Comparison table between the two types.
Here is a more detailed comparison table to make it easier to understand:
| Power Supply Type | Excess | Deficiency |
| Switching | – High efficiency, capable of reaching >80%. | – Produces higher electrical noise. |
| – Small size and lightweight, suitable for modern devices. | – More complex, difficult to repair if damaged. | |
| – Reduces overheating, thus extending the life of components. | ||
| Linear | – The output voltage is very stable with low ripple. | – Low efficiency because a lot of energy is wasted as heat. |
| – Very low noise, ideal for sensitive devices such as medical devices. | – Large size and heavy as it requires a large transformer. | |
| – Simple design, easy to repair. | – Not suitable for applications that require a lot of power. |
Key Components in Power Supply
Power supplies have several important components that support their performance. Here is an explanation of these components:
Connector
Connectors are the parts that connect the power supply to other components in the computer, such as motherboards, hard drives, and graphics cards. There are various types of connectors used, including:
- 24-pin ATX connector: Connects the power supply to the motherboard.
- 8-pin CPU connector: Provides additional power to the processor.
- SATA connector: Used to connect modern storage devices such as SSDs and HDDs.
- Molex Connector: Used for older devices such as hard drives and CD/DVD drives.
Fan
The fan in the power supply functions to keep the temperature low by circulating air inside the computer case. This fan cools the internal components and prevents overheating. Many modern power supply models use a reverse airflow system, where air is blown into the case to keep the CPU and memory temperatures optimal.
Internal Circuitry
Circuits in a power supply are made up of various electronic components that convert AC into DC. These include:
- Transistors: Serve as switches to regulate the flow of power.
- Inductors and Capacitors: Used to store and distribute electrical energy efficiently.
- Protection System: Some power supplies are equipped with protection circuits to prevent damage due to surges or overvoltage.
The quality of the components in the power supply greatly affects its performance. A high-quality power supply will be more stable, and efficient, and have a longer lifespan. Poor quality can cause problems such as power fluctuations, high noise, or damage to other components in the computer. Therefore, choosing a power supply with high-quality components is essential to ensure optimal performance and overall reliability of the computer system.
How to Choose the Right Power Supply
Choosing the right power supply for your computer is essential for good performance and stability. Here are some things to consider when choosing a power supply:
Power Output
Output power is the main factor in choosing a power supply. Make sure the power supply is capable of providing enough power for all the components in your computer. To find out the power requirements, add up the power required by each component, such as CPU, GPU, and storage. It is recommended to choose a power supply with a slightly higher output power than the total needs so that there is room for future upgrades.
Motherboard Compatibility
Make sure the power supply you choose matches your motherboard. Check the type of connector required by the motherboard, such as a 24-pin or 8-pin connector for the CPU. Also, make sure that the size of the power supply matches your computer case (e.g. ATX, SFX, or others).
Number of Connectors
Check the number and type of connectors present on the power supply. Make sure there are enough connectors for all the devices you want to connect to, such as hard drives, SSDs, and graphics cards. If you plan to add more devices in the future, choose a power supply with additional connectors or consider using an adapter if needed.
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Tips for Choosing Based on User Needs
- Gaming: If you’re gaming, opt for a power supply with high power and efficiency certifications like the 80 PLUS Gold or Platinum. Also, make sure there are enough PCIe connectors for the latest graphics card.
- Workstation: For workstations that require a lot of power for heavy processing or rendering, choose a power supply with large capacity and additional protection features to maintain stability.
- General PC: For everyday use such as browsing and light applications, a power supply with moderate power is sufficient. Make sure to choose quality products for reliability.