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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →80 PLUS Ruby could reduce electricity wasted inside data-center server power supplies by setting high efficiency requirements—including a test at just 5% load. That may help when redundant or oversized supplies operate lightly loaded. Ruby certifies a power supply, however, not an entire data center, and its thresholds alone do not show how much a facility’s total energy use or cooling demand will fall.
What 80 PLUS Ruby certifies
CLEAResult announced 80 PLUS Ruby on March 12, 2025, as a certification tier for data-center server power supply units (PSUs). It sets minimum efficiency thresholds at specified loads. Efficiency describes how much of a PSU’s incoming electrical power becomes useful DC output; the remainder is lost, largely as heat. Ruby is therefore a component-level benchmark, not a rating of a server or data-center facility.
The thresholds depend on the supply’s application and input-voltage category. For 230V/277V internal redundant supplies, CLEAResult’s chart specifies:
| Load | Minimum efficiency | Minimum power factor |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | 90% | 0.90 |
| 10% | 91% | 0.90 |
| 20% | 95% | 0.96 |
| 50% | 96.5% | 0.96 |
| 100% | 92% | 0.96 |
These are certification requirements for the 230V/277V internal redundant category, not a promise that every certified PSU will operate at those efficiencies in every server or workload. Power factor is a separate electrical measure; its values should not be read as efficiency percentages. The 380V DC/800V DC/400V/480V redundant category has different criteria. For example, its chart lists minimum efficiencies of 91% at 10% load, 95% at 20%, 97% at 50%, and 92% at 100%. See CLEAResult’s current 80 PLUS ratings chart for the full categories and requirements.
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why test a PSU at only 5% load?
Server power supplies do not always run near their rated capacity. A server may be oversized for current demand, or redundant PSUs may share the server’s load. In either case, an individual supply can operate lightly loaded. CLEAResult says Ruby’s low-load test addresses such conditions.
A threshold at 5% makes low-load performance part of the certification rather than focusing only on more heavily loaded test points. It does not mean every data-center PSU runs at 5%, or that a particular installation will realize the threshold as a constant operating efficiency. Actual performance depends on the PSU and the load it serves.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How better PSU efficiency could reduce energy use
At a given output load, a more efficient PSU needs less incoming power to deliver the same useful DC power. The difference is conversion loss. If many operating supplies reduce those losses, the electricity wasted at the PSU stage could fall, and less heat would be produced by those supplies.
That is a plausible way for Ruby-qualified hardware to contribute to efficiency, but the certification figures do not quantify facility-wide savings. They do not establish how much electricity a specific data center would save, how much its cooling demand might change, or what happens to losses elsewhere in the power chain. The impact also depends on how many qualifying supplies are deployed and how they are loaded. CLEAResult’s announcement describes Ruby as a benchmark for data-center efficiency, not as a measurement of savings at a facility.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What CLEAResult says about data-center electricity demand
In its March 2025 announcement, CLEAResult said data centers accounted for approximately 0.4% of total U.S. electricity consumption. The announcement also projected that they could account for 6.7%–12% by 2028. The latter is CLEAResult’s forecast, not a current measured share established by the announcement. These figures describe the context for the certification; they do not show how much Ruby itself could reduce electricity use.
CLEAResult Chief Product & Technology Officer Divakar Jandhyala said the certification was “setting the example of what optimal data center energy efficiency can look like worldwide.” Senior Energy Sustainability Practice Manager Jason Boehlke called it “a next-level benchmark, providing the industry with a standard for both performance and energy usage.” Both statements come from staff at the certification administrator; they are not independent measurements of Ruby’s real-world energy savings. Read CLEAResult’s March 12, 2025 announcement.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
How to compare Ruby ratings fairly
- Match the application and input-voltage category. Do not compare a redundant server PSU requirement with a desktop or non-redundant PSU requirement as if conditions were identical.
- Compare the same load points, including low-load performance when that matters to the intended server configuration.
- Keep efficiency and power factor separate; they measure different things and use different scales.
- Use the full chart rather than inferring one category’s requirements from another. CLEAResult provides an official ratings and program details page.
What a Ruby rating does—and does not—tell a buyer
A Ruby rating indicates that a PSU meets requirements for its applicable certification category at specified test loads. It does not by itself establish that a supply fits a particular server, is appropriate for a given redundancy scheme, or will produce a stated reduction in a facility’s electricity bill. Those decisions depend on platform compatibility, form factor, input, redundancy needs, and expected load.
To check whether a specific PSU or manufacturer has a listed certification, use CLEAResult’s official PSU and manufacturer search. Verify the exact model and category rather than relying on a product description that mentions Ruby without identifying the applicable listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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