Question About Power Levels

stephend1

Having newly returned to the game I am tinkering with my Escort. I have read all the guides I can but have not found an answer to this specific question.

I am level 50 and due to gear and skills my power levels sit above the defaults. So for example at 100 Weapon Power I am at the 125 cap. Other systems are similar. Now I noticed I can bring the power down to 85 and still be at the 125 cap.

Is it a good idea to do this and then be able to redistribute the other 15 power to say shields? It seems to me that there is 15 power being wasted as it is not contributing due to my other bonuses. Unless there is some other mechanic I don't understand?

**Edit** I run 3 DC's and a Quantum Torp up front and 3 turrets in the rear

stephend1

fulleatherjacket wrote: »

No. The extra power over 125 won't increase your weapon damage, but it does still exist and it will help to prevent your weapon power from going below 125 when you have all weapons firing.

That makes sense. Thanks for the answer. I don't suppose there is any way to see how far over the cap you are sitting?

momaw

Worth pointing out that, as far as I know, no subsystems other than Weapons benefit in any way from "over capping". So if you've got a surplus of power in other areas, do feel free to trim back your power allocation until those just nudge 125. And don't forget to include Emergency Power To Foo in your calculations if you've got those up all the time. For example, a heavy cruiser might use an EPTS3 loop, which means that setting your power any higher than about 80, even on your most defensive setting, is a waste of power since EPTS3 will take you right to the max.

jadensecura

momaw wrote: »

Worth pointing out that, as far as I know, no subsystems other than Weapons benefit in any way from "over capping".

Aux does, if you have drains to it like the Vesta's Aux DHCs or the MACO set's Heavy Graviton Beam. I've seen that myself, although I need Energy Siphon to get there. Of course, those aren't relevant to a lot of people.

ericphail

Does overcapping actually still exist?
I thought people had decided that it seemed to have gone in a thread a few weeks back.

(If it does still exist I need to adjust my power levels again...)

lasonio

yup it exist, me personally i have an op energy tac so i have my settings wonky a nit to the point that i'm only at 125 and no further and the furthest my power levels drop is to 100 and goes back. 19.4/1 so energy drain is nothing to me so i have high shields and aux on my escort. Not sure why but it makes me feel better to have 125/100/65/65 and when i add a warp core eng lol my lord somebody save my enemy he's a dead man when i see him :P