RM revamps green PCs for schools

AMD HQ: RM will use hardware from AMD

Schools technology supplier Research Machines (RM) has added to its range of energy-efficient PCs for schools, using low-power technology from AMD.

The reseller, which claims to control 30 per cent of the education technology market, is to provide a specially designed range of cost-effective, energy-efficient computers for UK schools, after sourcing hardware from chip maker AMD.

RM will use AMD’s microprocessor hardware, including AMD Athlon X2 dual-core processors, to offer quieter and less power-hungry systems to schools and colleges.

The deal means that AMD’s technology will be added to the eco-quiet range of PC systems, launched by RM in January this year. The RM eco-quiet (630) systems use less power than most standard desktop PCs at 75 watts per maximum load, said Phil Hemmings, director of corporate affairs at the Abingdon-based reseller. However, the target is a range of PCs that run on 50 watts.

Though the schools market may flatten generally, there are still boom areas, according to Hemmings. Demand for energy-efficient PCs has always been high. Now there is additional funding, from the government, creating a three-year window of opportunity for PC dealers.

“The Department of Children, Schools and Families has been talking for a while about sustainable schools, and we have been getting feedback from the schools that they want something more eco-friendly,” said Hemmings,

“There is £110m available over the next three years for new-build schools to help them cut electricity use by 60 per cent,” said Hemmings, “and the largest consumer of electricity in most schools is the PC”.