Can i have to much wattage?

[DeathMasterRed]

So yeah, my current wattage is 300 and I'm wondering if i upgraded to 600 would that destroy my computer?

thank you in advance

 

[dodger46]

Upgrading your PSU to 600W or building a machine that consumes 600W? Increasing the power available from a better PSU will not adversely affect your computer.
Useful guide
http://support.asus.com/PowerSupply.aspx?SLanguage=en

 

[ko888]

A PSU does not supply 100% of its labelled wattage 100% of the time.

It only provides whatever the system needs at any given time with some power loss due to the AC to DC power conversion inefficiency.

If your system is drawing 300 Watts and we assume an 82% conversion efficiency for the 600 Watt PSU @ 50% load then you should be able to measure the power draw at the PSU's AC power plug as being 366 Watts.

 

[skaughtz]

No.

You could hook up a 1000W PSU, but if the system only requires 300W to run, it will only use 300W.

Use this to get a baseline idea of how big a PSU your system requires:

http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/

I like to have ~100W more than I need, to account for any future additions.

I also only use Antec PSUs. I have never had one fail me even in the slightest way.

 

[HVDynamo]

You can safely use any wattage of a PSU, but you don't want to get too big of a supply from an efficiency standpoint. If you are drawing less than 20% of the PSU's capacity the efficiency starts to drop off a cliff and you will draw more at the outlet. It will work, but basically will cost you more on your power bill. If you are running a 300Watt and you want to put a dedicated video card in there a good (emphasis on quality here) 500Watt or 650 Watt would be fine. The Antec Earthwatts Green line are decent quality and relatively cheap. If you are not looking to add a graphics card, shoot for the 500Watt:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035

Or if you want to add a discrete graphics card go for the 650Watt

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371044

Seasonic, and Corsair also make solid units, so you could get one they make as well. Good luck!

 

[geekapproved]

The computer only draws the power it needs.

 

[DeathMasterRed]

Best answer selected by DeathMasterRed.