An advanced application would allow a system to generate a 3D thermal map of the system by taking the readings from thermal sensors embedded in components such as the motherboard, processor, and video card, as well as those in the case and power supply now being monitored via ESA. This would allow builders and users to identify hot spots and improve cooling to those areas.
As mentioned, this is an open standard and each manufacturer will be able to interpret the specification to meet their needs. But, Nvidia will require that products be certified by Allion, an independent test lab, before they can display the ESA logo. While manufacturer specific software may be developed for managing ESA, the image below shows what the Nvidia nTune interface might look like on an ESA certified system. In addition to the familiar tabs for monitoring and controlling things like the processor, graphics card, and memory; the power supply, chassis, and cooling system are now available, too.
Nvidia has been working with top system integrators, motherboard manufacturers, and component manufacturers to ensure that ESA is available to end users before the end of 2007. The image below details the key partners already onboard with ESA, and that can be expected to have products on the market some time soon.
While Enthusiast System Architecture may unify the process of monitoring and controlling just about all system components in one central location, its base functionality doesn't provide anything totally new. Enthusiasts have been monitoring their power supply rails, controlling case fans and lights, and keeping an eye on their water cooling temperatures for as long as these components have existed. What ESA does is make it extremely convenient, perhaps a bit more reliable due to certification of the components, and more widely available since extra hardware and software will not be required. Advanced applications, such as the example of 3D thermal mapping, will make things much more interesting and could provide novel new ways to optimize your computer.
One thing to be seen is the price to be paid for ESA. For example, a chassis today is pretty much a box to hold everything together with just about zero smarts. Now add the necessary hardware (perhaps the micro-controller, thermal probes, lighting/fan controls, and USB connector), the cost of certification, and the cost of any software development. You have to expect to pay more... But how much? And will it really be worth it?
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