MotherBoard question

[runo]

I invite you to read reviews that actually measure efficiency. It isn't marketing crapola, it is fact. Hell, even read the 80 PLUS specifications.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_PLUS#Efficiency_level_certifications

Any gaming rig is going to look at a ballpark of 500-550w for a solid single GPU and... what, 650-750w for CFX/SLI (maybe more if you use three GPUs in one CFX/SLI setup)? I don't think I'd want to have to spend the money on a 1200w+ quality PSU just to get the supposed benefits of the "50% = maximum efficiency" rumor.

It's just one benefit that I think is overshadowed by the fact that I'd save a lot of money if I didn't shell out hundreds of dollars for wattage I'll never use and never see any practical use out of.

If there is solid evidence (aside from Wikipedia and what the power supply marketing teams claim) to support this notion, I will happily eat a sock.

 

[Muffs]

You should do fine with your build and everything... also I have a 21in monitor at 1440/900 how does that work

 

[reflex99]

Any gaming rig is going to look at a ballpark of 500-550w for a solid single GPU and... what, 650-750w for CFX/SLI (maybe more if you use three GPUs in one CFX/SLI setup)? I don't think I'd want to have to spend the money on a 1200w+ quality PSU just to get the supposed benefits of the "50% = maximum efficiency" rumor.

It's just one benefit that I think is overshadowed by the fact that I'd save a lot of money if I didn't shell out hundreds of dollars for wattage I'll never use and never see any practical use out of.

If there is solid evidence (aside from Wikipedia and what the power supply marketing teams claim) to support this notion, I will happily eat a sock.

not to mention your PC sits at idle most of the time, where it uses like 100w or less, so with a 1kw unit you would be getting really cruddy efficiency

 

[The Freakin' FCC]

I invite you to ACTUALLY read what i posted.

I can summarize if you want:

Peak efficiency is between 50 and 60ish percent depending on the platform, not disagreeing with you there.. Say your rig uses 100w max at full load (just for easy math). To get peak efficiency, you would need to get about 200w power supply.

BUT, this assumes that you are running your rig at 100% 24/7 (or whenever you use it). I really do not find this a likely scenario for any rig other than a render farm, F@H rig, or whatever. Most normal rigs sit at idle most of the time.

In the case of the sample, for simple math, we will say it idles at 50w.

Since you idle more than you run full load, it makes more sense to buy a power supply that is MOST efficient at idle.

In the case of the sample, a 110-120w power supply would probably be ideal.

(again, it is just a sample for easy math, but you can apply to concept to anything)


50% more than you need is a load of crap no need to buy a 1500w power supply for a 1kw rig. It's just silly.

Most modern power supplies are at least 80% efficient throughout the entire load curve. Getting an overrated power supply, especially the low quality one mentioned is just wasteful.

 

[reflex99]

yes?

 

[cluster.roadkill]

just read the OP's post and a few other replies on the first page (rest seem like flame wars), decent system
+1 to getting another PSU 650-750 range

also - since you're on a budget it might not matter but get a crossfire ready board for an AMD video card? I'm currently on an Xfire ready board but with an nvidia card so i'd have to get rid of my current card and buy two new ones if i want to ever Xfire, so money kinda lost...

pricing - +1 to price match at newegg or something, not sure about US sites but when i was building my system i used http://www.shopbot.ca/ a ton to find cheaper deals and request they be matched. should be one for the US as well.

 

[!EpIc fAiL!]

just read the OP's post and a few other replies on the first page (rest seem like flame wars), decent system
+1 to getting another PSU 650-750 range

also - since you're on a budget it might not matter but get a crossfire ready board for an AMD video card? I'm currently on an Xfire ready board but with an nvidia card so i'd have to get rid of my current card and buy two new ones if i want to ever Xfire, so money kinda lost...

pricing - +1 to price match at newegg or something, not sure about US sites but when i was building my system i used http://www.shopbot.ca/ a ton to find cheaper deals and request they be matched. should be one for the US as well.

Ya i went with a gigabyte CFX board as it was the same price as the gigabyte that didn't support CFX. That way if i ever decide to CFX two cards i can.

I am locking this thread as there is no further need for discussion.