Is too much power a problem?

W

WeApOn

New Member
I bought a 700W power supply, but I'm expecting to use around half of that.

I'm not very familiar with how PSU's operate. Will the extra power be drawn and wasted, or is the 700 just the AVAILABLE power, and any extra is only a benefit? Was trying to be Green when I bought my components, but went a little over the top with the PSU.
 
700W is just the available power. Your system will only draw however much it needs, as long as it does not exceed the 700W.

Having the extra power is a benefit because in the future it will be easy to upgrade because you'll have all that headroom. Just make sure your getting a good brand PSU.
 
Might there be some issues with efficiency? (I thought I read on tom's hardware that extreme under utilization was very inefficient. - Can anyone confirm that?) I do agree with the others overall; if you're planning on upgrading later, then it's probably good to get some extra power.
 
it is only a problem if you power level goes over 9,000...yeah I know dumb internet meme...

Seriously, though, it does not hurt to have more wattage than you use. The PSU will only pump out what is requested of it.
 
No more power is actually better. If your PC needs 500w then it will only take 500w from 700w nothing is wasted with a good psu :)
So it keeps your PSU cooler and lowers the chance of it ever being killed as it wont be overloaded plus can handle any upgrades you might want later down the road.

This is why I always buy more then I need.
 
WhiteTree said:
Might there be some issues with efficiency? (I thought I read on tom's hardware that extreme under utilization was very inefficient. - Can anyone confirm that?) I do agree with the others overall; if you're planning on upgrading later, then it's probably good to get some extra power.
Click to expand...

It depends on the PSU, a lot of newer units are rated 80%+ efficient at all power levels.
 
WhiteTree said:
Might there be some issues with efficiency? (I thought I read on tom's hardware that extreme under utilization was very inefficient. - Can anyone confirm that?) I do agree with the others overall; if you're planning on upgrading later, then it's probably good to get some extra power.
Click to expand...

With a decent PSU, that difference is minimal

for instance, on the Corsair TX850W, the "optimum" is ~500W, where it is ~85% efficient.

You drop to ~215W (25% usage) and it is ~83%, so not a huge deal less efficient.

But, bare in mind Corsair are one of the best manufacturers. If you got a low end unit, it will not only be less efficient all round, but the lower usage will be a bigger hit to efficiency, and (you say it is 700W) probably won't be able to give even 500W constantly
 
Your systemw ill only take as much power as it needs. meaning if you have a 1000w psu and your system only draws 400w or so, then that's all it will draw. that said, effeciency plays a big role ib your power bill, you want at least 80% efficiency.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top