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Power Supply Units (PSU): What You Need to Know
The power supply unit, or PSU, is the component responsible for managing the power (Watts), voltage (Volts), and current (Amperes) for each individual component in your system. Skimping on this part can have serious consequences. Choosing the right PSU is extremely important, even though it's often underestimated. There's a lot to say about power supplies, as they are one of the most essential components in any PC build.
To make things easier, we'll break down PSUs into four main characteristics:
POWER OUTPUT
The wattage of a PSU, expressed in watts (W), indicates how much electrical power it can deliver to your PC. Choosing the right wattage is crucial to ensure that your system runs stably and safely.
The total power required depends on your PC components. A powerful CPU, a high-end GPU, and multiple peripherals will require more wattage.
It’s recommended to choose a PSU that provides about 20–30% more power than your estimated total consumption. This margin ensures system stability and allows for future upgrades.
A high-wattage PSU does not consume more electricity than needed—it simply runs more efficiently when not operating at full capacity.
Common Power Ranges:
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300–500W: Suitable for office PCs or basic setups without a dedicated GPU or with a low-power one.
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500–750W: Ideal for gaming or workstation PCs with mid-range GPUs and CPUs.
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750–1000W: Recommended for gaming rigs or workstations with high-end GPUs or power-hungry components.
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1000W+: Required for setups with top-tier CPUs and GPUs, overclocking, or heavy workloads.
To estimate your system's power needs, you can use THIS TOOL, but we recommend choosing at least 850W for a gaming PC—even if your components aren't top of the line.
SIZE & FORM FACTOR
Here are the most common PSU size formats:
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ATX: The most widely used standard size.
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SFX: A more compact format, designed for small form factor or mini-ITX cases.
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SFX-L: A slightly longer version of the SFX PSU, offering better airflow and often quieter performance, while remaining compact.
Before buying a PSU, make sure it’s compatible with your case’s dimensions.
SFX and SFX-L PSUs may have shorter cables compared to ATX models.
Most small-format PSUs (SFX, SFX-L) include adapter brackets for compatibility with larger ATX cases.
CERTIFICATION
The efficiency certification of a PSU is an important indicator of its energy performance, reliability, and build quality.
The most well-known certification is the 80 PLUS system, which classifies PSUs based on how efficiently they convert AC power from your wall into DC power used by your PC components.
An 80 PLUS-certified PSU guarantees that at least 80% of the power drawn is converted into usable electricity, with no more than 20% lost as heat. Certified PSUs are more efficient, run cooler, and are typically more reliable.
80 PLUS Certification Levels:
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Bronze
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Silver
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Gold
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Platinum
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Titanium
In short, 80 PLUS certification helps users easily identify energy-efficient PSUs, leading to more conscious and sustainable component choices.
We do not recommend choosing a PSU with a certification lower than Gold, unless you're building a low-budget PC not intended for gaming or streaming.
MODULARITY
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Non-Modular: All cables are permanently attached to the PSU. It’s the most affordable option, but can lead to cable clutter if unused cables are left inside the case.
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Semi-Modular: Some essential cables (like the motherboard power cable) are fixed, while others can be added or removed as needed. Offers some flexibility.
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Fully Modular: All cables are detachable. You connect only what you need, making cable management much easier and improving internal airflow and aesthetics.
We always recommend choosing a fully modular PSU to simplify assembly and enhance cable management.
RECOMMENDED POWER SUPPLIES
When selecting a PSU for your PC, we suggest going with 850W or higher. This ensures a stable power supply and gives you headroom for future upgrades, overclocking, or adding new components.
Higher wattage also means:
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Greater flexibility
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Better efficiency at lower loads
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Improved long-term durability
Look for high-quality units with Gold certification or higher to maximize energy efficiency.
Investing in a good PSU is a crucial step toward building a reliable, high-performance PC.
Note: Always use the original cables provided with your power supply. Using third-party cables may compromise system safety and integrity.