PSU's and efficiency.

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G'day everyone! Im coming up to the last few legs of finishing off my gaming PC, and I feel like I'm coming along a lot of misinformation.

I want to get a PSU that's efficient, and will last me for a few up grades, but now that I'm more environmentally minded than I used to be, I want to be more discerning.

Im wondering, if I go for a 650w psu or a 900w, will they both draw the same amount of power to run a system that isnt reaching their capacity?

Should I buy psu's after finalizing a gpu/cpu?

I was leaning towards a 620w 80plus for a i5 4460, gtx 970 build, but if its smarter to go for less to save a dolphin, I'd rather do that.

Also, do those bronze 80 and blah blah things mean much? After much googling, I saw a Shaw 650 was actually 300w or something.

Thanks everyone in advance. You're all really awesome.
 
That being 750w, if I built a system that wasn't using anywhere near as much, would the psu still draw/pump out 750w regardless?

Sorry if this is a stupid question. I just don't want higher power bills for unused power.

Thanks for the fast reply! Xo
 
Bellybama said:
That being 750w, if I built a system that wasn't using anywhere near as much, would the psu still draw/pump out 750w regardless?

Sorry if this is a stupid question. I just don't want higher power bills for unused power.

Thanks for the fast reply! Xo
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Nope. The 750 w or any other wattage ratting is to demonstrate what will be drawn from the wall under maximum load and the actual draw is even a little less (i.e. 750w PSU will actually go up to 735 w due to efficiency during conversion). However, running your PSU anywhere near maximum load is unadvised seeing as your capacitors will have reduced longevity. THIS is why you always get a PSU with a wattage somewhat larger than what you actually need. If you are buying a GPU/CPU with a minimum of 600W/85W get a PSU that is ~ 850W or more. This gives your entire rig more breathing room even under load. Speaking of capacitors look for PSUs that have Japanese capacitors for longer and more durable lifespans.

In regards to the 'Bronze' 'Gold' 'Silver' 'Platinum' ratings for PSUs those are important for 2 reasons. First being that they rate conversion efficiency. All PSUs convert current from the wall to DC current for your PC components to use. In the conversion a certain percentage of power is lost. The better the rating on the PSU the less power is lost during conversion = more power efficiency and better for the environment.
The hierarchy goes like this from okay rating to excellent: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum.
Personally I have only ever used Corsair PSUs in my builds though EVGA, Corsair and Seasonic are all very good quality PSU makers.
 
Also looking into building a small wind/solar farm that will run the PC.
 
The less efficient the PSU is the more power it will draw powering the same system. I wouldn't get anything below a gold rated PSU if you take your system serious.

Seasonic makes some of the best PSU. Corsair HX and AX, Cooler Master, Antec make some good ones.

Whatever you do, do NOT skimp out on getting a good PSU.
 
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