Power supplies for computers: manufacturers rating, specifications, selection rules

Buying a computer for people far from technology is mainly limited by the concepts of “video card”, “processor” and “RAM”. However, the power supply for some reason is remembered last. And when it comes to that, in most cases, unfortunate collectors try to save as much as possible on it by investing in other PC components.

“It's just a box that delivers energy. At least some will do, most importantly, let it be more powerful and cheaper! ”- the approach is quite common and, frankly, a failure. Unfortunately, this only becomes apparent when you turn on the assembled computer. Lucky if it starts up at all. It will be doubly lucky if this work is stable and without sudden interruptions. And it will already be completely happy if the cheap power supply unit eventually fails in the next few months without “dragging” the rest of the components that it at least somehow provided power.

But in reality this can only be guaranteed by high-quality power supplies for computers whose manufacturers' ratings are confidently held in decent positions. Therefore, a competent choice of a product that, in practice, will work out every penny of its value, remains only with the buyer, who, of course, needs to remember the main characteristics of the PSU and understand which of the manufacturers really deserves trust.

Power for the whole system

This is the main parameter of the device, of interest to users in the first place. When choosing, many are often lost in watts, which provide the entire computer with power. A lack of power is fraught with unstable operation of the equipment (up to the impossibility of its launch). On the other hand, the excessive capabilities of the power supply will cause a significant blow to the budget, which could have been avoided.

The energy consumption of the computer in each case must be calculated individually, based on the final set of components. Do not forget that the PSU should have at least a small power reserve in the range of 20-25% of the theoretically possible energy consumption. For these calculations, there are dozens of special calculators on the Web. The most accurate (and therefore popular among the people) option is the Cooler Master Power Supply Calculator. It provides users with two types of work at once:

• Basic is a mode that allows any newcomer to the subject of computer hardware to calculate the necessary power of the PSU, indicating only general characteristics of the PC.
• Expert is a mode for advanced users and avid computer enthusiasts. Allows you to calculate taking into account all the smallest details and subtleties of the system.

In addition to the total power, it is important to pay attention to the current that the 12V line can transmit. It is the main channel of electricity consumption in a computer. For example, the AeroCool KCAS 600W 12V power supply produces a little less than its total indicator - 540 watts. A better product from Be quiet! under the name Power Zone 650W is already capable of 648 watts on the same line. This is a much better indicator and is naturally more expensive.

It is on this parameter that one should rely in one's choice. After all, who will not be disappointed when a video card designed for one power indicator on the 12V line gets completely different, lower when connected to the power supply? Of course, the unstable operation of the video chip is the best that can be hoped for in such a situation.

Coefficient of useful consumption

Any resource can be used in different ways: somewhere it is done by more rational methods, and somewhere excessive squandering leads to additional costs. About the same thing with power supplies - the same power indicator can be consumed with varying degrees of efficiency. High efficiency affects the entire operation of the device as a whole:

• Rational energy consumption. Cheap power supplies for computers, the manufacturers rating of which in most cases is buried at the bottom of the market, constantly sin low efficiency. Receiving electricity from the network, the PSU dissipates a certain part of it in the form of heat, giving out already a smaller amount from what was originally received. Cheap devices lose in such a way an unacceptably large part of electricity.
• Due to the reduced dispersion, the heating of the PSU itself is also reduced. This allows you to keep the quiet operation of its cooling system.
• Lower temperatures significantly extend the life of the power supply.

High efficiency is a sign of rational use of electric resources, for which each of us pays money. For the proper level of efficiency, a high-quality element base of the device is required.

The degree of energy efficiency for power supplies is determined by the uniform international standard 80 PLUS. It is divided into several classifications:

• Bronze - 81-85%.
• Silver - 85-89%.
• Gold - 88-92.
• Platinum - 91-94%.
• Titanium - 94-96%.

In general, a basic computer configuration with an iron level up to the middle price segment will have enough of a unit with official certification of 80 PLUS Bronze. For more powerful and, accordingly, demanding components, Silver-Gold is the best option. Owners of top configurations are recommended to look towards Platinum or Titanium, if there is an urgent need for maximum system energy efficiency.

