PSU ratings

[Champ]

So I'm kinda planning a high powered budget gaming build. I need about an 800w psu. with the different rating, do they make a difference in power delivery? Like is a gold rated gonna deliver power better or is it just an efficiency thing.

 

[LaytonJnr]

So I'm kinda planning a high powered budget gaming build. I need about an 800w psu. with the different rating, do they make a difference in power delivery? Like is a gold rated gonna deliver power better or is it just an efficiency thing.

My first question is what are the specs of this PC - you rarely require more than 550W unless you are doing Crossfire / SLI. The 80+ rating system is based on efficiency, and determines how efficient the PSU must be at certain loads. For example, 80+ Bronze must have 85% efficiency at 50% load, compared to 90% efficiency of 80+ Gold. A more efficient power supply does not change the amount of power delivered, but the amount drawn from the socket - a more efficient power supply results in less electricity used thus cheaper bills.

Layton

 

[RejZoR]

It's efficiency, noise (because it's more efficient, it generates less heat and needs less air by the fan). In theory, it should also push out some more watts because of that when we are talking peak power output. Though that's mostly luck. 800W PSU can go up to 850W or it can even reach 900W or beyond.

Personally i'm sticking with Corsair. Have the old HX750 and it's awesome. I also see that they now offer new models with digital regulators and they have a pretty much flawless track record for pretty much all PSU's in all tests. Even 80+ Diamond class.

I only wish they'd partner with Noiseblocker and outsource their fans for PSU's. The stock one was clicking rubbish, but with aftermarket Noiseblocker that i've replaced, it's an absolute silence and still well cooled.

@LaytonJnr
It's the efficiency thing. Most used load must be within 40-50% PSU load. That's where you meet specified efficiency. Anything below or above it and efficiency drops significantly. Though we don't know how he'll use his system and what will be his specs. Personally, i wouldn't buy anything below 850W for a modern high end system, even if it's singel gfx card...

 

[LaytonJnr]

@LaytonJnr
It's the efficiency thing. Most used load must be within 40-50% PSU load. That's where you meet specified efficiency. Anything below or above it and efficiency drops significantly. Though we don't know how he'll use his system and what will be his specs. Personally, i wouldn't buy anything below 850W for a modern high end system, even if it's singel gfx card...

I guess that is fair enough. If they have the budget for it, then I guess I can't see why not. You would end up with lower efficiency at idle however, but that really depends on how much power would be drawn at idle - it maybe only a couple of watts difference, in which case that isn't too much of a problem.

Layton

 

[RejZoR]

If he is Folding for example, then it's better to take higher wattage to meet the 50% range for "idle". In actual idle, 550W might be enough and a better option yes as it would stay in 50% range easier for the most of the time.

 

[kn00tcn]

cant just blindly take corsair, there are multiple OEMs parts in corsairs, it's certainly not always seasonic inside

i have links somewhere, couple database type sites that list the info

anyway, they're still one of my first choices, just dont take the common seasonic myth as fact

as for OP's question, one could say the high rated PSUs are better designed, better parts, add more features.... in a way yes, you could end up with better delivery

read (good detailed TPU, johnnyguru) reviews, play with budget, try to score a lower price of a better model on sale

 

[Frick]

If he is Folding for example, then it's better to take higher wattage to meet the 50% range for "idle". In actual idle, 550W might be enough and a better option yes as it would stay in 50% range easier for the most of the time.

Folding 24/7 has vastly different requirements. Modern computers are very frugal in their power consumption, and PSU's are usually at their worst at 10% power draw, so a 850W PSU that is mostly used for simple things is worse than a 400W unit, at least when it comes to effeciency. And anyway it's a few watts here and there, it's not like it'll have a huge impact on anything. And remember a PSU with a 5 year warranty is still under warranty no matter how you use it as long as you're in spec, so the common argument that it'll make them last longer is impertinent.

 

[RCoon]

Folding 24/7 has vastly different requirements. Modern computers are very frugal in their power consumption, and PSU's are usually at their worst at 10% power draw, so a 850W PSU that is mostly used for simple things is worse than a 400W unit, at least when it comes to effeciency. And anyway it's a few watts here and there, it's not like it'll have a huge impact on anything. And remember a PSU with a 5 year warranty is still under warranty no matter how you use it as long as you're in spec, so the common argument that it'll make them last longer is impertinent.

