115V vs 230V for PSU longevity

[lexidobe]

Hello everyone, I installed a dedicated circuit in my house for my PC about 8 months ago. After a few days, I got the bright idea to set it up as a 230V circuit, so I have been running my PC on 230V for the last 6 months no problem. My PC has a Seasonic Prime Titanium 1000W PSU and draws about 400 watts maximum. Yes, I know it's overkill. So I am wondering what the effect is on the PSU's longevity running at 115V vs 230V. I know that the PSU is a tiny bit more efficient on higher voltages, but that's not much of a concern to me. Thanks in advance!

[W-L]

9 minutes ago, lexidobe said:

Hello everyone, I installed a dedicated circuit in my house for my PC about 8 months ago. After a few days, I got the bright idea to set it up as a 230V circuit, so I have been running my PC on 230V for the last 6 months no problem. My PC has a Seasonic Prime Titanium 1000W PSU and draws about 400 watts maximum. Yes, I know it's overkill. So I am wondering what the effect is on the PSU's longevity running at 115V vs 230V. I know that the PSU is a tiny bit more efficient on higher voltages, but that's not much of a concern to me. Thanks in advance!

Longevity wise it would be more effected by the temperature of the environment it's in and the power quality itself coming from the wall.

[lexidobe]

21 minutes ago, W-L said:

Longevity wise it would be more effected by the temperature of the environment it's in and the power quality itself coming from the wall.

Thanks. Would higher voltage possibly mean a longer lifespan since it likely runs a tiny bit cooler due to the increased efficiency?

[W-L]

10 minutes ago, lexidobe said:

Thanks. Would higher voltage possibly mean a longer lifespan since it likely runs a tiny bit cooler due to the increased efficiency?

In theory yes with lower amperage and higher efficiency but in the big scheme of things it wouldn't be marginal compared to the other points. 

[lexidobe]

11 minutes ago, W-L said:

In theory yes with lower amperage and higher efficiency but in the big scheme of things it wouldn't be marginal compared to the other points. 

Thanks again. Is there any disadvantage to running at a higher voltage? 

[W-L]

30 minutes ago, lexidobe said:

Thanks again. Is there any disadvantage to running at a higher voltage? 

If you are running a ridiculously high power PSU like one of those 1600W units from EVGA and plan to use all of it, it will require less amperage and wouldn't need it's own dedicated 20A circuit and thicker wiring but other than slight efficiency there isn't much. I believe some have mention that coil whine can be slightly reduced if that is exhibited in your PSU. 

[OrionFOTL]

Running it at 230V will increase the efficiency a little bit, like you noticed yourself, but will also cut the current running through the input filter, bridge rectifier, and PFC in half. That's a big difference particularly in cheap power supplies... not so much in your Seasonic Prime though, but it's always better.

[lexidobe]

4 hours ago, OrionFOTL said:

Running it at 230V will increase the efficiency a little bit, like you noticed yourself, but will also cut the current running through the input filter, bridge rectifier, and PFC in half. That's a big difference particularly in cheap power supplies... not so much in your Seasonic Prime though, but it's always better.

That makes sense, thank you. Is there any argument against running it on a higher voltage? 

[OrionFOTL]

31 minutes ago, lexidobe said:

That makes sense, thank you. Is there any argument against running it on a higher voltage? 

I don't think so.

[lexidobe]

22 hours ago, OrionFOTL said:

I don't think so.

Thank you

[LienusLateTips]

Practically no difference, other than the efficiency.