Is it worth buying a gold vs a silver PSU?

[sttubs]

I'm in the market for a new PSU, but I was wondering if the gold series is worth the extra cost over a silver series for a computer that will be on about 90% of the time.

[cadaveca]

I say yes. I think all PSUs should be capable of "GOLD" ratings or better, and anything less should be removed from the market.

[toastem2004]

How much is the cost differance between the two power supplies? Theres a lot that goes into this, (electric rate, power consumption, life span of system) but personally IMO if its more than $20, its not worth it.

[wolf]

Originally Posted by cadaveca

I say yes. I think all PSUs should be capable of "GOLD" ratings or better, and anything less should be removed from the market.

high standards eh?

well really a sivler or gold rated 80+ PSU is going to be pretty damn good already, I think it's really up to you wether that extra efficiency is worth more beans.

[cadaveca]

Originally Posted by wolf

high standards eh?

Yep. Better for the power bill, better for the environment. There's no question here.

[Mr McC]

I also say yes, if you can afford it: if you can't, the quality control levels for silver rated psu's are probably stringent enough.

[BababooeyHTJ]

Its not like you are going to notice a much of a difference if at all in your power bill between the two. However a 80 plus gold rating does kind of say something about the quality of the psu.

[MRCL]

Even bronze is suficcient if you're not pushing the limits and utilising every last watt. I, too, say: if its a considerable price difference its not worth it, if its not that much and you can afford it, go for it. PSUs aren't hardware you should be all Scrooge McDuck about.

[Fourstaff]

You will definitely want the bronze level at least, but between silver and gold it depends on how much the price difference it is, and also the make.

[thebluebumblebee]

Have you seen this thread? http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=129456

[TheMailMan78]

Originally Posted by cadaveca

I say yes. I think all PSUs should be capable of "GOLD" ratings or better, and anything less should be removed from the market.

Knowledge is dropped.......and I agree.

[mlee49]

It depends, are you paying the electric bill?

If so you may want to consider a more efficient psu. Even 5% adds up over time, especially if the computer is on for more than 8 hours a day.

[Fourstaff]

Originally Posted by mlee49

If so you may want to consider a more efficient psu. Even 5% adds up over time, especially if the computer is on for more than 8 hours a day.

Another problem is that modern processors are really capable beasts, the whole rig can sit under 50w idle and that screws the calculations up. Even with light interweb load most of them consume less than 100w, especially the Sandy Bridge ones.

[Kreij]

Get the Gold PSU. They come with cool stuff like a velvet bag with gold lettering to hold the modular cables and other purdy™ stuff.
Kind of like buying the collectors edition of a game.
Good for the all important e-peen too.

[Funtoss]

You dont wanna get a cheap psu which would destroy even your components in the PC
get the GOLD

[Frick]

Originally Posted by cadaveca

I say yes. I think all PSUs should be capable of "GOLD" ratings or better, and anything less should be removed from the market.

Awesome, us poor people should just shoot ourselves. I could agree that this is how it "should" be in a perfect world, but it isn't perfect.

Originally Posted by Funtoss

You dont wanna get a cheap psu which would destroy even your components in the PC
get the GOLD

Yes, because non gold units will destroy your computer and your family will be cursed for five generations.

When your system is on and WORKING 24/7 then I'd say it might be worth it. When it will be on but only used for surfing and music most of the time I'd say you have to look at how efficient it is below 20%, which is not covered by the standards. Depending on the size of the unit of course.

Looking at the cheapest rated PSU's here (FSP Group 400W), the bronze unit is €27 and the gold unit is €55. That's almost a €30 difference, and you have to use your computer for some time to make it profitable.

For most users i'd say it's not worth it.

[FordGT90Concept]

Originally Posted by sttubs

I'm in the market for a new PSU, but I was wondering if the gold series is worth the extra cost over a silver series for a computer that will be on about 90% of the time.

What's 2% to you? Silver is 85% and Gold is 87%. As long as it is 80+ certified, I wouldn't care too much about it.

[Fourstaff]

Originally Posted by Frick

Awesome, us poor people should just shoot ourselves. I could agree that this is how it "should" be in a perfect world, but it isn't perfect.

Once it becomes a law that 80GOLD is the absolute minimum, demand will skyrocket and the economies of scale will kick in. Price premiums will decrease, and the end result is that the 80GOLD PSUs will become only slightly more expensive than the current 80Bronze ones (due to higher quality components and more features). Everybody wins, except your pocket which will need to fork out at most a few more € which can easily be covered by savings in the power bills.

[FordGT90Concept]

2% is 6 watts on a 300 watt draw machine. 6...watts...

[Fourstaff]

Originally Posted by FordGT90Concept

2% is 6 watts on a 300 watt draw machine. 6...watts...

Problem is that at low power consumption states, PSUs are really inefficient. But regardless, difference between Bronze and Gold can be justified, but its almost certain that the difference between silver and gold is negligible.

[Hotobu]

This shit wont mean anything once them platinum PSUs drop. I'm gonna wear one of them around my neck and release a nerd-hop album. I'll have the most power efficient bling in the music industry.

...Wait what were we talking about again?

[FordGT90Concept]

Originally Posted by Fourstaff

Problem is that at low power consumption states, PSUs are really inefficient. But regardless, difference between Bronze and Gold can be justified, but its almost certain that the difference between silver and gold is negligible.

80+ = 80% minimum
80+ Bronze = 82% minimum
80+ Silver = 85% minimum
80+ Gold = 87% minimum
80+ Platinum = 90% minimum

The max difference is 10%--not much.


Yes, 80+ says nothing on <20% load (e.g. standby power). That could have a greater impact on your electric power consumption than how efficient it is when 20%+ loaded.

[TheMailMan78]

Originally Posted by Frick

Awesome, us poor people should just shoot ourselves.

I agree. Because if your so poor to not be able to afford 20 bucks extra on a power supply then maybe building a computer shouldn't be a priority. Maybe you should focus on food or shelter.

Oh and before you point to my specs and say (You don't have a gold rated PSU) ll tell you right now. I bought that before I knew better. When this one dies Ill be buying a gold rated one.

[W1zzard]

would be nice to see some math here

[Fourstaff]

Originally Posted by FordGT90Concept

80+ = 80% minimum
80+ Bronze = 82% minimum
80+ Silver = 85% minimum
80+ Gold = 87% minimum
80+ Platinum = 90% minimum

The max difference is 10%--not much.


Yes, 80+ says nothing on <20% load (e.g. standby power). That could have a greater impact on your electric power consumption than how efficient it is when 20%+ loaded.

I believe there is too much variables for us to say "xxx is better than yyy". A person running simulations 24/7 will see the benefit of Bronze and Platinum, whereas your regular facebooker is better off with the cheapest PSU. Gamers, probably somewhere in the middle.