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Power Supply Units

Power Supply Units

POWER SUPPLY UNITS (PSU): ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

The Power Supply Unit (PSU) is one of the most critical—and often underestimated—components in a computer.
It’s responsible for delivering the right amount of power (watts), voltage (volts), and current (amperes) to every part of your system.
Choosing the wrong PSU can cause serious damage or instability, so selecting a reliable one is key to a healthy PC.

To make understanding easier, we’ll break down PSUs into four core aspects you should always consider.


1. POWER OUTPUT

The wattage of a PSU (measured in watts, or W) represents how much power it can provide to your system.
Choosing an adequate wattage ensures stable performance and protects your components from power fluctuations.

Your power requirement depends on the hardware you’re using: a high-end CPU, powerful GPU, and multiple drives or peripherals all increase demand.

As a rule of thumb, choose a PSU that delivers 20–30% more wattage than your estimated total usage.
This overhead keeps your system stable under heavy load and leaves room for future upgrades.

Tip: A higher-wattage PSU does not draw more electricity by default. It only provides what the system needs and operates more efficiently when not at full capacity.

Common Wattage Ranges

  • 300–500W: Ideal for basic office computers or systems with integrated graphics.

  • 500–750W: Suitable for mid-range gaming PCs and productivity setups.

  • 750–1000W: Recommended for high-performance gaming or creative workstations.

  • 1000W+: Necessary for extreme builds with top-tier CPUs, GPUs, or heavy overclocking.

You can estimate your total power requirement using this online calculator, though we recommend at least 850W for most gaming builds to ensure headroom and stability.


2. SIZE & FORM FACTOR

PSUs come in different physical sizes (form factors), each designed for specific case types.

  • ATX: The standard size used in most full and mid-tower cases.

  • SFX: A compact version designed for small form factor or mini-ITX cases.

  • SFX-L: Slightly longer than SFX, allowing for quieter fans and better airflow while staying compact.

Before purchasing, verify that the PSU dimensions are compatible with your case.
Also note that SFX and SFX-L units often include shorter cables compared to ATX models.

Most compact PSUs include adapter brackets for mounting them inside standard ATX cases if needed.


3. EFFICIENCY CERTIFICATION

A PSU’s efficiency rating indicates how effectively it converts AC power from the outlet into DC power used by your components.
The most recognized standard is 80 PLUS, which guarantees at least 80% power efficiency, meaning no more than 20% of the electricity is wasted as heat.

Efficient PSUs generate less heat, consume less power, and tend to last longer.

80 PLUS Certification Levels

  • Bronze

  • Silver

  • Gold

  • Platinum

  • Titanium

Each level represents a higher efficiency rating and better internal build quality.
We strongly recommend choosing a Gold-rated PSU or higher, unless you’re assembling a low-cost system without gaming or streaming in mind.

✅ Certified PSUs not only improve reliability but also reduce your system’s carbon footprint through better energy efficiency.


4. MODULARITY

Cable design is another important feature when selecting a PSU. It affects both ease of installation and case airflow.

  • Non-Modular: All cables are permanently attached. Cheaper, but often messy since unused cables remain in the case.

  • Semi-Modular: Some essential cables (like the motherboard power) are fixed, while others are removable for flexibility.

  • Fully Modular: Every cable can be detached. This allows you to connect only what’s necessary, resulting in cleaner cable management and better airflow.

💡 Recommendation: Always opt for a fully modular PSU whenever possible—it simplifies setup, reduces clutter, and enhances the system’s overall appearance.


RECOMMENDED POWER SUPPLIES

For gaming or high-performance PCs, we suggest a minimum of 850W with at least a Gold efficiency certification.
This ensures stable power delivery, supports overclocking, and provides room for future component upgrades.

Higher-wattage PSUs also offer:

  • Greater flexibility for new hardware

  • Higher efficiency at partial loads

  • Longer lifespan and improved reliability

Investing in a quality power supply is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your system’s long-term stability and safety.

⚠️ Important: Always use the original cables that came with your PSU. Third-party cables can cause shorts or voltage inconsistencies, potentially damaging your components.

ASUS ROG Thor 1600W Titanium

CORSAIR “RMe”

Ver en Amazon
EVGA SuperNOVA 850 P2, 80+ PLATINUM 850W

MSI MPG “AG”

Ver en Amazon
Corsair RM850x (2021) Fully Modular ATX PSU

CORSAIR “HX”

Ver en Amazon
Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 850W 80+ Gold

ASUS ROG “THOR”

Ver en Amazon
Seasonic PRIME TX-1000, 80+ Titanium, 1000W

CORSAIR “SFX”

Ver en Amazon
Cooler Master V850 Gold V2 White Edition

ASUS ROG “LOKI”

Ver en Amazon
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