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Down Size PSU?

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  • Power Supplies
  • Computers
  • Systems
Last response: in Systems
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October 4, 2014 3:31:22 AM

Lets assume for a moment that I know for a fact that my psu is much more than my computer needs in terms of power..

That being said its an 80 bronze and if i had to hazard a guess i would say its about 200-250 more watts than necessary. I know there are better brands out there for sure but would hanging on to this be more or equally optimal than downsizing to a better brand?

would I notice any kind of real difference either way?

feel free to explain the logic here as well I like learning

More about : size psu

October 4, 2014 3:41:51 AM

Power supplies are generally most efficent around 50% load, so in theory that's where you want to be.

You will notice no difference really though going from Bronze and a Gold PSU. Yes the Gold would be about 5% more efficent in theory, and cost you 5% less to run, and create a little less heat, but not enough to for the new PSU to pay for itself.

If you have a decent PSU then I see no reason to upgrade.

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a b ) Power supply
October 4, 2014 3:42:42 AM

Stick with your PSU if it works fine.
Why would you waste money on something with less watts?
I mean,it's not a waste if it's a high quality PSU or something,but if your current PSU works fine,no need to buy anything.
What are your system specs?
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a b ) Power supply
October 4, 2014 3:49:16 AM

If you have a noname and/or cheap brand, then it is worth replacing your psu. Its pretty much the most important piece of hardware in your computer. Some psu's are rated for 750W but can actually only supply 500W. However, if your psu is decent, then there's no real reason to replace it.

That aside, whatever your psu is rated for, it will only supply as much power as your computer draws. 80 PLUS Bronze means its supposed to be 82% efficient (I think usually at 23 degrees C, but that varies by brand/model) in taking power from the outlet and sending it to your components. Expanding on how psu's get their rating, 23C is not realistic, so you should look for ones that show how efficient they are at 45-50C because that simulates real world conditions.

Also, unless you have the money to spare, it's not really cost-effective to go from 80 PLUS Bronze to 80 PLUS Gold as the price difference is usually too much to be offset by energy savings (we're talking over a year before you see any net "gain" in money). You will not notice a difference either.
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October 4, 2014 4:40:10 AM

AMD FX-9590 CPU (8x 4.70GHz/8MB L3 Cache)
Motherboard ASRock Fatal1ty 990FX Killer -- 3x PCIe x16, 4x USB 3.0, 5x USB 2.0
R9 290 4GB - Single Card
850W Thermaltake SMART SP-850M - 80 PLUS Bronze
Processor Cooling Asetek 550LC Liquid CPU Cooling System (AMD) - ARC Dual Silent High Performance Fan Upgrade (Push-Pull Airflow)
2 TB HARD DRIVE -- 64M Cache, 7200rpm, 6.0Gb/s - Single Drive

Im trying to only really include things that would burn a draw on power in the info..

This issue mostly stems from 2 things.. 1 both that amd graphics and processor are considered MONSTERS in the pc world wheni t comes to power draw.. and 2. I have seen many reviews about PSU and thermaltake is not among the best from my understanding..

Officially I will be getting this pc in on tue's of next week I am just doing pre planning so to speak to figure out if there is anything i need to change add or scrap to make this thing run as kick ass as I know it can.. since the amd r9 thats in it is designed to run all the way to 90c I imagine more cooling will be added at a minimum after i play with it a little bit..
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a b ) Power supply
October 4, 2014 4:58:59 AM

It's a decent quality PSU,no need to upgrade it.Yet.
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