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Old October 13, 2009, 12:50 PM
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If I had a 750W power supply and my system only draws around 500W, the power supply only draws the 500W from the wall, correct? It wouldn't be using 750W all the time, just 500W?
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Last edited by redwagon; October 13, 2009 at 01:33 PM. Reason: Typo
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Old October 13, 2009, 01:04 PM
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Only uses what it needs.
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Old October 13, 2009, 01:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crazyhorsejohnny View Post
Only uses what it needs.
Thanks johnny! Just making sure so I won't be wasting electricity if I upgrade my power supply.
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Old October 13, 2009, 01:14 PM
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Well at about 80% efficiency, if it needs 500w to the PC, it will actually be taking 600w from the wall... but yes it only uses what it needs.
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Old October 13, 2009, 01:25 PM
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I'm pretty sure you just mean W not kW, because if a computer is using 500kW there is something VERY wrong.
it will only draw requirement/efficiency as a decimal. so if you have a low efficiency PSU like 50-60 you will be using close to twice the needed power while if you have a high efficiency PSU like 85-95 that it will only consume a small amount more than your hardware.
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Old October 13, 2009, 01:34 PM
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Originally Posted by bissa View Post
I'm pretty sure you just mean W not kW, because if a computer is using 500kW there is something VERY wrong.
it will only draw requirement/efficiency as a decimal. so if you have a low efficiency PSU like 50-60 you will be using close to twice the needed power while if you have a high efficiency PSU like 85-95 that it will only consume a small amount more than your hardware.
Oops, yes, meant Watts. Fixed. Thanks for the replies.
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Old October 13, 2009, 06:29 PM
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1kW = 1000W
1.2kW = 1200W

Amazing the PSU's that are now required in this day and age eh?!
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Old October 18, 2009, 04:39 AM
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Didn't know that bit about efficiancy and how it plays a role in power consumption. But... Is that extra 100w being wasted or lost?

Thanks guys.
Last edited by Lima; October 18, 2009 at 04:44 AM.
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Old October 18, 2009, 06:27 AM
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the 15% lost power in a 85% efficiency PSU is dumped as heat.
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Old October 18, 2009, 03:18 PM
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Aha! So it goes to a complete waste only half of the year.
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