2. Energy Efficiency (80 PLUS Certification)
Energy efficiency is very important when choosing a power supply. 80 PLUS certification shows how well the power supply converts AC into DC. There are several levels of certification, namely Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium, with Titanium being the most efficient. Using an efficient power supply can lower electricity costs and generate less heat.
Certification levels include:
– 80 PLUS Standard: Efficiency of at least 80%.
– 80 PLUS Bronze: Efficiency 82–85%.
– 80 PLUS Silver: Efficiency 85–88%.
– 80 PLUS Gold: Efficiency 87–90%.
– 80 PLUS Platinum: 90–94% efficiency.
– 80 PLUS Titanium: Efficiency is more than 94%.
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3. Maximum Power Rating Sticker and Temperature Effect
Each power supply has a rating sticker that indicates the maximum power that can be produced at a certain temperature, such as 25°C. However, if the temperature increases, for example when the PSU is installed in a poorly ventilated case, the ability to generate power can decrease. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a power supply that can provide maximum power at higher temperatures.
Some manufacturers may list numbers that are too optimistic, so the maximum power often decreases as the temperature inside the case rises. Therefore, choose power supply from trusted manufacturers and provide realistic ratings.
4. Number and Type of Connectors Required
Make sure the power supply has the appropriate number and type of connectors for all your components. Some important connectors include:
- 24-pin ATX connector for motherboard.
- 4-pin or 8-pin CPU connector for processor.
- 6-pin or 8-pin PCIe connector for graphics cards.
- SATA connectors for hard drives and SSDs.
If you have a device that requires a lot of power, make sure your power supply has enough connectors. Check the specifications of your components to ensure that the power supply is capable of meeting the connection needs.
5. Best Brand and Model Recommendations on the Market
Some of the well-known and recommended power supply brands and models in the market include:
- Corsair RM Series: Known for its high efficiency and quality. Offers a wide range of models for users from entry-level to high-end. Example: Corsair RM850x (80 PLUS Gold).
- Seasonic Focus Series: Have high certification and a good reputation in reliability. Example: Seasonic Prime TX-750 (80 PLUS Titanium).
- EVGA SuperNOVA Series: Popular choice with competitive price and long warranty. Example: EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G5 (80 PLUS Gold).
- Cooler Master: Suitable for users on a budget. Example: Cooler Master MWE 650 Bronze V2 (80 PLUS Bronze).
- Be Quiet!: Focus on high efficiency and quiet operation. Example: Be Quiet! Straight Power 11 (80 PLUS Platinum).
- Thermaltake Toughpower Series: Known for its innovative features and modular design.
Size and Compatibility
When choosing a power supply, it is important to pay attention to its physical size so that it can fit well in a computer case. There are several standard sizes to consider, such as ATX, SFX, and others. Be sure to check the specifications of your case to find out the maximum size of power supply that can be used.
- Power Supply ATX: The most common size and fits most desktop cases.
- Power Supply SFX: Smaller and typically used in mini-ITX cases or more compact systems.
Before purchasing, measure the available space in the case to ensure that the new power supply can fit without disturbing other components.
Position of the On/Off Button by the Case
The position of the on/off button on the power supply also needs to be considered. This button is usually located on the back side of the PSU and should be easily accessible after installation. If the button is too close to the wall of the case or is blocked by other wires, it will be difficult to operate it.
Some things to consider:
- Make sure the buttons are easily accessible without having to move the case.
- Some cases may have designs that affect the position of the buttons, so be sure to check for compatibility before purchasing.