I used PC Part Picker, and it estimates that my build needs about 538 watts. I'm wondering if a 1000W power supply is excessive or if I should consider going for something like 750W or 850W instead.
5 Answers
To be honest, your PSU will only draw what the components need, so a 1000W supply won't always run at full capacity. In fact, many newer PSUs are efficient across all loads, so a higher wattage can just be a way to ensure future-proofing.
Honestly, a 1000W PSU is a bit overkill for your current setup. However, if you found it at a great price, it's not a bad choice either! You'll have extra wattage for future upgrades if needed.
750W should be ample for your needs, especially since it gives you some overhead. But often you can find quality 850W units for only a few bucks more than a good 750W. For instance, the Adata XPG Core Reactor often goes on sale for around $81, and it's solid.
If your estimated wattage is around 538W, you'd have plenty of buffer with a 750W, while an 850W or 1000W could be beneficial if you plan to upgrade in the future. It's good to think about headroom.
Going a bit overkill on a PSU can be beneficial for future upgrades, so an 850W might be a good middle ground. I actually use a 1000W PSU on my build even though I only need about 750W, and I feel more secure for future expansions.
Just a heads up—the Adata can get a bit noisy. But I've also heard good things about the Vetroo 850W, which is priced around $89.99.