psu efficiency

[tjpark1111]

How much $ does higher efficiency psu's actually save? like 65~70% vs. 75~85%? I need an answer because I wonder if it'll be worth it in the long run since the S12-430 us cutting into my budget, and if efficiency won't save any significant electrical bills($5 a year), then I would much rather get a case that comes with a psu, an antec one, since I really don't want a noisy psu. thank you.

 

[pkme2]

Fortron

This is a really good PSU if you want economy with reliability.

or go Seasonic or PC&C for the top of the line. Your choice. Good hunting.

 

[arcas]

At 70% efficiency, a PSU delivering 150W to your rig will be drawing 214W from the wall.

At 85% efficiency, a PSU delivering 150W to your rig will be drawing 176W from the wall.

If electricity in your area costs $0.10/KWh, you'd save around 10 cents every 26 hours of power-on time.

Do be aware that PSU efficiency-vs-output-power graphs aren't flat so while a PSU might be 85% efficient at 150W output, it might only be 77-78% efficient at 100W output.

 

[MWink]

I actually did a test using 3 different power supplies, a super cheap generic 350W, an Antec Smart Power 350W, and a SeaSonic S12 330W. I don't remember the exact results but the difference in their draw in watts was very small (Maybe 10W). However the difference in their draw in voltamps was very significant (around 100VA, I think) but that's due to the fact the SeaSonic has a PFC. Overall if you're concerned about the draw in watts (which is what you probably pay for) then there doesn't seem to be much difference, however if your concerned with the draw in VA then you should get one that has a PFC.

IMO this efficiency hype is just a joke that makes little difference to the average user.