What happens if I overload my PSU?

[JayDeeHobbit]

I imagine if I put too much load on the PSU it will simply shut down. But what potential is there that it might cause damage to PSU or other parts of my rig if I overload it?

I have a very good PSU but I will be running it very close to the upper limit and also folding which means a 24/7 stress factor.
NCIX.com - Buy Corsair Professional HX650W 650W ATX 12V 52A 24PIN ATX Modular Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan - CMPSU-650HX In Canada.

System it will be running:
i7 920 with mild OC
EVGA X58 SLI mobo
GTX 570
GTX 260 (Folding + Physix)
H20 loop
1 DVD burner
3 or 4 HDD's
6 or 7 fans

Of course I wish now I'd gotten a 750 or 850 watt PSU but I've crossed that bridge and would rather just drop the 260GTX from the system ranther than getting a new PSU.

Opinions?

[Soultribunal]

You shouldn't be pushing it too too far to spec.

Being a solid unit if you do hit over its rated capacity it has enough protection built in to just shut the rig down.
Lesser units will usually go pop and you run the risk of deep sixing your rig.

ST

[Arinoth]

If its a good unit there should be a fuse which will go if you overload it protecting the rest of the psu, however if its a crappy one you'll get a quick light show from the fan exhaust before you need to bury it.

[_dangtx_]

theoretically you will be fine, and that psu has top end protection from what i remember(cant find an overload link for it atm).

youll be pushing 550 watts i believe. give or take.

[JayDeeHobbit]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen :)

I think I'll play it safe rather than roll the dice with the Corsair overload protection and risk a light show :)

[orcrowing]

Check out this review for the hx750 - showing OCP kicking in at 121% or so of max wattage - I would expect something similar from the hx650.

Corsair HX750W Power Supply Review | Hardware Secrets

[Peetah]

Those two cards seems to be pushing it.
Whats holding your computer on is basically the corsair brand haha.