Understanding 2,000 Watt PC Power Supplies

Key Points

• Market Presence: There are 2,000 watt PC power supplies available, but they are not popular among most consumers.
• Efficiency Concerns: These power supplies are most efficient at around 40% load (800 watts), but typical PCs may not use 200 watts when idle, leading to inefficiency and higher power bills.
• Target Audience:
  • Cryptocurrency Miners: Require high power for extensive computations.
  • Workstations: Used for tasks like 3D modeling, AI training, or scientific simulations, which may involve multiple graphics cards.
• Electrical Limitations:
  • In North America, standard wall sockets provide 120 volts, needing almost 17 amps for a 2,000-watt supply at full load.
  • Most home wiring is rated for 15 amps, which can cause circuit breakers to trip or even pose a fire risk.
  • Some buildings have 20 amp outlets, often in kitchens, but running a 2,000 watt power supply continuously can still trip breakers designed for 80% load (averaging 1760 watts).
• Considerations:
  • Special circuits are necessary for safely running these power supplies in a North American home, generally a costly modification.
  • Some 2,000 watt power supplies work with 230 volt outlets found in Europe, requiring less amperage, and are sometimes sold as 1600 watt versions in North America due to voltage limitations.
  • Even a 1600 watt supply is abundant for typical gaming PCs, which don't draw near that much power.
• Conclusion: For most users, particularly in North America, the need for such high-wattage power supplies is uncommon, and practical use is hindered by domestic electrical infrastructure limitations.

Final Thoughts

Engaging with this type of power supply requires understanding both its targeted use cases and the limitations posed by conventional home electrical systems. If you're interested in exploring more about why cheaper power supplies might be a bad idea, there’s a linked video suggested at the end.

Note: If you have other topics you wish us to explore, feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments!