PSU efficiency and running cost calculator
Compare two 80 Plus ratings. See the wall power, the yearly running cost and how many years a more efficient power supply takes to pay for itself.
How the cost is calculated
A power supply turns wall power into the steady power your PC uses, and wastes some as heat. If your PC needs 350 W and the unit is 90 percent efficient, it draws about 389 W from the wall. The calculator divides your load by each unit's efficiency, converts it to kilowatt hours over a year, and multiplies by your price. The difference between A and B is your yearly saving.
80 Plus efficiency at 50 percent load
| Rating | Minimum efficiency |
|---|---|
| 80 Plus White | 80% |
| Bronze | 85% |
| Silver | 88% |
| Gold | 90% |
| Platinum | 92% |
| Titanium | 94% |
Figures are for 115 V non-redundant units. Size your unit with the PSU wattage calculator and see your whole PC's bill in the electricity cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is an 80 Plus Gold power supply worth it?
It can be if you game a lot. Gold wastes less power as heat than Bronze, which lowers your electricity bill and often means a quieter fan. The saving depends on your load, hours and tariff, so use the calculator to see how long the extra purchase cost takes to repay.
What does 80 Plus efficiency mean?
It is a certification showing the minimum efficiency a power supply reaches at set loads. A 90 percent efficient unit turns 90 percent of the power it draws from the wall into usable power for your PC and loses the rest as heat. Higher ratings waste less.
Does a higher 80 Plus rating mean better quality?
Not necessarily. Efficiency does not measure ripple, protections, build quality or warranty. Higher tiers often use better parts, but you should still check independent reviews. Choose a reputable unit with a long warranty, then use efficiency as a tiebreaker.
How accurate is the PSU running cost estimate?
It uses the minimum efficiency at 50 percent load for each tier, so real units often do slightly better and efficiency changes with load. It is a guide for comparing tiers, not an exact measurement. A plug-in power meter shows your true wall draw.
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