Avoid choosing models that, instead of official certification, are trying to attract attention with other data (for example, 85 PLUS, “a little bit correspond to 80 PLUS Gold,” etc.). A product that is capable of delivering honest performance will be certified to one of five standards. And those who cannot work in practice as stated by the manufacturer will always enter the market with a wide variety of marketing tricks for the purses of customers.

Stability

In addition to the previously mentioned 12V, two more lines are responsible for the computer's power: 3.3V and 5V. Giving them all the required voltage is only half the task. It is important to keep it within acceptable limits throughout the entire operating time. This possibility directly depends on the quality of the internal filling of the power supply.

According to the international standard EPS 2.91, the following are considered permissible voltage deviations:

For 3.3V and 5V lines, +/- 5% fluctuations are quite acceptable. For 12V, slightly higher values ​​are permissible - +/- 10%.

Power supplies with cheap elemental base are simply unable to show the proper result according to EPS 2.91. And on this directly depends on the performance of the PC as a whole. Deviations below the acceptable threshold of 5-10% will certainly lead to permanent failures and spontaneous reboots. Especially if the processor or graphics card is under heavy load, for example, in games or professional applications.

An increased voltage from the standard rating entails overheating of both the PSU itself and the converters on the motherboard and expansion slots. At the same time, sensitive circuits of hard drives wear out quite a lot, which will lead to their early failure.

An important role is played by such a parameter as the input voltage range. In conventional units, it is 200-240V. But options for 100-240V are also common on the market. The latter should be given decisive preference - a wider range indicator guarantees the durability of the device in case of various malfunctions in the power supply network.

The loss or increase of the mains voltage will not bring such a power supply into a malfunctioning state. From which, in turn, are not immune to simpler cheap alternatives.

Each user is strongly recommended to check any interesting PSU model in reviews and tests that are freely available. It is advisable to search for information from at least 2-3 sources, taking into account customer reviews, if any. This will finally make up the whole picture and allow making the right choice - is the selected power supply unit worth its money or not.

Performance indicators

It is correct when there is enough power reserve for a system with a reserve. Excellent if the voltage on all lines does not exceed permissible norms. But when it comes to directly transferring electricity from the device to components, the cornerstone of the whole process is the pinout of the computer power supply (or simply a set of cables through which the rest of the PC components will be powered).

Two types are distinguished from the main ones. The first is the EATX 24pin, designed to power the motherboard. The second is 12V, which is responsible for powering the processor. For ordinary motherboards, only its 4pin version is needed. However, overclocking-enabled instances are characterized by increased power consumption, for which the 8pin option (or 4 + 4pin) is already intended.

Complete with the main cables, any pinout of the computer power supply includes some additional:

• PCI-E
• SATA
• Fan Connectors.
• Molex

Their number may vary depending on the specific PSU model. Be sure to check that the product has both a sufficient length and the required number of cables for the intended computer. In the future, this will eliminate the sudden search for additional extension cords and adapters.

Finally, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of all six power supply protection circuits against emergency situations:

• OCP (Over Current Protection) - protection against overcurrent.
• OVP (Over Voltage Protection) - protection against overvoltage.
• UVP (Under Voltage Protection) - undervoltage protection.
• SCP (Short Circuit Protection) - protection against short circuit.
• OTP (Over Temperature Protection) - protection against overheating.
• OPP (Over Power Protection) - overload protection.

Fewer protection systems - there is a greater risk of finding the power supply inoperable in cases of force majeure.

What about comfort in use?

It is convenient when during assembly at hand additional wires and connectors do not interfere. Modular types of blocks, that is, those from which it is physically possible to unfasten unclaimed elements, can offer easier installation and better cabling.

It is recommended to choose at least those models that are equipped with a 120 mm cooler. However, there are more options and that will give the cooling system additional efficiency. At the same time, it does not hurt to find out on the manufacturer’s website what type of bearing is used. It is advisable to avoid plain bearings - they are the least durable and begin to distinctly make noise after a certain period of operation. An ideal acoustic solution would be the presence of an “intellectual adjustment” of the fan speed, which allows not to turn it on at all until a certain temperature threshold is reached.

Finally, the form factor of the selected power supply should be suitable for the housing in which it will be placed. Most consumer developments are designed for ATX format.

