Stupid Question

[Vektor67]

My system currently doesn't need a 1000 W PSU But I'll be overclocking, +/- HDD's, fans, optical's. Perhaps moving to Water. I'm on a whole cable management kick and would really like to go modular. My Question is(and I think I know the answer) if I buy a 1000 W PSU Say the Corsair HX1000 will I be consistently using more electricity than if I bought a 620 or a 750? In reality I could probably get by with a 520 if only just.

[burebista]

From around 200W DC (http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story2&reid=89) you're on 80% efficiency and you should not worry about electricity bill. :)

But a more human choice it will be a Corsair HX520/620. :)

[Vektor67]

Yeah , and in reality even if I do try a water rig the 620 would probably suffice... decisions decisions.

[Klarko]

But for the sake of you upgradeing later I would rather spend the extra money to be safe in the long run :)

[Vektor67]

But for the sake of you upgradeing later I would rather spend the extra money to be safe in the long run :)

That's the problem I'm having, a PSU isn't something like a video card which becomes passe' in a few months.
I'm just a little confused I guess. So a 1000W power supply doesn't use 1000W it just has the potential to provide it should it become necessary. Except of course @ voltage drops due to resistance hence the 80%-90% efficiency. So a 1000w will use more electricity than a 500 W but it won't break the bank if it's an efficient design. as beyond what you system pulls you're only using 20% of the total? am I on the right track?

[burebista]

So a 1000w will use more electricity than a 500 W but it won't break the bank if it's an efficient design. as beyond what you system pulls you're only using 20% of the total? am I on the right track?
Yep, it's correct. :)

[Vektor67]

Thanks for all the help, I ordered the 620HX the 1000 was a bit beyond me atm and while helping to future proof me would most likely be overkill for some time to come. As I understand it this 620 is more like a 750 so I should be
in good shape. The best I could find last night was 200.000 (after rebate) on the 1000 and I managed the 620HX for 111.00(after rebate). So it was a much more comfortable purchase w/o losing much in the way of benefit.
Thanks again