Why Isn’t Anyone Buying 2000 W Power Supplies?
0 up · 0 down · 0 ratings
Promos
Discover all your servers and map business apps instantly with Faddom: faddom.com It's possible to buy 2000-watt power supplies, but why do so few of them get sold? Leave a reply with your requests for future episodes. ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► GET A VPN: piavpn.com ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: @LinusTech Instagram: @linustech TikTok: @linustech Twitch: twitch.tv
The video opens by noting that 2,000 watt PC power supplies are available yet surprisingly few buyers opt for them. It explains that while these units can offer more watts per dollar, their efficiency profile is awkward at typical idle or light-load scenarios, which means wasted power and higher electricity costs for many users. The host demonstrates how power supplies are most efficient around 40 percent load, which for a 2,000 W unit translates to about 800 W, a figure not typically reached when a PC is idle or performing light tasks like web browsing. The discussion then covers legitimate use cases for such high wattage PSUs, including cryptocurrency mining rigs, high-end workstations for 3D modeling or AI training, and machines running multiple graphics cards, where sustained high power draw is common. The segment also outlines practical constraints for running a 2,000 W PSU at home, especially in North America where standard outlets are 120 V and circuits are typically 15 A, making it risky to exceed continuous load limits over time. The host compares regional differences, noting that some 2,000 W PSUs are designed for 230 V outlets used in Europe and that even 1,600 W models may struggle to reach rated loads on typical gaming setups. The video concludes by emphasizing the infrastructural considerations, such as possibly needing specialized circuits or multiple outlets, and teases further discussion with a recommendation to watch related content and try a free trial of a mapping tool introduced mid-roll.
Topics · computer_hardware · energy_efficiency · electrical_engineering · consumer_technology · hardware_performance · electricity_and_wiring
Questions answered
- Why are 2,000 W power supplies uncommon for typical desktop PCs?
- Because at idle or light workloads their efficiency drops, increasing the effective energy use and electricity costs, which makes a very high wattage PSU impractical for most setups.
- Can a 2,000 W PSU be safely used in a standard North American home?
- Not usually, since 120 V outlets and common 15 A circuits often cannot sustain continuous high loads without tripping breakers or overheating; specialized wiring or multiple outlets may be required for long-duration use.
- What are legitimate use cases for 2,000 W PSUs?
- High-end workstations for 3D rendering or AI training, CPU/GPU intensive tasks, and cryptocurrency mining rigs that routinely draw large amounts of power.