Choosing between two power supplies

drakioned · 3 Apr 2012 at 14:59

Hi all,

I'm trying to decide between two power supplies at the moment and could do with some opinions. The power supplies are both Antec EarthWatts, one at 500W and one at 430W.

The system they are for is this:

Core 2 Duo E6420
HIS HD 6570 Silence Edition 1GB
MSI G41M-P25 Intel G41 (Socket 775) DDR3 microATX Motherboard
2x 2gb DDR3 RAM
2x hard disks
1x DVD rewriter

The two power supplies are both the same price, and this system will not change whatsoever.

Would it be more energy efficient to go for the 430W over the 500W? This machine will not change, and would only be used for light office work. There is no difference in price (3p).

Idleman · 3 Apr 2012 at 15:28

If you are only talking pennies, take the 500W. Problem solved.

Disco Boy · 3 Apr 2012 at 15:34

The 430W is unlikely to be more efficient, the opposite is more likely. Get the 500W.

drakioned · 3 Apr 2012 at 16:35

Why would a higher wattage power supply be more efficient?

I would have thought given that the power requirements in "normal" use would be something < 100W, a smaller power supply would be more efficient?

Lukewhitworth · 3 Apr 2012 at 17:24

The smaller one would be enough power, the real issue is to get a brand that is good.

drakioned · 3 Apr 2012 at 18:14

Well, either would be enough power, and they are both Antec EarthWatts. I'm just wondering whether the smaller one would be more efficient and whether I'd save any electricity...

This system will not change, so the "get a bigger and use it if you change it" doesn't apply here.

Lukewhitworth · 3 Apr 2012 at 18:18

Then you know the answer already

drakioned · 3 Apr 2012 at 18:35

Well, I thought I did, but Disco Boy up a few posts up thinks the 500W would be more efficient.