Gateway Parts

Computer Power Supply Question?

I don't know why I can't remember the answer to this question. The processor I'm buying says that it's 'Thermal Design Power' is 125W. The power supply I want to get (it's part of a combo discount) is rated at 700W. Now does that mean that (after powering the CPU) it will have an output of 650W? In other words, I'll have 650W (w/o CPU) to use elseware in the system? Is there anything else I should know about the power supply? Power Supply Specs. Max Power: 700W PFC: Active +12V Rail: Single PCI Express connector: 2 x 6+2-pin SATAbPower Connector: 9 SLI: Certified CrossFire: Ready (I will be doing this) Effivience: > 85% Hold-Up Time: 17ms min Power good signal: 100-500ms

Public Comments

1. No, the Thermal Design Power is the amount if heat the processor can dissipate without exceeding the maximum junction temperature for the computer chip.
2. Well, your power supply will put out just what is demanded of it, and not more. Meaning, that if you have 700W of power, and your system requires 375W, the power supply will put out 375W, no more, until you increase the demand. So if your CPU is using 50Ws, and the other devices use 200 Watts total, you use 250 Watts, and your power supply will send out 250Watts, with the other 450W being available when you need them. Electricity is funny in that it will only supply what is needed, and nothing more. For instance, in your house, when you turn on a 100 watt light bulb, the power coming in increases by 100 watts, no a watt more, and then when you turn off a light, the power goes down the same amount, instantly. The power in the lines is there, but not being used until you need it. ------------------------- And as mentioned before, the themal power is the max used by the cpu, but not what it will run at always.