I'm looking at two power supplies that are exactly the same in terms of brand, model, and price, but one is rated at 1000 watts and the other at 1200 watts. Is there any reason not to go for the 1200 watt option? Could the higher wattage one consume more power by default? I'm just trying to understand if there's a downside. Appreciate the advice!
6 Answers
Just make sure both PSUs are in the same condition—new, open box, or used. And remember, check whether they're modular, semi-modular, or full-modular. That can make a difference depending on your setup!
There's a very minor downside to consider: power supplies are generally most efficient when they're running at about half their rated output. This means that the 1200 watt PSU could be operating at a slightly less efficient point compared to the 1000 watt model when both are under similar loads. Not a deal breaker, but it's something to keep in mind!
You might want to check Cybenetic's testing if you can. A decent PSU will likely be reviewed there, and you can see how the efficiency varies at different loads. In practice, I've found that many PSUs of similar wattage don't have huge differences in efficiency curves. As a rule of thumb, when in doubt, grab the bigger power supply if everything else is equal!
Check out the Cybenetics tests for specific models to see those differences. For example, I found the Corsair HX1000 and HY1200 to have noticeable variances in performance despite meeting the criteria!
Totally agree! But remember, you can rarely find two PSUs that are identical outside of wattage. The components might differ even if they both claim to use high-quality capacitors. Always review each model for any significant distinctions.
The difference in wattage can matter. Generally, there comes a point where moving from mid to high wattage means potentially better-quality components. But the efficiency difference at those two levels is usually tiny. Sometimes one might even be a tidbit louder at the same load. Just weigh your options!
There might be a concern with your house power capacity, especially if it's running on older wiring. But typically, a PSU won't draw more power than it needs based on wattage. So that's less of a consideration for most setups!
That's not how PSUs work lol!
Go for the higher wattage option. At the end of the day, for a difference of 200 watts, it's not going to matter much, especially if they're from the same line. There might be slightly better components in the higher wattage model, but it's likely not a significant difference for everyday use.
TIL! That's useful info, thanks for sharing.