I'm thinking about upgrading my power supply from an OMD 650W to a Corsair RM850x, but I noticed that for just 5 euros more, I could get the RM1000x instead. I've heard some people say that having a higher wattage power supply is bad for some reason, but I'm not quite sure why. Are there any real downsides to getting a PSU with more wattage than necessary? Here are my specs: an RX 7800 XT and I'm planning to get either a 9700X or a 7800X3D.
5 Answers
If the price difference is just 5 euros, I say go for the 1000W PSU. There's really no harm in having extra wattage, especially when you're considering future upgrades. Just make sure you’re not sacrificing quality for a higher wattage, though.
Sometimes, higher wattage PSUs can have louder fans or design differences that might not be ideal for some setups. However, Corsair's gold series are generally top-notch, so the debate of choosing between 850W and 1000W in the same class isn’t really a concern.
For just 5 euros more? Definitely go with the higher wattage!
I haven't heard any solid reasons why it's bad to have a higher wattage PSU. Most people think it's an issue due to cost, but for just 5 euros more, it’s totally worth it. Having extra headroom means your components won't be stressed for power, potentially extending their lifespan.
When considering power efficiency and cost, it's good to think about your setup's needs 4-5 years down the line. A general guideline is to avoid exceeding 400-450 watts more than necessary. That said, even a 4090 and 14900K setup really needs at least a 1000W PSU nowadays. I’m using a Super Flower Leadex VII Pro 1200W for my high-end gaming and workstation rig, and while it may seem overkill, I know it’ll support whatever I upgrade to in the future.
Yeah, the 'bad' part usually relates to efficiency. If your system remains low-powered, a high-wattage PSU can operate below optimal efficiency. For example, a 1000 watt PSU powering a minimal setup might run at only 70-75% efficiency compared to a more suitable 150 watt PSU.