Question regarding power supply

airtable2222

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Nov 14, 2017
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I do apologize if this is the wrong section. I know the rule of thumb is 80% load for an outlet, but for computer PSUs (Seasonic 1200w for example) is the 80% rule still in effect? Can i load it to the full 1200w or would i want to limit it to 1200*.8 ?
 
Solution
80% isn't really a "rule" at all - each rating (bronze, silver, gold etc) has 'peak' efficiency, usually around the 50-80% range.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_Plus

Generally, a quality "1200W" unit can provide the full 1200W, assuming they have the appropriate Amps on the 12V rail (100A for the full 1200W) as the vast majority of modern components utilize the 12V.

At 100% load, efficiency is reduced slightly. Bronze drops from 85% to 82%, Titanium drops from 94% to 90%.

All that means is (using Titanium as an example), your 1200W unit pulls 1333W from the wall (+11%) vs 638W from the wall for a 600W load if running at "peak" 50% efficiency.


Running at max load, generally, you'll increase heat. Depending on the quality of...

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
80% isn't really a "rule" at all - each rating (bronze, silver, gold etc) has 'peak' efficiency, usually around the 50-80% range.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_Plus

Generally, a quality "1200W" unit can provide the full 1200W, assuming they have the appropriate Amps on the 12V rail (100A for the full 1200W) as the vast majority of modern components utilize the 12V.

At 100% load, efficiency is reduced slightly. Bronze drops from 85% to 82%, Titanium drops from 94% to 90%.

All that means is (using Titanium as an example), your 1200W unit pulls 1333W from the wall (+11%) vs 638W from the wall for a 600W load if running at "peak" 50% efficiency.


Running at max load, generally, you'll increase heat. Depending on the quality of the PSU, the level of heat etc, you may end up shortening it's lifespan some.

Also, PSUs degrade over time, even quality units - so a 1200W PSU for a 1200W rig (assuming it'll run 1200W most of the time) won't necessarily be stable forever.

If you *truly* have a 1200W rig that'll be running near 100% load most of the time, I'd aim for something like a 1600W PSU for that added headroom (and slightly improved efficiency) .
 
Solution
I'm not sure what you're doing with the power supply, but I spoke with a SeaSonic representative and they told me they do not typically encourage people to use their power supplies for mining (24/7 load) because they were designed for PC systems (8hr/day usage). But he said the power supply will handle near 100% load for typical PC system usage. If mining I would suggest keeping the 80% rule in mind.