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It is widely believed that a more powerful power supply will also cover future PC upgrade projects.
However, most gaming PCs only require around 300 to 500 watts under full load, so a 1000 watt power supply is far more than necessary. It could theoretically power two such systems simultaneously.
Even in a high-performance PC scenario such as with the currently most powerful gaming graphics card Nvidia Geforce RTX 4090 and the most powerful CPU AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7995WX, which together would have a maximum power consumption of 800 watts, a 1000 watt power supply would still be oversized.
Nvidia itself recommends a minimum of 850 watts for such configurations, which calls into question the actual use of a 1000 watt power supply.
Calculate power supply: How many watts does my PC need?
Even high-end PCs like this example computer from Mifcom use less power than expected. With an oversized power supply, you’re wasting money unnecessarily.
Even high-end PCs like this example computer from Mifcom use less power than expected. With an oversized power supply, you’re wasting money unnecessarily.
Mifcom
Even high-end PCs like this example computer from Mifcom use less power than expected. With an oversized power supply, you’re wasting money unnecessarily.
Mifcom
Mifcom
Another argument against oversized power supplies is efficiency. Although power supplies with higher wattage waste less energy at the same load, the difference in efficiency is often marginal. It only leads to a saving of about one to two euros per year, even if the PC is in use for eight hours a day.
Future hardware will typically be more energy efficient. Technology advances and with smaller transistors, newer devices operate more efficiently. This means less power is needed to achieve the same performance.
Reading tip: How to find the right power supply for your PC
A 650-watt power supply that powers a high-performance graphics card like the Nvidia RTX 4070 today could probably power a hypothetical RTX 6070 in the future.
High-end power supplies like the Corsair HX1200i with over a thousand watts of power are absolutely over-dimensioned for most gamers. It is better to invest in components that actually improve performance.
High-end power supplies like the Corsair HX1200i with over a thousand watts of power are absolutely over-dimensioned for most gamers. It is better to invest in components that actually improve performance.
Corsair
High-end power supplies like the Corsair HX1200i with over a thousand watts of power are absolutely over-dimensioned for most gamers. It is better to invest in components that actually improve performance.
Corsair
Corsair
A quality power supply is more important than high wattage. Brands like Corsair, Seasonic, EVGA and Bequiet are known for their quality and offer a better investment than unknown brands that may not deliver the promised performance or quality.
When buying a power supply, it’s better to focus on quality rather than wattage. A 650-watt power supply from a reputable brand will provide enough power for most mid-sized gaming computers while ensuring efficiency and reliability.
Reading tip: The best PC power supplies – buying guide
Please don’t be fooled into thinking that an oversized power supply will cover future hardware upgrades. Instead, invest the money in components that will actually improve performance.
Source: German