Can anybody simplify tells "80Plus" PSU!

[runegate]

I got a PSU that is 750W and is 80PLUS certified.

84% efficiency means what?? how much power I save with this PSU ?


thank you.

 

[obsidian86]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_PLUS

 

[runegate]

Efficiency level certifications

Fraction of Rated Load 20% 50% 100%

80 PLUS 80% 80% 80%

80 PLUS Bronze 82% 85% 82%

80 PLUS Silver 85% 88% 85%

80 PLUS Gold 87% 90% 87%


I still dont understand what the chart said.

 

[obsidian86]

The efficiency of a computer power supply is the amount of energy it supplies, divided by how much energy is input. The remaining energy is converted into heat. For instance, a power supply operating at 60% efficiency, supplying 300 watts to a computer would draw 500 watts, and give off 200 watts of heat. An 80% efficient supply would draw 375 watts to produce the same 300 watts, giving off 75 watts of heat

 

[Scotteq]

OP - Here's a link to THE 80PLUS WEBSITE which includes a calculator (yellow, on the left) where you can figure out what the savings may be.

 

[runegate]

thank you scotteq..
it doesn't look great on that calculator. only save $8 of energy a year?
this is stupid.

 

[Scotteq]

thank you scotteq..
it doesn't look great on that calculator. only save $8 of energy a year?
this is stupid.

Well... Certainly hard to argue that on an individual basis.

Though by way of context: The 80+ initiative is aimed more at the industry as a whole. So - (from their perspective, to be sure) - when you add up all the compliant devices then the overall impact of the program on energy consumption and the attendant reduction in greenhouse gasses from the coal~fire powerplants which have to generate that much less electricity...


and... well... I'm sure it matters on somebody's spreadsheet, somewhere.


A more pragmatic view to take is that High Efficiency is a sign of good design. And a well designed power supply is obviously likely to last longer and perform better than a poorly designed one.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

^5 +1 what scotteq said.

If you take a good look around the 80+ plus web site you'll see that the initiative is squarely aimed at the corporate level. There was mention of corporations that have thousands of computers.

 

[Twoboxer]

thank you scotteq..
it doesn't look great on that calculator. only save $8 of energy a year?
this is stupid.

This is the problem with most "energy savings" . . . no net savings.

However, after "Cap and Trade", it will probably be more like $14 savings