PSU - Mods To Improve Efficiency?

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jackharriet23

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Sep 21, 2017
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Hello
I'm a newbie here, so I hope this is the kind of thing people might answer here.

I'm setting up a low-power Atom ITX computer to run as a home server/NAS.

I have two power supplies to choose from - an FSP and an Antec. Connected to exactly the same motherboard and system as a comparison, the FSP has a very low standby draw of 0.7watts, and the system idles at around 35w. With the Antec, it standbys on 2.8w, though idles at a more efficient ~30w. So the Antec is more efficient when up and running, but, because the machine is off most of the time, the FSP is an attractive option.

So - finally to my question: Could I either A: improve the running efficiency of the FSP while preserving its low standby draw, or, B: improve (lower) the standby draw of the Antec?

I am safe with dealing with the mains power side, and am experienced at soldering and working on circuit boards.

What can be done to improve the efficiency of the FSP PSU? Better caps? Or is there something I can do to improve the Antec at standby?

Thanks in advance for any advice here...
 
Solution
USAFRet
You're chasing a teeny bit of efficiency.
Assuming typical US energy cost, the difference at standby between the 2 is ~$2.20 per year, running 24/7.

http://www.rapidtables.com/calc/electric/energy-cost-calculator.htm
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The better in use wattage of the Antec will probably cover most of that $2.20 difference.

Unless you're trying to do this on an off-grid solar+battery powered house, it is completely not worth the time effort and money to change one of them.
And if it IS an off-grid solar+battery powered house, just unplug it when not in use.
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USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
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Mar 16, 2013
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You're chasing a teeny bit of efficiency.
Assuming typical US energy cost, the difference at standby between the 2 is ~$2.20 per year, running 24/7.

http://www.rapidtables.com/calc/electric/energy-cost-calculator.htm
yLPbcxf.png

qfg0aIX.png


The better in use wattage of the Antec will probably cover most of that $2.20 difference.

Unless you're trying to do this on an off-grid solar+battery powered house, it is completely not worth the time effort and money to change one of them.
And if it IS an off-grid solar+battery powered house, just unplug it when not in use.
 
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Solution
photonboy

photonboy

Titan
Jun 20, 2006
21,567
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85,015
Hey,
You should NOT be messing with the power supply. Just leave it as is.

Also you draw 30W with one vs 35W with the other one?

If one was say 85% efficient then that suggests the other is about 73% efficient which is unlikely unless these are much higher wattage than you need so the efficiency drops off at low load.

That's a rather huge EFFICIENCY difference. Did you measure power draw at the wall?

Frankly, I'd just go with whatever is QUIETER.

OTHER:
I bought a WD 4TB MYCLOUD several years ago and it's worked perfectly as a network storage device. I also added a 4TB USB drive as backup. It's attached to the router via an ethernet cable and every PC and media device works fine with it.

I mainly use it for movies but I have backup files too, and can even use it to backup using Acronis True Image from a laptop.
 
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