Here are a few general computer tips.
Save Energy
Lifehacker lists ten ways computer users can save energy.
Point 6. “Kill unnecessary processes” is especially relevant for HTPC owners. It seems like there are always little processes sneaking into the startup menu. Make sure you’re not wasting CPU cycles and energy by shutting them down.
I was also interested in point 5. “Get A Smart Power Switch” as I had never heard of these handy gadgets.
Keep It Cool
Of Zen and Computing explains how to keep your electronics cool during the summer heat.
Keeping your HTPC’s vents clear of dust as well as physical objects is an especially important tip. In an effort to make an HTPC look good in the living room, it’s easy to smash it up against a wall or in some unventilated furniture. Your fans are working hard enough in there!
Build It Smart
Of course, it’s easiest to save energy if you build your HTPC with that in mind. Check out this report loaded with info (and graphs 
) about system power consumption.