Jump to content

Newb question, 650W PSU overkill for my setup?


Recommended Posts

See sig for my setup. Ive been running a ATX 1.0 Antec psu since I built the system, and been wanting to get a ATX 2.0. I found a deal on a 650W Antec PSU, but im curious if this would be overkill for my system.

 

If my system only needs say 500W, would have to large a psu decrease efficiency and increase electricity usage?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

your rig looks good why are you changing the psu are you having problems with it?

 

Well, when I built this rig, it was recommended to get a ATX 2.0 psu since my board has 24pin connection. Ive been using the ATX 1.0 20pin psu from my old system. My dads PC could use a newer psu, so I was going to give my current psu to him if I buy a new one.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

but im curious if this would be overkill for my system.

 

There's no such thing as overkill PSU....you never know what you're gonna be upgrading....plus...it was stated in this forum time and again that 20 pin PSU's are a hazard for DFI NF4 boards...specially the lanpartys

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There's no such thing as overkill PSU....you never know what you're gonna be upgrading....plus...it was stated in this forum time and again that 20 pin PSU's are a hazard for DFI NF4 boards...specially the lanpartys

 

Ive read mixed opinions on that. Ive been using this psu since June '05. Like I said, I planned on getting a 2.0 ATX spec psu, but never got around to it.

 

Im still trying to find out how efficiency is on a 650W psu if you dont use more than 450-500W.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Here's an example of a PSU efficiency curve:

550W_Efficiency_chart.jpg

 

It's quite obvious that the efficiency actually drops when you reach the limits of the PSU.

Also, PSUs only produce as much power as the system requires; power draw from the lines is power used/efficiency.

 

Additionally, DFI requires 480W native 24pin PSUs for all NF4 boards; check out this post.

http://www.diy-street.com/forum/showpost.p...22&postcount=34

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

With the setup that you are using, your PSU is probably functioning okay. However, if you attempt to upgrade components, it will quickly become inadequate.

 

As stated earlier, DFI boards require a minimum of 480W. So, if you have problems, your PSU would be the first candidate for replacement.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I use a 600 watt PSU.

 

You have a CPU that takes less power than mine, you have less RAM than I do, you have a weaker graphics card, and less PCI devices.. and I've never come close to overloading this PSU.

 

If you want to upgrade to the 'official' DFI standard, upgrade to a nice 480-500 enermax or fortron.

 

IMO, buying a PSU now for the future is a bad idea.

 

For example, when I got the OCZ 600, it was $130... the 700 was around $160-$170 maybe. Now you can get the antec 650 trio for $70 shipped, the OCZ 850 for around the price the 700 used to be(this is just three months later). By the time I upgrade anything at the end of the year, these PSUs will be ridiculously cheap.

 

If you buy a PSU later, when you plan to upgrade your system, you'll save some cash. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I use a 600 watt PSU.

 

IMO, buying a PSU now for the future is a bad idea.

 

Now you can get the antec 650 trio for $70 shipped,

 

Thats the Antec psu deal Im thinking about getting. Ive never seen this type of psu at a price like this, hence why Im asking these questions on whether to get the 650W.

 

The only upgrade I want to do is a soundcard and videocard.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thats the Antec psu deal Im thinking about getting. Ive never seen this type of psu at a price like this, hence why Im asking these questions on whether to get the 650W.

 

The only upgrade I want to do is a soundcard and videocard.

 

If you're upgrading the GFX (especially to a card with proprietary power); you'll most definitely need to upgrade the PSU.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

thats a load of .. whoever states 20 pins are bad.

 

20pin cheap . psu are bad. regardless

 

during my downtime. i powered my old dfi system with a old butt

 

20PIN enermax 350w psu with no problem at all. and i had it running with my 7900gto with a molex to pci-e converter.

 

oh oh you just got pwned.

 

oh ya. dont get the newer antec psus. they changed their manufacture to some other chinese factory

check the for sale forums. alot of people sell off their old ocz's (which are better then the new FSP made ones)

some antec tpII 550z, and a slou of other.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...