The massive computer clusters powering artificial intelligence consume vast quantities to answer the world’s queries, but how is Big Tech redressing the balance?

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/32023985

Writing a 100-word email using ChatGPT (GPT-4, latest model) consumes 1 x 500ml bottle of water It uses 140Wh of energy, enough for 7 full charges of an iPhone Pro Max

  • @[email protected]English
    29•1 month ago

    Many data centres use water-based systems to cool the plant with towers evaporating the heat, like a huge perspiration system, which means that the water is lost. It also has to be drinking quality because impurities can damage the servers.

    If anyone was curious like me.

    • @[email protected]
      12•1 month ago

      It seems like it wouldn’t be insanely costly to make the system near closed loop with minimal water loss.

      • @[email protected]English
        18•1 month ago

        Could do what nuke plants do and have another heat exchanger between the clean water and the water that evaporates, then use less clean water for that loop. If that’s too expensive it just means they aren’t being charged enough for potable water.

      • @[email protected]English
        3•1 month ago

        That would take a lot of energy for a facility that is very energy hungry already. It is cheaper to pull in cold water from the mains and flush hot water down the sewer.