Relation between PSU temperature and efficiency

[WojtasRed]

Could someone tell me sth about PSU temperature and efficiency? How looks like relation?
My PSU is BeQuiet! Dark Power Pro 430W

 

[Steevo]

Most companies rate their PSU for efficency and output at a low temp, unlike actual operating temps, but some companies like PC Power and Cooling for example rate theirs at actual operating temps.


So a PSU that delivers 750W @ 75F @ 73% efficency might only deliver 600W @ 110F @ 65% efficency.

 

[WojtasRed]

Another explanation, plz

 

[sneekypeet]

simply put the hotter a PSU runs at load the less efficient it is. If you can keep the PSU in specs for its ambient temps you "should" be able to attain max efficiency!

another way to see is if the air comming from your PSU under load is noticibly warm, then most likely the efficiency has dropped as well!

With my OCZ the air under load escapes just slightly tempered, not warm, so I would assume I am staying close to rated max efficiency!

 

[ty_ger]

I have a 650 corsair power supply rated 80+ but the air coming out the back is scarry hot so I would say it is not running very efficient.

The power supply in my Cosmos S case draws its air from outside the case so I assume I must be loading up my PSU pretty high.

 

[WojtasRed]

Is this a good result for my sys specs?
PSU test

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article677-page4.html

My specs (test);

http://hothardware.com/Articles/AMD-Phenom-X4-9850-B3-Revision/?page=8

 

[twicksisted]

I have a 650 corsair power supply rated 80+ but the air coming out the back is scarry hot so I would say it is not running very efficient.

The power supply in my Cosmos S case draws its air from outside the case so I assume I must be loading up my PSU pretty high.

yeah id say its working pretty hard looking at your specs..
4ghz overclock, SLI 8800 cards, RaptorX & watercooling

but it is a very good quality psu and if you dont have any wierd issues (like lockups, or your screens going black with no input etc...) then youre good to go still

 

[WojtasRed]

What about my PSU and specs? Look at tests and tell me, what you think, please.

 

[sneekypeet]

The PSU is an excellent version of a 400ish watt PSU. I really think you are pushing your luck using that for your rig tho.

Honestly I bet if you use one of the Oc calculators you would find you are almost maxed as it is!

Try this one! http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp with that calculator and a simple case setup with 3 fans, it calculated your rig at over 500 watts load!

 

[erocker]

Is this a good result for my sys specs?
PSU test

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article677-page4.html

My specs (test);

http://hothardware.com/Articles/AMD-Phenom-X4-9850-B3-Revision/?page=8

These two links give me no information about YOUR system. Your PSU is underpowered for what you are using. It may run fine at stock settings, but I'm sure it's struggling. Post your system specs in the User CP and tick the box so we can see them.

 

[WojtasRed]

You can see my system specs on my profile...
Calculatros sucks. Just compare the tests and tell me, what you think, please.
I`ve got Phenom 9850 BE and GeFroce 8800 GT, one hdd, one dvd rom and that`s all.
My PSU is BeQuiet! Dark Power Pro 430W


PSU test

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article677-page4.html

Phenom 9850 test;

http://hothardware.com/Articles/AMD-Phenom-X4-9850-B3-Revision/?page=8

GeForce 8800 GT test;

http://hothardware.com/Articles/NVIDIA-GeForce-8800-GT--G92-Takes-Flight/?page=12

 

[FLOODER]

Could someone tell me sth about PSU temperature and efficiency? How looks like relation?
My PSU is BeQuiet! Dark Power Pro 430W

OK. So here is more information, if you are still interested :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_conversion_efficiency

And what about your hardware. Yeah, it should run fine. I have a mate, who runs his Q6600, 8800GT, 2GB, 2 HDD's, 1 Burner with the no-name 400w power supply.

Also, thanks for the PSU test link. I loved the "240V AC TEST SETUP" part. I've asked the same question about the 110V US PSU connection to the 220V EU line in this forum.

 

[W1zzard]

heat generated inside the psu = current power draw * (1-efficiency)

so if a system consumes 400w and the psu is rated at 85% you will have
400 * (1-0.85) = 60w of heat generated inside the psu.

the actual psu temperature depends on the thermal design inside the psu, how fast the fan runs etc

 

[candle_86]

simply put the hotter a PSU runs at load the less efficient it is. If you can keep the PSU in specs for its ambient temps you "should" be able to attain max efficiency!

another way to see is if the air comming from your PSU under load is noticibly warm, then most likely the efficiency has dropped as well!

With my OCZ the air under load escapes just slightly tempered, not warm, so I would assume I am staying close to rated max efficiency!

yea like my PSU under load the air actully kinda burns my hands

 

[Mussels]

heat generated inside the psu = current power draw * (1-efficiency)

so if a system consumes 400w and the psu is rated at 85% you will have
400 * (1-0.85) = 60w of heat generated inside the psu.

the actual psu temperature depends on the thermal design inside the psu, how fast the fan runs etc

the only thing i'd like to add to this, is that its also possible for system heat to get into the PSU. If you have a poorly ventilated case, your other components heat will get into the PSU and make things worse.

thanks for the formula wizz.

 

[WojtasRed]

I`ve found this calculater and it recommended me BeQuiet! Straight Power 450W PSU

http://www.be-quiet.net/calculator.php

I`ve checked same configuration on other calculator and it`s suggested me 650W PSU.
What should I do?

 

[HeavyH20]

The one item to remember about PSUs is that there is an efficiency curve. The trick is to keep peak loads in the effective range. It keeps heat and noise in check. So, for example, you need 400 watts at most to power all your components. Do you get a 450 Watt PSU? Not likely. A 650 or 750 makes more sense. At about 60% load, the PSU is still within efficiency and adaptive cooling fans do not speed up to an audible level. I have found some PSUs, when under close to capacity loads, do not move enough air as a design trade off for noise control. The PSU is a key component of the system, especially if you plan to OC your system. Good, clean, available voltage is a key requirement so spend a little more and get the good PSU.

 

[WojtasRed]

Plz, help...