Power suply efficiency

[Andrusa]

I have a Corsair VS650 (old version, 5 years since I bought it, I have seen a new one where the writing is white and has an 80+ bronze rating, mine has none). I was wondering, is there a big difference between no 80+ rating and a basic one, like bronze or silver? Is it worth it to upgrade the power supply to one with these kinds of ratings?

[filpo]

31 minutes ago, Andrusa said:

is there a big difference between no 80+ rating and a basic one, like bronze or silver? Is it worth it to upgrade the power supply to one with these kinds of ratings?

If your current one is working well enough then no. But efficiency could be more useful in Europe where the energy prices are higher. I would say as a rule of thumb to always get at least an 80+ rating (doesn't need to be bronze) but at least 80+

[SorryBella]

5 minutes ago, Andrusa said:

is there a big difference between no 80+ rating and a basic one, like bronze or silver? Is it worth it to upgrade the power supply to one with these kinds of ratings?

No not really especially when nowadays everyone and their mother who have enough cash to go to 80plus can just get it with the most subpar built PSU in the world.

 

[Spotty]

16 minutes ago, Andrusa said:

I was wondering, is there a big difference between no 80+ rating and a basic one, like bronze or silver? Is it worth it to upgrade the power supply to one with these kinds of ratings?

The wikipedia page for 80+ has what efficiency level each of the different ratings are required to reach.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_Plus#Efficiency_level_certifications

 

Whether it is worth it to replace a less efficient power supply with a more efficient power supply depends on how much power your computer consumes, how long the computer runs each day, how much your electricity costs, and the cost of a new power supply.

 

You can calculate how much it costs using the following formula:

(Power Draw (W) / Efficiency) * Hours * (Cost (kWh) / 1000) = Cost to run per day

 

For example
Your PC draws 150W on average with your use

You use it for 8 hours a day

Your electricity costs 30c/kW

Your PSU is 80+ Standard (let's say 80% efficient at the 150W load)

 

(150W / 0.8) * 8 * (0.30/1000) = $0.45 to run per day ($164 per year)

 

If you swap for a more efficient 80+ Gold PSU that is 90% efficient.

(150W / 0.9) * 8 * (0.30/1000) = $0.40 to run per day ($146 per year)

 

In that example you would save $18 per year in power cost by swapping to a more efficient 80+ Gold power supply. Over a period of 5 years that might add up enough to justify the cost of a new power supply.
If your system uses more power, you run the PC for longer, or your electricity costs are higher then the savings would be much more. Inversely if you use your computer less, it doesn't draw as much power, or your electricity cost is cheaper then it might not be worth the cost to upgrade to a more efficient power supply.

[Andrusa]

10 minutes ago, Spotty said:

The wikipedia page for 80+ has what efficiency level each of the different ratings are required to reach.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_Plus#Efficiency_level_certifications

 

Whether it is worth it to replace a less efficient power supply with a more efficient power supply depends on how much power your computer consumes, how long the computer runs each day, how much your electricity costs, and the cost of a new power supply.

 

You can calculate how much it costs using the following formula:

(Power Draw (W) / Efficiency) * Hours * (Cost (kWh) / 1000) = Cost to run per day

 

For example
Your PC draws 150W on average with your use

You use it for 8 hours a day

Your electricity costs 30c/kW

Your PSU is 80+ Standard (let's say 80% efficient at the 150W load)

 

(150W / 0.8) * 8 * (0.30/1000) = $0.45 to run per day ($164 per year)

 

If you swap for a more efficient 80+ Gold PSU that is 90% efficient.

(150W / 0.9) * 8 * (0.30/1000) = $0.40 to run per day ($146 per year)

 

In that example you would save $18 per year in power cost by swapping to a more efficient 80+ Gold power supply. Over a period of 5 years that might add up enough to justify the cost of a new power supply.
If your system uses more power, you run the PC for longer, or your electricity costs are higher then the savings would be much more. Inversely if you use your computer less, it doesn't draw as much power, or your electricity cost is cheaper then it might not be worth the cost to upgrade to a more efficient power supply.

alright thanks man, this helped me a ton!