I'm looking at power supply units (PSUs) for my upcoming PC build with a 5080 and a 9800X3D. Right now, I know a 1000W PSU would suffice, but I'm considering future upgrades and was thinking about getting a 1200W. I noticed I can get a Corsair HX1500i for the same price as the 1200W. Is it worth going for that higher wattage, or is it unnecessary compared to sticking with a 1000W option, which is £70 cheaper? I'd appreciate any advice on this!
5 Answers
Getting above 1000W feels excessive for your build. A setup with a 9800X3D and RTX 5080 typically uses about 550-600W under normal conditions, and maybe 700-750 if you overclock. Plus, PSUs operate most efficiently between 20-80% of their capacity, which saves you money in the long run!
In my view, go for the best PSU you can get without cutting corners on other components. The Corsair HXi series is some of the finest available!
Honestly, I'd stick with the 1000W unless you're planning to upgrade to something like a 5090 in the near future. It's more than enough for your current setup!
Consider what you're leaving room for. If it's mainly for GPU upgrades, a high wattage PSU isn't necessary since GPUs usually draw around 600W max with the right cables from any PSU, whether it's 1000W, 1200W, or 1500W. You're also good with CPUs unless you're going extreme—like a Threadripper build!
Keep in mind that a higher wattage power supply generally doesn't save you much on bills when idling. You might notice an extra $5-10 a month on your electricity bill, which can add up over time, so it could be worth staying lower wattage.
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