To confront the power dilemma, aggressive targets have been set by regulatory agencies like the EPA and environmentally focused technology solutions providers.

To handle the challenge, buyers are tapping more energy efficient servers that can save hundreds of thousand dollars per year. Realizing the need for greater energy efficiency, server manufacturers have been optimizing their architecture including the use of power-saving "green" memory alternatives.

To better understand the server power scenario, let's take a look at 48 GB servers as an example. The power breakdown in second generation DDR2 memory consumes about 26% of total power consumption as compared to 20% by the CPU.

While most server designers are exploiting multi-core CPUs to enhance processing per watt, many are also migrating to new generation memories to further slash system power consumption. For that, , , IBM, Fujitsu and other OEMs are working closely with memory suppliers to tap the benefits of Green memory architectures and technologies at ultra low voltages and high density to deliver a new class of servers that dramatically improves power consumption. In so doing, they are decreasing corresponding cooling costs to lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) while accelerating return on investments (ROI).