Do you often see abbreviations that you are not aware of? Most of them can be decrypted in different ways, leading the reader into a dead end. But, perhaps, everyone who has read about computers and their components at least once knows about BP. This is one of the less significant, according to users, components. But in fact, it can bring you as much trouble as noticeably improve the system.
Decryption
This, you guessed it, will be about the power supply. This device converts alternating current into direct current with different voltage values. It is used to energize all components of a computer system with electricity.
If you still do not understand what a PSU is, then simply put - this is a protective barrier that does not allow power surges to burn the motherboard, processor or video card. It protects the PC from interference and, if it is structurally located in the upper part of the chassis, cools the case.
For what?
In general, we decided on the tasks of the power supply. But why is it as important to the user as the other components of the system? Its quality and parameters directly affect the performance of the PC. Noticing any problems, the user can blame the motherboard or the elements on it. But often the problem is in BP. What does it mean? Your power supply may not be pulling the required system power.
This option may be caused by the fact that you have added, for example, an additional RAM bar. And there is an option that the PSU model was initially of poor quality, and its power was not enough. Hence, various kinds of system braking, and sometimes component failure.
Voltage
Choosing a PSU is one of the difficult moments, along with buying a motherboard or processor. It also requires attentiveness and a clear understanding of goals and performance. It was already mentioned above that when converting current from the network, the power supply creates constant electricity, but with different voltage indicators. In modern models, the voltage is represented by three indicators: +3.3, +5 and +12 V.
Each of these lines has its own maximum power indicators. In addition, the +12 V line can also be divided into several power directions. If you see a value of 400 W on a package with a PSU, you should understand that this is the total power indicator for all channels. But if you collect all the maximum power values for individual channels, then the figure will be slightly larger.
From this it becomes clear that if one of the lines is overloaded and the rest are free, the system is unstable, even if the total power sum is the same 400 W. To avoid such differences, it is worthwhile to clearly understand what a PSU is and what its parameters are important for the system.
Diversity
Depending on your goals and the entire system being assembled, you need to pay attention to the purchase of a power supply. They have several varieties, although the ATX form factor is still considered the most popular. It already has established and standardized features. Although there are modifications from individual manufacturers with slightly modified dimensions and parameters. Therefore, if you saw that the ATX form factor is specified in the specifications, this does not mean that you have a suitable model.
Of course, you should not start assembling the system specifically with the purchase of a power supply. Initially, they try to build everything on the motherboard, and then, in accordance with the requirements of the voltage of the components on the motherboard, they select a power supply.
Interconnection
We can assume that in the BP system it is like a finishing touch, which is no less important than the rest of the components. After analyzing the assembled system, you will understand which model you need. So, looking at the motherboard, you will need to deal with the connector. It can be on 20 or 24 pins, or it can be a combined 20 + 4 pins. For modern models, you need a wire to power the processor, so you may need additional cables for 6 or 8 pins.
It will also be necessary to synchronize with the hard drive and drive. Here, too, it is worth looking at the model of the railway to understand what cables and connectors are needed: either molex or SATA. You also need to choose an approach to the video card depending on the availability of individual connectors. There is a way out of the "paws" of incompatibility - these are adapters. They will most often save you if you overlooked something.
Certification
In addition to having connectors, it is important to take a closer look at the 80 PLUS certificate. This "sign" indicates the effectiveness of BP. So you can understand how efficiently the device converts the supplied current from the network to direct current. This indicator can be found through an analysis of the behavior of the power supply in different modes.
Depending on the degree of load - 10%, 20%, 50% and 100% - the certificate shows the conditionally called "efficiency" of the power supply. Now there are already 6 types of this certificate. The initial one is called 80 PLUS, they began to add a postscript to the rest, depending on their coolness. So, the most effective certificate at the moment is 80 PLUS Titanium. At one hundred percent load, it shows an efficiency of 91%.
To explain certification in practice, it’s enough to imagine a situation where you have a 500 W power supply in your hands. In order for him to give out specifically such an indicator at work, he needs to spend 588 watts. The difference of almost 100 watts goes into the commonplace heat that all components will feel. The smaller this difference, the more efficient the power supply, which means you save on electricity bills.
To determine which certification your model has, just look at the box. There, the manufacturer with a large icon indicates this main advantage. Analysis of the cost of the device also will not lie. The more effective it is, the more expensive.
Options
BP is, at first glance, just a small box in which there is nothing special. In fact, when choosing a power supply, you need to pay attention to many different parameters. The first is the manufacturer. Someone will say that branded models are always more expensive, but if with smartphones or other gadgets, buying an unknown brand can take a ride, then such things will not work with a power supply. A PSU can burn all the elements on the motherboard, so choosing which is cheaper is not an option. Take a look at popular manufacturers who understand what PSU means for the entire system.
Do not forget about the ability to generate the required stresses in different modes. It is impossible for the BP to exceed the indicators beyond the standards, otherwise it will be trouble. You can check this parameter before purchase using reviews. Only tests will show how the device really shows itself in operation.
The power supply unit (BP) captivates with its power. When the user sees the 500-600 W mark, he does not think about the true values of the indicator. He believes that this is more than the standard 400 watts, which means that we must take it. In fact, as we have already found out, the required power depends on all the components of the system.
Well and one more parameter - cooling. PSU is an additional fan in the system. Therefore, do not forget about this useful ability. There are options with passive cooling, there are also huge fans that blow in different directions. The choice depends on the system and your goals.