PC Power Consumption Analysis

[MpG]

PC Power Consumption: How Many Watts Do We Need? (X-Bit)

You see these articles every now and then, but here's one with some more recent components, and some better measurements than just a simple wall outlet measurement. Shame they didn't investigate overclocking, but the results are still worth considering next time you're in the market for a PSU.

[thenewguy001]

I'm surprised how low the power consumption really is when measured from the PSU. I wonder what SKY has to say about their testing methodology.

[SKYMTL]

Interesting. Unfortunately, I can't comment since I have no idea about the accuracy of their circuit board + software.

[Kilauea]

Originally Posted by SKYMTL

Interesting. Unfortunately, I can't comment since I have no idea about the accuracy of their circuit board + software.

I understand that and I respect it, but how likely would it be that a system like the gaming computer would work without any hassle on a reputable 300W PSU ?

[SKYMTL]

Originally Posted by Kilauea

I understand that and I respect it, but how likely would it be that a system like the gaming computer would work without any hassle on a reputable 300W PSU ?

Not likely. We can't forget that all of that 300W is not dedicated to the 12V rails.

[Soultribunal]

And Running a Lower Wattage PSU at or near its Peak output means its going to Run Hot.
That will end the life of a PSU faster.
Thats why its better to create a nice buffer for what you need, prolonging the life.
My thoughts at least,

ST

[Prof. Dr. Silver]

I call it ..... well, whatever... I just got one of those EM100's from Canadian Tire. While folding on one core of the CPU(E6850) and having three other instances running on a 9800GX2 and a 8600GT, the average wattage it pulls from the socket is 355W. This while folding a 905(CPU), an 1888 + 511 on the GX2 and another 511 on the 8600GT. Have a few USB devices and a few fans attached. So far the peak wattage did not reach the 400W and the Amperage did not go over 3.4A(???)

My rig runs on a Corsair 750TX? Do I really need it? Nah.... but it sure fine to know that I have that little extra! Now I'm gonna find a way to see how high I can go!

[MpG]

Originally Posted by Soultribunal

And Running a Lower Wattage PSU at or near its Peak output means its going to Run Hot.
That will end the life of a PSU faster.
Thats why its better to create a nice buffer for what you need, prolonging the life.
My thoughts at least,

ST

Some buffer is always good, as is the quieter operation, but there are definitely diminishing returns from that approach. And there are still way too many people suggesting 750/850W PSU's for people building that "$300 computer".

Even the efficiency argument doesn't really hold true, since under the latest 80+ guidelines, PSU's can only give up a few points of efficiency at the 20% and 80% load points.

[CMetaphor]

Should I once again post Behemoth power cosumption numbers? Not to be sarcastic or showoff-ish, but Behemoth draws around 900w peak from the wall, measured by a Kill-A-Watt meter (thats about 8.5 to 9 Amps). So for all those fellas wondering if their 850w or 1000w PSUs are enough... Trust me, they are!

[Soultribunal]

Originally Posted by MpG

Some buffer is always good, as is the quieter operation, but there are definitely diminishing returns from that approach. And there are still way too many people suggesting 750/850W PSU's for people building that "$300 computer".

Even the efficiency argument doesn't really hold true, since under the latest 80+ guidelines, PSU's can only give up a few points of efficiency at the 20% and 80% load points.

True, but the Higher end units do tend to get much better Internals. And that is what I am always aiming for. It is all subjective until we start opening these things up and having a look at whats inside.

But you are right, for a 300 computer, you don't need a TX750 sitting inside it.

@CM - your....monster....scares me *hides*


ST