Is 650W power supply too much (1 GPU build)? Bad effects if I use it anyway? Please help ASAP.

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Sparktown

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Jan 28, 2015
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I'm almost finished with my first-time build:

CPU: i5-6500
GPU: Nvidia EVGA GTX 950 FTW
1 SSD Drive (may add another later)
1 Harddrive (may add another later)
1 Wireless NIC card
2x4 GB RaM (may go to 4x4 GB in the future)

Power estimates put me at around 382W.

I figured I would get a 500-550W quality PSU (ideally modular). However, there are a lot of good deals on 650W modular PSUs that often make them cheaper/same price as their 500W/550W counterparts. Furthermore, these 650W modular PSUs often have better efficiency or features.

Then I saw this chart on Tom's and got concerned. Would a 650W PSU negatively effect my system in anyway? Would it be less efficient? Is there any reason not to just get the 650W PSU?

Please like me know ASAP. I think some of the deals on 650W PSUs are today only! Thanks.
 
Solution
Gam3r01
There is nothing wrong with having more wattage than you need. You may lose a few % efficiency at lower loads, but that does not impact the system, or you.
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brandon9436

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As long as the 650 power supply(s) are good quality than the more the better (just dont go too power crazy) it could also help in a future upgrade should you want a graphics card that uses more power.
 
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norseman4

norseman4

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This will be fine. Your average power usage will be less than the 382W, but you will still be in a very good area for power efficiency.

There isn't any reason, except finances, usually, to go with a lower wattage PSU. Just make sure it's a good quality unit.
 
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SteffanDavies

SteffanDavies

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Jul 28, 2011
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Being a bit over the required wattage relieves stress on the power supply and helps extend its lifetime. Also it will give you more leverage in case you want to upgrade in the future.

Another thing to take into consideration is the quality of the PSU - a bad PSU will not deliver the specified wattage and will have low efficiency.

Get the 650w!
 
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Sparktown

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Thanks. That is what I figured. But my main question is if there would be any downside to using a 650w supply, because I'm seeing a lot of good deals on 650W PSUs with good features that are similarly priced to 550W supplies.
 
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Sparktown

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Thanks. I've seen the list. I've been using that and JohnnyGuru. I fixed the link. It's not the PSU list, its a general PSU efficiency chart Tom's did for a GPU review.
 
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mjslakeridge

mjslakeridge

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There is no downside to using a higher than needed wattage PSU (within reason). 650 watt PSU doesn't mean it is outputting 650 watts at all times. It will output as many watts as the system demands.

But do look at the PSU Tier list I linked to above to get a good quality unit.
 
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Sparktown

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Thanks for the help everyone.
Got a Corsair RM650 on a Newegg 24-hour sale for $59.99. Seemed like a good deal. It's well-reviewed, but only 3rd tier on Tom's list. I do like that its supposed to be quiet, but there is also something wierd about it missing certain 5V wires (which I don't fully understand, but apparently doesn't matter?).

I mostly got it because of the 24-hour sale. Newegg does free returns on unopened products, so I might keep looking. If you have any thing to say about the Corsair RM650 or you have any better suggestions, please let me know. Thanks again.
 
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