Following on from this, most PSU's are most efficient at 40% - 60% usage. If your system draws 400W, an 800W PSU will be more efficient than a 400W or a 1200W

 

[Frick]

Following on from this, most PSU's are most efficient at 40% - 60% usage. If your system draws 400W, an 800W PSU will be more efficient than a 400W or a 1200W

Yes, but 1) it's a matter of watts, and 2) power draw is not constant, and I would go as far as to say most systems spend most of their time close to idle (web browsing and so on).

The entire argument is therefore sort of pointless IMO, no matter how you look at it. But for a modern computer (not counting folding and whatever) with a single GPU, 850W is just a total waste of money. It serves no purpose.

 

[RCoon]

Yes, but 1) it's a matter of watts, and 2) power draw is not constant, and I would go as far as to say most systems spend most of their time close to idle (web browsing and so on).

The entire argument is therefore sort of pointless IMO, no matter how you look at it. But for a modern computer (not counting folding and whatever) with a single GPU, 850W is just a total waste of money. It serves no purpose.

Absolutely, 550W has always and will always be the sweet spot for generic CPU/GPU systems. That being said, the difference in power consumption in pounds/dollars is almost insignificant over a year.

 

[RejZoR]

Yes, but 1) it's a matter of watts, and 2) power draw is not constant, and I would go as far as to say most systems spend most of their time close to idle (web browsing and so on).

The entire argument is therefore sort of pointless IMO, no matter how you look at it. But for a modern computer (not counting folding and whatever) with a single GPU, 850W is just a total waste of money. It serves no purpose.

Actually the usage is fairly consistent. I've checked my usage with Voltcraft meter and fluctuations are fairly small. That is, by not using framerate limiting.

 

[Frick]

Actually the usage is fairly consistent. I've checked my usage with Voltcraft meter and fluctuations are fairly small. That is, by not using framerate limiting.

Small fluctuations when doing what?

 

[RejZoR]

It doesn't matter, idle, browsing, gaming etc.

 

[Champ]

I was reading on another site that even a card like the gtx 690 only needs a 50a rail from a reputable company to fully overclock it and that most people over do it PSU wise. 650 was ideal for most gaming rigs. I guess I can see big PSUs is a lucrative market.

 

[micropage7]

I was reading on another site that even a card like the gtx 690 only needs a 50a rail from a reputable company to fully overclock it and that most people over do it PSU wise. 650 was ideal for most gaming rigs. I guess I can see big PSUs is a lucrative market.

i guess its different from rating, rating would show you its efficient. rail is how high that delivered
just say like your system need 300 watt, if your psu has 85% efficient. it will draw about 353 watt
so the higher efficient psu would be better for long term, like electric bill, and since they use better component. it will supply better power to your components

 

[Champ]

I've still been doing my research and something I've noticed it the higher the efficiency, the more overbuilt the unit is. I saw a platinum 750 seasonic unit with 100a at the 12v. That can support 3 way sli/crossfire.

I was wrong. It was an enermax unit

 

[Frick]

I've still been doing my research and something I've noticed it the higher the efficiency, the more overbuilt the unit is. I saw a platinum 750 seasonic unit with 100a at the 12v. That can support 3 way sli/crossfire.

I was wrong. It was an enermax unit

No, 100 amps on the 12V rail would mean it's a 1200W unit. That platinum Enermax (if it's the Platimax) has four 25A rails.

It doesn't matter, idle, browsing, gaming etc.

This makes no sense. Small variations between idle and gaming?

 

[Champ]

It was the platimax but its a 760 watt unit

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194100

 

[Frick]

It was the platimax but its a 760 watt unit

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194100

Note the combined 12V output. You can't just add them like that. Have a read on the subject.

 

[neoreif]

I've had my Seasonic X-660 for 2 years now and its still pumping watts into my rig! Going with a reputable brand will most likely put you in the right track! As for the watts, even for x-fire or sli, a 750 watt PSU should do the trick!

 

[Jetster]

The power rating is not consistent with every manufacture. Some literally place there PSUs in a refrigerated room for testing so the rating is not accurate at room temperatures