Power supply "future proof"

[lakiee1]

Is there any concept of "future proofing" for power supplies? I've had a 600w one for the last 5 years so i don't feel it is. I'm considering a 650w or 750w xfx powersupply, the price difference is marginal but it all adds up and i don't want to spend extra when the 750 watt is completely unnecessary for my current purchase and would be unnecessary for a purchase in a few years time.

Will a very good 650 watt supply which is more than enough now still be enough in a few years time based on previous trends and with the future having more powerful but more efficient pieces.

 

[Sevenater]

Yes, you can get somewhat Future Proof PSU's. Seeing as the better the technology gets, for the most part more power consumption is needed. I would suggest getting a 750 or 800 PSU, checking that it has support for duel GPU so in the future you can X-fire or SLI. That's pretty much it though. Power supplies don't die very often, especially if they are from a trusted and warrantied brand.

Hope this helps!

 

[Eximo]

Computer power consumption has actually been trending down, especially with Intel boards. GPU power consumption hit a peak in 2010 or so and only the huge custom/enthusiast boards require more then two PCIe connectors. Desktop CPUs are inheriting a lot of functions from mobile CPUs. (Average consumer PC comes with 280 - 430W supplies)

It depends on what you are referring to. Connection standards have been maintained at ATX 2.3 for a while, so in that regard any current power supply will be able to interface with most computer equipment in the future. Vendors will supply adapters as usual to accommodate as much of the available market as possible.

Power output of a supply degrades over time due to capacitor aging, so buying big will make it 'last' longer before instabilities occur.

It really comes down to what you intend to install in your computer.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($114.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $114.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-19 16:36 EST-0500)

 

[lakiee1]

Yes, you can get somewhat Future Proof PSU's. Seeing as the better the technology gets, for the most part more power consumption is needed. I would suggest getting a 750 or 800 PSU, checking that it has support for duel GPU so in the future you can X-fire or SLI. That's pretty much it though. Power supplies don't die very often, especially if they are from a trusted and warrantied brand.

Hope this helps!

Well it's either between a 650 or 750 (xfx ps). I don't really like SLI I'm more looking for insight towards the 650watt still being enough for my next single card upgrade in 3-4 years time.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $59.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-19 19:47 EST-0500)

 

[Sevenater]

Yes, you can get somewhat Future Proof PSU's. Seeing as the better the technology gets, for the most part more power consumption is needed. I would suggest getting a 750 or 800 PSU, checking that it has support for duel GPU so in the future you can X-fire or SLI. That's pretty much it though. Power supplies don't die very often, especially if they are from a trusted and warrantied brand.

Hope this helps!

Well it's either between a 650 or 750 (xfx ps). I don't really like SLI I'm more looking for insight towards the 650watt still being enough for my next single card upgrade in 3-4 years time.

I would go with the 750, but the 650 will do you fine for the future.