Choosing a power supply for a computer is not an easy task. The user has to deal with a huge number of parameters, which this device has a lot of. Besides the fact that you need to understand the standard PSU connectors, it is important to deal with other characteristics. But the most important thing in this matter is the calculation of the power supply.
Device
What is a power supply? It is immediately worth noting that this is a secondary power source. What does it mean? This is the name of the source that connects to the primary power source.
The power supply unit supplies the system nodes with direct current electricity. He does this by converting the mains voltage to the required values.
The computer may contain other conversion units. Most often they are needed if you need to increase the voltage or change the characteristics of the current. In addition, the power supply is responsible for protecting and stabilizing the system. It prevents minor interference that may occur due to power surges. Thanks to him , computer components all the time work stably and do not burn out.
The choice
The calculation of the power supply seems to many a minor matter. But in fact, choosing the right PSU is not easy.
Usually a poor-quality power supply unit is noisy and inefficient. Unstable operation of the computer is observed. In the worst case, the motherboard or processor spoils.
Tasks
In order for the choice of the power supply for the computer to be correct, you should clearly understand the tasks of this device. The equipment converts 220 volts of alternating current into three direct voltage lines. As you know, the incoming mains voltage can hardly be called stable. Despite the fact that it only fluctuates slightly, the load on some components can be significant. Therefore, the power supply must constantly maintain a stable current supply to all parts of the computer.
Although PSU in no way affects performance, it is a key component of the system. This is due to the fact that he is directly responsible for the security of the computer. If it was improperly selected or had defects, the current passing through it can harm the video card, processor, RAM and other components. In some cases, a fire may occur.
In addition to the fact that it is important to make the correct calculation of the power of the power supply, you should carefully look at other characteristics of this device.
Power
Naturally, the main parameter in choosing a power supply is power. Depending on the details that will be placed on the computer, you should select the optimal power for the PSU. It is important to remember that it must be designed in such a way as to have a reserve. In this case, his work will be inconspicuous and effective.
Before considering the calculation of the power supply in more detail, it is important to understand what kind of power it has. Equipment can operate with an indicator of less than 300 watts. Such models are usually suitable for middle-class processors and entry-level graphics cards. In these power supplies less than 3 SATA connectors, there is no second slot for an additional video card.
Power supplies with a power of 400 watts are suitable for a high-end processor and an entry-level video card. In this case, there may be more SATA connectors. But for the second video card power may not be enough.
Models with a power of 550 watts or more are suitable for a high-end processor and a mid-range graphics card. This option is most suitable for medium-sized gaming systems that do not require an additional video card.
For the most powerful systems, you need to choose the most powerful devices accordingly. You need to look at the power supply with a capacity of 800 watts. In this case, you can connect several high-level graphics cards.
Operability
In addition to calculating the power supply, it is important to look at other parameters. For example, the device’s energy-saving standard is equally important. If we have a high-quality product, then it is obliged to provide all components of the system with the maximum possible power consumption. In order not to buy a pig in a poke, the manufacturer began to use standardization for this parameter.
So, the standard 80 Plus appeared with special correspondence Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titan. Some users have not heard of such standards. Therefore, they can purchase an already outdated and unreliable device.
In order to avoid any problems in the operation of the power supply, many experts recommend not purchasing a device that does not have the 80 Plus marking. Otherwise, the user gets low energy efficiency equipment.
Cooling system
An equally important parameter is the cooling of the power supply. Some models come with a passive cooling system. In this case, it is important that all components in the system unit have additional cooling.
If the power supply is located in the upper part of the case, it is an additional cooling component of the entire computer. Of course, this is a plus, especially for gaming systems. In addition, many models are equipped with a special cooling system, which stands out for its noiselessness and efficiency. For example, a great option for a quiet PSU is a model from the manufacturer be quiet !.
Correct calculations
Calculating the power of the power supply is one of the most important things before buying this device. Of course, if you have an average working or mid-game system, you can purchase a power supply with a power of up to 600 watts. In this case, you definitely have enough for all your daily tasks.
The calculation of the power supply for the computer may be needed for those who decide to build a powerful computer or do not want to overpay for the extra hundred watts. Of course, if you buy an already assembled computer, then you do not need any calculations. But if you decide to build the system yourself, then you have to figure it out.
Of course, most users immediately determine the model of the processor and video card. After that begins the choice of the motherboard, RAM and hard drive. And only at the last stage everyone begins to think about the power supply.
It’s good if you know all the models of your component before buying. Then it will be easy for you to calculate the power supply for the computer. To do this, you need to know:
- how much power the processor and graphics card consume;
- deal with the physical amount of memory, its type and frequency;
- determine the amount, volume and type of hard drive;
- determine the class of the motherboard and the amount of energy consumed;
- think over the cooling system.
Of course, this is the best option for simple systems. Each user should independently start from the tasks of the future computer. After all, its configuration can differ markedly and have additional elements.
All data on energy consumption are in the specifications for each component. After you decide on the models of computer components, you will have to find the right energy calculator to calculate power. There are a lot of such services. Each has a large base of all devices.
It is enough for the user to enter the model of the components that he is going to purchase, and after the service will do everything for him. Some sites immediately recommend models of suitable power supplies.
By the way, if you have already decided on the manufacturer of the power supply, you can go to its official website. For example, the company be quiet! There is a power calculator and the selection of the right power supply model.
Here you can easily calculate the power supply for mining. Simply specify a larger number of video cards.
Check
Many also wonder how to check the power supply. In this case, there are several options: there is a method that experts use, and there is one that is perfect for any user.
In the first case, you need to use a special device - a multimeter. To do this, disconnect the entire system from the network, get to the power supply. Then disconnect all computer components from it. After you need to take the largest connector, which usually connects to the motherboard. Next, you will have to make a jumper from the wire. If the connector is 20-pin, you need to insert this jumper between the fourteenth and fifteenth pin. If the interface is 24-pin, then between the 16th and 17th.
Then you can connect the system. If the power supply turns on, you can use the multimeter to check. If he didn’t react at all, then most likely he will have to be replaced.
And how to check the power supply at home? After all, not everyone at home has a multimeter. Some users have found a paper clip option. First you need to do the same as in the previous method. After using a paper clip, make a jumper and short-circuit the green and black wires with it. Next, you can turn on the power supply. If the device worked, then theoretically it is working. If not, you will have to take it to repair or purchase a new one.
Connection
No less important is how to connect the power supply.
- Many experts immediately advise putting the power supply in the system unit.
- After the device is fixed, you can proceed to connect the connectors.
- A cable for 6 or 8 pins is designed for connection to a video card.
- A connector for 4 or 6 pins is suitable for the processor, so it connects to the motherboard.
- Next, we find the largest cable that has 20 or 24 pins. It energizes the motherboard.
- To connect the hard drive is a SATA connector, which is difficult to confuse with anything.
Previously, those who did not know how to connect the power supply, faced some more connectors, which are almost never used. For example, Molex could be a binder with a hard drive. Now, it is very rarely seen as an adapter for SATA. There was also an FDD cable that fed the card reader.
With any power supply in the box there is an instruction that describes each wire and its purpose.
Power Supply Labeling
Not everyone will be able to figure out the BP marking. In this case, you will have to think about conventional signs, letters, numbers, inscriptions, which are placed on one of the device’s stickers.
Basically, the PSU marking briefly describes the main characteristics of the device. Here is the manufacturer, model of the device, its maximum power. The table shows the input AC voltage, the separation of the common bus into 4 virtual lines, as well as the length of each of them.
In addition to the main parameters, the table may indicate the marking of quality standards for the content of harmful substances.