Can you "under run" a PSU?

[SslagleZ28]

I was looking at PSU's and was going to get something in the 850w range, although its not needed at this time for my build, I plan on a crossfire setup in about 4-6 months. Problem is I heard you can damage a PSU by not using it to its potential... The guild Im going for calls for about 650w, and that even prolly wont be all used... So if I spend the money on a Corsair HX 850 do I risk damaging it because my system doesnt pull nearly that wattage?

 

[voyagerfan99]

A PSU will provide as much power as is needed. It won't damage the PSU if you don't use it to its full potential. Just be sure to get something high quality like Cooler Master, Antec, etc.

 

[SslagleZ28]

A PSU will provide as much power as is needed. It won't damage the PSU if you don't use it to its full potential. Just be sure to get something high quality like Cooler Master, Antec, etc.

Ok I appreciate the fast response, I was worried for a second. Yeah Im going either Corsair 850hx or XFX Black Edition XPS-850W-BES, Im leaning towards the Corsair though... the XFX i keep reading has a whine problem.

 

[Okedokey]

The only real impact of running a PSU at low loads (%) is that the efficiency drops off. But don't worry because with the HX850 Corsair, you will be running at around 30% - 70% (with CF) load and that PSU will still maintain 80% efficiency. A rubbish PSU will not.

Both the HX850 and the XFX are the same platform as I understand it, just different implementations. The benefit of the XFX is the modular cables which will be a godsend should you go CF.

If it were my PSU I would go for the AX850 by Corsiar which has higher quality and is only $20 more. That PSU will last you a lifetime. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139015&Tpk=ax850 It has a 7 Year warranty. Hell nice PSU, with Gold standard efficiency (87% minimum) - this will mean you will make your $20 back in one year. And oh, its also modular.