We should also keep in mind that the problem isn't datacenters, but how they are built.

Datacenters do not have to be noisy. Datacenters do not have to cheap out on cooling solutions. Datacenters do not need to be powered by mobile gas turbines left on trailers to pretend they're not permanently installed to avoid having to get permits.

Those corners being cut is not what make AI datacenters possible or competitive. That race is purely chip supply.

For reference, I work in an industrial neighborhood where there are quite a few new datacenters from big providers. The buildings are ugly for sure, but unless you're staring at it you'd have no idea it was there. I could try to pay more attention to see if I can hear it if I focus on it, but I suspect the sound of nearby rustling leaves will be too deafening to make out anything.

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eduction 6 hours ago | parent | next [-]

The noise is often from backup power solutions like diesel generators that need to be turned on regularly. Maybe that’s what the turbines are? I can’t imagine a data center getting provisioned with a turbine as its primary power. But yes a data center can be silent most of the month.

Very open to being corrected on any of this, it’s just my own understanding but I’m not in the industry.

	▲	arghwhat 6 hours ago \| parent [-]
		To my understanding (which can be wrong) these gas turbines are not backup generators, but used as primary or supplementary power sources during normal operation where the grid cannot supply (or when grid cost is unfavorable). In one clip (which is a bit sensationalist so I'll refrain from posting it as it may derail) shows a park of some ~24 large gas turbines - each of which sized like a small building - with about half in operation at that time. Indeed, there is some noise from backup generators when tested (or in use), but with a bit of preparation, good palcement and sequential testing you can make that not too disturbing.

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HDThoreaun 7 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

> Datacenters do not need to be powered by mobile gas turbines left on trailers

The others I agree with, but Im not sure this is true. The US government has proven itself completely incapable of expanding electricity production and grid infrastructure. How exactly are you supposed to power your datacenter when you cant access any electricity?

	▲	arghwhat 6 hours ago \| parent \| next [-]
		Three ways: 1. Build your datacenter near supply. If there were consequences to ignoring the rules or being a bad neighbor with municipality, state or federal government baring their teeth, more optimal locations with regards to supply and noise would also end up being the cheapest and safest location for them. 2. Build supply near your datacenter. Solar and wind are both very cheap right now, but requires buying more land, same for a proper gas power plant in its own building with appropriate noise and pollution treatment. 3. Make investment into infrastructure a prerequisite for the project instead of just complaining about it and making into an excuse for cutting corners. Even if you need to have local supply, "mobile gas turbines left on trailers to pretend they're not permanently installed to avoid having to get permits" is never a necessity.
	▲	RealFloridaMan 6 hours ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		The US govt does not build out infrastructure. They at best subsidize it over long periods of time. To answer your question, you build your datacenters where there is capacity or you plan with the utility in the area you want to build. This process takes years. They are not doing that. They are building them as fast and as cheaply as possible. As a result they are cutting corners and are leading to all of the complaints. They are as a result stealing from the future to make a profit today. The grid does not have gigawatts of extra base load capacity available as that has always been looked upon as wasteful.