PC power supply: everything you need to know before buying
Like the CPU and the hard disk, the PC power supply is one of the required computer modules. If the power supply breaks, it needs replacement. In this case, the defective component provides initial clues to find a comparable model. If you want to disassemble your PC yourself, you should pay attention to further points. The Watt indication alone is not decisive. Techsner reveals which seal you should pay attention to and what other properties count.
First of all: a current PC power supply must be able to
Provide enough Power: power supplies are available in different power classes depending on the application. From 400 watts it usually starts.Score with Extras: removable and sheathed cables (cable management and Sleeve) as well as a (semi-)passive operation are among the Extras, but go into the money.
Be prepared for the future: the optimal power supply is prepared for component changes, so it offers free connections and power reserves (in Watts). This is usually the case with brand devices
Why does a PC need a power supply?
Alternating current comes from the socket, but the PC components work with direct current. This results in the main task of the power supply: it must convert alternating current into direct current. In addition, each component of the computer needs a certain voltage, some even require several voltages at the same time. The power supply ensures that each part receives the necessary voltage. For this purpose, it distributes the current to different cables with different voltages.
How much power should the power supply have?
This depends on the area of application! A simple office computer without a dedicated graphics card comes with a 300 Watt power supply. A game PC, on the other hand, should have at least a 550-Watt power supply, because a powerful Pixel accelerator and a nimble processor thirst for power. High-end systems with more than one graphics card may need a power supply with 750 watts or more to satisfy the energy craving. In addition to the total wattage, the current on the individual lines and the total power of all lines (Combined Power) determine the application possibilities of a power supply. The manufacturers give Details on their websites and by sticker on each individual power supply.
There are calculators on the Internet that recommend suitable power supplies based on individual configurations. The power supply calculator from Be quiet is popular! which exclusively suggests suitable devices from the manufacturer. Alternatively, the calculator from Enermax with finer setting options is recommended. The Watt indication helps in the assessment, which power supply (if necessary from another manufacturer) is needed for your PC. Brands with good reputations include Corsair, Enermax, be quiet! and Seasonic.
What happens if the power supply is too weak?
Then the Computer can crash – for example, while playing games or playing a video. Because the components absorb so much power that the power supply can no longer reliably supply them with the required voltage.
How do power supplies differ?
If a power supply manufacturer wants to adorn itself with one of the coveted 80-Plus seals, the corresponding device must have a certain efficiency in defined load scenarios, which the Plug Load Solutions specifies.
What else makes a good power supply?
PC power supplies in comparison
With the collected knowledge it is now easy to find a suitable power supply for your PC. The PC power supply comparison is a good place to find out about the performance, equipment and noise level of the components. In the table, devices from Corsair, Thermaltake and LC-Power are juxtaposed. The comparison winner is the Top model and the price-performance winner usually convinces with a decent range of functions at a reasonable price.
Post a Comment for "PC power supply: everything you need to know before buying"