Overkill PSU for low noise under load

[BetteBalterZen]

Hello all

Is it correctly understood that if my system draws around 650w and I have a 1200w PSU, the PSU fan might not even start spinning or if it does, it's very low in RPM which means low to no noise under load? 

Awkwardly enough, I just found out my blowerstyle GPU isn't only what causes my PC to be so loud under load, it's also my old Corsair HX750w from 2013. 
Soon I will get my RTX 3000 series ROG STRIX and I'm aiming for undervolting to have a very low noise level while gaming (I like to use speakers, so no headset)
but I also want my PSU to be quiet. I don't care about efficiency - if it has to draw 300w instead of 250w, that's fine, but
If I got myself the HX1200i PSU for my system that would draw around 650w under load when getting the new GPU, would that mean almost silent to maybe fully silent? 

 

Thanks 

[The_russian]

I was in almost the same exact situation, I had an old Corsair TX750 and man that thing was loud. I ended up replacing it with a 1000W EVGA psu for the reason you mentioned, I have not heard my psu since. If you want a silent system that’s the way I would go.

[BetteBalterZen]

Just now, The_russian said:

I was in almost the same exact situation, I had an old Corsair TX750 and man that thing was loud. I ended up replacing it with a 1000W EVGA psu for the reason you mentioned, I have not heard my psu since. If you want a silent system that’s the way I would go.

Thank you so much The_russian

This was exactly the kind of answer I was hoping for - someone that has been in the same situation. 

I will order the 1200i asap. 

[straight_stewie]

3 minutes ago, BetteBalterZen said:

This was exactly the kind of answer I was hoping for - someone that has been in the same situation. 

Additionally, for longevity reasons (which I suspect you fall into because you've had your current PSU for 7 years), you generally want to keep your PSU loading at 60% or below. A PSU will last basically for ever with that level of utilization.

Low stress means low noise, better stability, and longer life. A larger than necessary power supply is a good deal all around if you can afford one.

[SavageNeo]

5 minutes ago, BetteBalterZen said:

Thank you so much The_russian

This was exactly the kind of answer I was hoping for - someone that has been in the same situation. 

I will order the 1200i asap. 

dark power 11/ straight power 11 are more quiter than the 1200i.

[Mateyyy]

The fan ramps according to temperature, not load percentage, so getting a PSU with a good quality fan is what you want instead of going all out on the wattage, just to get a Seasonic unit with some crappy Hong Hua fan.

[BetteBalterZen]

Thanks all for your comments. 

I prefer to use a retailer available in Denmark, Norway and Sweden and they only mostly had the 1200i (1000 watt + models). I read the 1200i still was very quiet and good, so I'm okay with that. Worst case scenario, I can always send it back withi 60 days. 

Mateyyy, I did look for Seasonic - but only 500/600w models were available. 

[flashiling]

44 minutes ago, BetteBalterZen said:

Mateyyy

you forgot to quote him, if  you wanted a response he might not have seen your comment.

[BetteBalterZen]

4 minutes ago, flashiling said:

you forgot to quote him, if  you wanted a response he might not have seen your comment.

Ah true, thank you. I don't really need a response though, since Seasonic isn't available. 

[quan289]

5 hours ago, BetteBalterZen said:

Hello all

Is it correctly understood that if my system draws around 650w and I have a 1200w PSU, the PSU fan might not even start spinning or if it does, it's very low in RPM which means low to no noise under load? 

 

That depends on the PSU. Some PSUs can get louder if you were to get a higher wattage unit, because they will generate more heat at full load, requiring a more powerful fan, and thus have a higher startup voltage where the fan will spin up at a higher RPM at low loads. A good example of this is the EVGA Supernova 550 G3 and 850 G3. Interestingly enough, going with a higher wattage unit didn't change when the PSU was in passive mode (fanless) @ 30C but when it spun up, the 550w unit not only stayed ~10dBA quieter, it was quieter at almost its ENTIRE load range than the 850w.

 

If low noise is a priority, then it would be in your best interest to look for PSUs with a high quality, quiet fan and a relax fan profile in the first place. Also, while getting a higher wattage unit may cause the passive mode threshold to extend to a higher load, be wary of having your load at that threshold where it switches to active mode. Either have it stay off or stay on - not on/off several times in a single gaming session. Having it turn on and off intermittently can be distracting, as well as can causing unnecessary wear on certain bearings and may decrease it lifespan. During the initial startup, a FDB will have the most stress, as it needs to spin up and circulate the oil, where the oil pressure is build up to stabilized the bearing and have it spin freely.

[BetteBalterZen]

1 hour ago, quan289 said:

 

That depends on the PSU. Some PSUs can get louder if you were to get a higher wattage unit, because they will generate more heat at full load, requiring a more powerful fan, and thus have a higher startup voltage where the fan will spin up at a higher RPM at low loads. A good example of this is the EVGA Supernova 550 G3 and 850 G3. Interestingly enough, going with a higher wattage unit didn't change when the PSU was in passive mode (fanless) @ 30C but when it spun up, the 550w unit not only stayed ~10dBA quieter, it was quieter at almost its ENTIRE load range than the 850w.

 

If low noise is a priority, then it would be in your best interest to look for PSUs with a high quality, quiet fan and a relax fan profile in the first place. Also, while getting a higher wattage unit may cause the passive mode threshold to extend to a higher load, be wary of having your load at that threshold where it switches to active mode. Either have it stay off or stay on - not on/off several times in a single gaming session. Having it turn on and off intermittently can be distracting, as well as can causing unnecessary wear on certain bearings and may decrease it lifespan. During the initial startup, a FDB will have the most stress, as it needs to spin up and circulate the oil, where the oil pressure is build up to stabilized the bearing and have it spin freely.

Thank you! Very good and detailed information.

 

I have ordered the 1200i. But I will certainly remember what you have explained. If anything seems off with my new PSU when I get it, I will look for another one. I can return it within 60 days.

 

Thanks again

[none77]

https://www.cybenetics.com/index.php?option=database&params=2,1,28

go to database

*I don't get why under 370W in the 750 and 600W in the 1200 the color is not red, the fan not spin.

I looked at newer reports, there is a psu noise column, the y axis is remain fan noise.

 

[Ankerson]

3 hours ago, none77 said:

I don't get why under 370W in the 750 and 600W in the 1200 the color is not red, the fan not spin.

 

 

The OP has the old (2013) HX 750, semi modular Gold Rated vers.

 

Not the Current newer HX 750 Full Modular Platinum and Multi Rail vers that Cybernetics has in the database.

[none77]

It just was for the demonstration for load levels.