Does the PSU always max out?

[Warty4eveR]

If i bought a 600w or a 750w PSU, and I was simply browsing the web, would i be draining 600w constantly? Or is power used when needed [ie: sometimes i only consume 300 watts when my computer is dormant]

Thanks

 

[Zatharus]

Simple web browsing will use little of your computer's horsepower thus require less energy. However, the size of PSU needed will depend on the actual components in your system.

What are you running? You are using 300w on idle??

 

[lovely?]

If i bought a 600w or a 750w PSU, and I was simply browsing the web, would i be draining 600w constantly? Or is power used when needed [ie: sometimes i only consume 300 watts when my computer is dormant]

Thanks

when your computer is idle, it probably uses a bit more than 150W. at full power, i would say that it doesnt draw more then 450W. the only problem you would have buying a 450W psu though, would be that it probably would not have enough amps to sufficiently power your system.

 

[Warty4eveR]

If the power supply supplies 30 amps, and something im using isnt power hungry, nothing goes all crazy right?

In otherwords, can i feel safe replacing a decent 300w power supply with a decent 500w powersupply?

 

[lovely?]

of course. if the 500w power supply claims 30A on the 12v line, then it is probably good enough to replace any 300w psu out there.

 

[Zatharus]

If the power supply supplies 30 amps, and something im using isnt power hungry, nothing goes all crazy right?

In otherwords, can i feel safe replacing a decent 300w power supply with a decent 500w powersupply?

If you are already running on a 300w PSU. You will be fine with a good 500w unit.

 

[fmw]

There is no downside to more power supply capacity other than cost. If you have a budget issue it usually makes more sense to buy more quality and less power than vice versa. 500W supplies, however, are fairly inexpensive.