jammin Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 I thought I would start a new thread rather than tack extra stuff onto the Recommended PSU List. The aim of this thread is to provide proof that you don't need to run out and buy a high power PSU to run an average Hi-End system today. So, I would like everyone to take note if you see someone running a 'high power' system on what you may consider an underpowered PSU, and post a link to it in here. If some of you want to get hands on with it as well and try powering your main gaming/overclocked system with a lower power PSU, then that would be great (you might have a decent lower powered PSU hanging around in a secondary rig). I'll start off by posting a couple of links to systems running on one of the lowest rated PSUs on the Recommended List: The Antec Earthwatts 380W System 1 - Link Here 1. 8800GTX2. e6600 @ 3.6GHz with 1.47v vcore 3. 4x1GB DDR2 RAM. 4. 2xSATA 7200RPM HHD and DVD burner. 5. P5W64 WS Pro motherboard. 6. 4 pretty low-power fans, including yate-loon slow inside the tuniq and whatever is inside of the 8800GTX. 7. misc. extension cards that come and go System 2 - Link Here e6600 @ 3.1Ghz - 1.4125v in biosSapphire x1900 XT 512MB Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 I think this is a great idea The reason why many are under the impression they need some crazy high end power supply is because when buying parts, rarely will you be able to calculate how much power you really need, which is unfortunate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verran Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 I think a lot of people just assume that for $20 or so, it's worth it to get an overkill PSU. That's how I've always looked at it, anyways. $20 on a $1200 system is worth the peace of mind, to me. But I do really like the concept of this thread. It's nice to know what these systems actually require, rather than just guesstimating, or using inaccurate calculators. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammin Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 Yes, I agree a lot of people will still be perfectly happy to spend a bit more in the knowledge that they probably won't use the extra power. It is also worth noting that higher powered PSUs are generally (though they have been getting better) less efficient at low loads. As a rough rule, the higher the rating, the more load you have to put on to reach ideal efficiency. Therefore buying a PSU suited to the average of your system load makes, as a more efficient PSU pulls less from the wall and so costs less to run. Higher efficiency also = less energy wasted as heat, so the PSU should run cooler and probably quieter as well as a side effect. The main purpose of the thread is of course to show people who think you need a high powered PSU that you don't. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verran Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 The main purpose of the thread is of course to show people who think you need a high powered PSU that you don't. Agreed :thumbs-up: Maybe we should call out to the people who have those Kill-A-Watt meters (or equivilent). I know I've been meaning to get some numbers on my machine. Mine's hardly high-end anymore, but it's still comparitive data Maybe I'll do that tonight... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammin Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 A visit to the last couple of pages of SPCR's How much will a 300w power supply run? thread is also recommended. Ideally I would like to get links to individual systems in threads/artciles, but a few of those give you an idea of what is possible. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
suchuwato Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 Well, I know my system eats around 360W... so my TG480U-22 is plenty enough at 480W... I don't see why people think a higher wattage rating is better - Oh well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammin Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 Well, I know my system eats around 360W... How are you measuring that? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
suchuwato Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 Well, when I say 'around' I mean I've looked at all the components and googled it Then added 20W I would like to get one of those proper plug meters that give you nice detailed info, but I don't have one Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammin Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 (edited) Ok, so basically you don't know I'd be interested to measure mine as well. I would guess it isn't even using half the PSUs capacity for the the majority of the time (possibly all the time). Edited May 21, 2007 by jammin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
road-runner Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 Hmm this thread come out immediately after I posted this and that I bought a 1000 watt Enermax. Is someone trying to tell me something? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammin Posted May 21, 2007 Posted May 21, 2007 Not really, though I suppose that could have contributed. It was more triggered by the threads in the first post and some discussion over at SPCR. Plus I thought the points made in the intro to the recommended PSU thread could do with a bit more evidence to back them up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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