I just bought a used HP ProLiant ML350 G4p server and it's power supply gets working immediately after I plug it into power outlet. (the fan is spinning, and the unit consumes 20W of energy) The seller said that this is a normal functionality because of preventing data loss or something. Is it true? This is a feature of this power supply? Can this be turned off? Or this is a failure?
Server’s power supply always on even if it is turned off
hp-proliantpower-supply-unit
Best Answer
This machine (and most server-class computers) have "lights off" management functionality that allows the machine to be managed (to what degree depends on the particular options installed on the machine) even while the machine is "powered off". The power consumption you're seeing is necessary to keep this "lights out" management functionality alive.
I'm not extremely familiar with the HP Compaq server line but I'd doubt that the functionality can be disabled. This type of functionality is one of the reasons why someone would use a server class machine.
If it's bothering you put it on a switchable PDU (power strip, etc) and just turn off the AC when you're not using the box.