PC power supplies – get it right or ‘suffer the consequences’!

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PC power supplies – known as the computer’s power supply unit (PSU) – are an oft-overlooked consideration when building or replacing your current system.

Not getting it right can shorten the life of your PC or cause instability in the power supply, damaging important components.

If you are looking to replace or buy new a PC power supply for a new build computer, there are some basics you need to follow when choosing a new power unit:

  • Avoid cheap PC power supplies

Cheap version of PC power supplies generally do not meet the necessary requirements to provide the correct power supply and are usually of inferior quality. The well know saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is most definitely true in this case. But neither do you need to spend a huge amount. You need to look that the power supply meets the basic requirements.

  • ATX12V compliant

This is one of the requirements talked about in the previous point. This relates specifically to the advances in computer technology, particularly in the processors, graphic cards etc. that are part and parcel of PCs in the 21st century. All these processors and other extras require more power to operate them. The ATX12V standard was developed so that consumers can identify that the PC power supply has the extra power needed. If you are replacing older PC power supplies, then you can still use the ATX12V compliant unit. The problem, however, is that there are still a lot of older, non ATX12V compliant stock out there – be aware and make sure the buy the right one.

  • Wattage

Wattage ratings on PC power supplies can be a little deceptive, as they show the combined wattage of all voltage lines. Ideally, PC power supply units should have at least and 18 amp rating on a 12V+ line. It is important you get the wattage rating right; if you are unsure, then consult with a reputable company or professional.

  • Low Noise and No Noise

PC power supplies do create noise, usually from the fans needed to stock the PSUs from overheating. Some people find this noise distracting and opt for low or no noise power supplies. There are a few options if you are thinking of such a power supply; some PC power supply units have bigger fans, hence more air is fanned about the PSU at a lower sped – hence less noise! There are more expensive but sophisticated options such as fanless or silent PC power supplies.

  • ‘mean time between failures’ (MTBF)

Hopefully, this is not something that you will suffer from this too early on in the new power supply unit’s life. MTBF is the rating, applied by manufacturers of the power supply unit, referring to the ‘typical’ usage amount the power supply will have BEFORE any possible failure. The higher the MTBF rating the better quality the PC power supply. As a general rule of thumb, it’s probably better to avoid MTBFs below 20,000 hours as a rough calculation shows that this is on 2¼ years.

  • Power efficiency

PC power supplies ‘convert’ – that is, lessen – the voltage from the mains plug to the lowe level voltage the PC uses to run. Some of this power is lost as heat. By purchasing PC power supplies that are more power supply efficient, you could end up saving money as you will use less electricity. Some PC power supplies carry an ‘80plus’ logo on it, showing that it meets certain power efficiency certification. Many manufacturers are also adding the ‘optimal efficiency’ rating to their PC power supplies; use these as a guide only, as the key word is ‘optimal’. In other words, when conditions are perfect, this is the maximum power efficient the power supply will operate at.

  • Connectors

It is imperative to get the right connectors so check (and check again!) that when looking to replace PC power supplies that you get the right connectors for your PC.

When you need replacement PC power supplies, the energy it consumes to power your PC is an important consideration, whether you are running one PC at home or several at a business. Everyone is concerned about their energy consumption from both an environmental point of view as well as the cost implications.

PC power supplies need to be efficient which is why as well as getting the right power supply for your PC, you also need to invest in the right product for the environment and your pocket.
About the Author: This article was written on behalf of power supplies online, suppliers of pc power supplies.

One thought on “PC power supplies – get it right or ‘suffer the consequences’!

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    What’s up, this weekend is pleasant in favor of me, since this moment i am reading this impressive informative article here at my home.

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