Power supply efficiency question

AssaTM

AssaTM

AssaTM

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9 Oct 2006
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Hey all, i'm currently running a system that probably draws around 500w, it's an overclocked to 4.2/4.5 (going to aim for it) 3500k and an overclocked GTX 670, so I know that a 650w power supply will be more than enough, but I can get hold of a better 750w PSU for a good price, and I was wondering if there would be any efficiency issues or if efficiency affects anything other than the amount of electricity used/not used, or can it affect system performance too? the 750w PSU is much better, so i'm wondering if theres any down sides to using it, thank you for your help :)
 
Efficiency affects power draw from the wall and amount of heat generated by the PSU only. A good PSU with good power regulation, minimal ripple and generally good electrical characteristics will allow a PC to remain stable for longer and allow it to reach higher clocks.

A 80+ Bronze will be around 5% less efficient than a 80+ Gold, so for every 100W you draw in your machine you will need to draw an extra 5W from the wall and the PSU will have to run it's fan a little faster to dump the extra 5W as heat.
 
So theres no disadvantage to use even a 1000w PSU on a 400w system, it's just generally a waste of a PSU? I didnt know if when there was such a discrepancy if it negatively affected anything, but it appears not, thank you for the help :)
 
If you are running the PC for long periods (Folding/BOINC etc) and may be concerned about electricity consumption it is also worth paying attention to the PSU's efficiency curve. Running a lower rated PSU near its maximum power may consume more electricity than running a higher rated one at only half power.
 
Thats very true, in that case I see only positives in going for the higher wattage PSU, as it also has a higher efficiency rating, so it sounds like only positives, thank you for the help everyone, it's greatly appreciated :)
 
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