DC In The Data Center For A More Efficient Future

Data centers are increasingly moving toward DC power distribution to reduce energy waste from multiple AC-to-DC conversion steps. Traditional data centers convert high-voltage AC down through transformers, UPS systems, and per-server power supplies — each step losing efficiency. The newer approach distributes DC at 800V directly to server cabinets, where a single efficient converter steps it down to usable voltages. This shift is driven by the massive power demands of GPU-heavy AI workloads. The piece also raises ecological concerns about AI data center growth, suggesting that AI hype cooling and locally-run LLMs may naturally reduce the pressure.