German quality from Be quiet

The formed market has long been living according to certain principles. Cheap power supplies for computers, the ranking of manufacturers of which occupies the forefront, is nothing more than fiction or another marketing hype. This is fully proved by all the products of the German premium brand Be quiet, which has won a considerable number of awards and popularity in the market. Any series of their power supplies is equipped with all types of protections, the indicators stated by them are always confirmed in practice in numerous reviews, and the silence of the product pleasantly surprises customers from year to year.

In particular, the advanced technical publication PC Games Hardware (Germany) for the ninth consecutive time awards the brand with the honorary title “Manufacturer of the Year” in the category of power supplies. The community of Hardwareluxx, better known in domestic circles, also gives the Germans a similar title for the fourth year. In addition, you can always get acquainted with third-party reviews and tests confirming the quality, reliability and quiet operation of the products of this company.

SeaSonic - a solid market position with a solid track record

It is a direct competitor to the German brand in terms of superior product quality, only originally from Taiwan, with numerous regional divisions in Europe, the USA, Japan and other parts of the world. Founded by engineers 40 years ago, this company initially appeared only then to present the world with high-quality high-tech solutions that the masses will appreciate.

SeaSonic products are divided into many series, each of which can offer different sets of features for any budget. Only frankly cheap devices Taiwanese also do not offer. And numerous praise in dozens of reviews from a variety of publications confirm that this is not in vain.

DeepCool power supplies - a lesson in the successful development of the budget segment

China is far from always stereotypically disgusting product quality on an industrial scale. Engineers from the Middle Kingdom confidently gain high positions in the world market not because of quantity, but because of the quality of the delivered products. At the same time, they manage not to inflate the price tags for only one brand name.

A striking modern example is the company DeepCool, which supplies affordable power supplies for computers at a reasonable price for the average person. Since its founding in 1996, the Chinese have been awarded multiple press coverage. The popular editions of Tom's Hardware, 3D news, Techpowerup are not the first time to award high marks and corresponding awards to the company.

In total, DeepCool represents several series of PSUs, each of which has different levels of energy efficiency, voltage stabilization, and protection systems. The cost at the same time remains at a more affordable level than that of peers from competitors.

Who else is noticeable in the mid-price segment today?

The modern market is really rich in a variety of power supplies for computers. The rating of manufacturers is far from always the same. And this is a merit not only of professional marketing policy. The decisive factor is always the quality of the product, as well as its affordability for wide sections of the population. If you simply do not have enough funds for solutions from the top segment, then you can always find a decent alternative in the middle price range.

In a considerable share of domestic budget PCs, the Zalman power supply is installed - one of the undisputed favorites in the masses. Over the 17 years of its existence, the South Korean brand has managed to grow into an international class corporation, covering many IT areas. Gaming keyboards, mice, silent enclosures, quiet cooling systems - this is still an incomplete list of what the company is known all over the world. For all the years of its activity, any Zalman power supply is one of the first candidates for installation in a budget gaming system. We can say with confidence that South Korean products received such a common status clearly not because of an advertising company alone.

Speaking about FSP Group power supplies, it is worthwhile to mention their decent level of quality at a relatively average cost. A Taiwanese manufacturer can please with a large assortment of series, where there was a place for both top-end “platinum” solutions and quite budget-friendly “bronze” ones. FSP is the fifth largest PSU manufacturer in the world. Its products are appreciated not only among gamers, but also by other well-known brands. So, the company's solutions use the same Zalman, Thermaltake, Antec.

Often, in order to save money, users choose some cheap AeroCool power supply, while seriously relying on impeccable quality and excellent level of work. Indeed, this company has interesting products for a limited budget. But only if it comes to the KCAS series and above. VX and VP remain the most risky for any computer, which is directly reflected in their low price tag.

Thermaltake is doing quite well on the market . Power supplies, reviews of which in general form a positive impression, are at least worth careful consideration. Using in-house capacities of other companies, Thermaltake has proven its competitiveness in the market with numerous awards. The lion's share of all the products of this company belongs to the expensive Hi-End class. But this does not mean that it does not offer interesting options at a more modest cost (in particular, the Smart DPS G and TR2 series).