Power draw of power supply. 700watt vs 1000 watt, etc

[ted leslie]

I am planning a new computer and have researched powersupplies.
The
Zalman ZM1000-HP
seems to be the best (in my criterion of low noise, quality and power).
But, I probably will only be grabbing 600-700watts from it (at this time) max.

All things considered equal, 
what is the power draw of a 700watt PSU loaded up say 600watt in use,
vs a 1000watt PSU loaded up to same 600watt use? (i have a suspicion its not 600watts in both)?
In otherwords, I don't mind having the 1000watt unit for its quality and future expansion,
but if it  ends up using 50-100-150-200 more watts (for what ever reason), and I run my PC 24/7,
it may not be a case were getting the big rig is the smart choice.
I know if you relate it to "class a" amp. theory, it has to be full power hungry so it can render 
the amplication immediately. And with a PC-PSU i don't know if to deliver 1000watts (when needed), it
has to use more (to be prepared for immediate delivery when required) then a lesser watt PSU. 
In addition this Zalman unit says it can handle peak of 1250.
Also, under equal loads, will the larger unit create more heat? i guess naturally if it did use more
wattage, it would thus create more heat.

I know you always want a supply that is rated for more wattage then you are going to ask for, with a decent 
(whatever that would be) buffer, but can you take a hit in your home hydro bill if you go for a 
monster supply (all be it "with same efficiency rating"?), and never use the extra room?



-- 
ted leslie <tleslie-RBVUpeUoHUc at public.gmane.org>
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