Green Computer Power Supply – 80Plus Rating

Did you know that most older computer power supplies are not very efficient?

Replacing your power supply will a modern 80PLUS certified model will instantly reduce power use.  My old power supply’s efficiency was a  meager 60%.  80plus.org has a calculator to see potential savings. On a typical Energy Star 4.0 Desktop, you save $14 a year. On older desktops, you will save more.

The Antec 380 Watts Earth Power Supplies is a low cost ($50) eco-friendly, energy-efficient ATX power supply I upgraded to.  It is more than 80% efficient at 20%, 50% & 100% load. I instantly found that my machine used about 15% less power with the new power supply over a Ultra Power supply or an Antec 300 Watt PP-303XP power supply.  It will probably take over a year to make back this small amount, but I plan to keep this power supply for many years. ou can buy it in a bundle with the Kill a Watt power meter for $60. Anandtech has an article that outlines typical PC power usage.

Tom’s Hardware also remind people that you want a power supply sized for your power needs. Using a 1000 Watt supply for only 50 watt of needed power will result in the power supply not operating in its most efficient zone, even if it is 80PLUS rated.

Even more efficient are 80 Plus Gold power supplies. 87% efficiency at 100% load.  Some power supplies are over 90% efficient.

Posted on February 2nd, 2010
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