Choosing a power supply is essential to ensure the proper functioning of your PC. The better the quality of your device, the less the need to redo the configuration or change your computer becomes necessary. To achieve this, users will have to do everything possible to equip themselves with a high-performance power supply adapted to your machine. What type of power supply should you choose in this case? Whether modular or semi-modular, you must always ensure that you choose a device that will guarantee you satisfaction and excellent acoustic comfort.
So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, start by analyzing your real needs, as well as those of your PC. This way, it will be easier for you to make the choice and acquire the best power supply for your machine. But before you take the plunge, there are some performance parameters that need to be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. A careful examination before checking out, in order to offer you the best computer equipment available.
Modular or semi-modular Power Supply : which one to choose?
When you buy a power supply unit, you receive all the connectors necessary to turn it on. However, manufacturers have implemented a new concept which solves the needs for modularity in terms of connectivity expressed by customers. Thus, we are now talking about three types of power supply , namely: modular power supply , semi-modular power supply and non-modular power supply .
These designs allow all cables to be connected to the PC's power supply block, and they cannot be removed. The aim is that, if the connectors of the power supply block are more extensive than the user's needs, the latter will end up with several unused cables which will require careful arrangement which will prevent them from lying around in the box.
Modular power supply offer detachable wiring. Here, the user has the possibility to use the equipment he needs, and can also have easy assembly, cabling management, as well as ventilation of the unencumbered case. In addition, if the chosen housing is personalized, it is possible to choose other cables with color, sheathed or which have a particular aesthetic.
Here is our comparison of the best modular power supply .
Such as for cooling systems, there is also an in-between in the field of PC power supply . We will talk about semi-modular power supply . Here, the wiring is mainly done for the CM and CPU cables. These are fixed, optional and detachable.
Power Supply PC: what is it for?
Before explaining the different real functions of a power supply system, it is important to first understand this concept. The PC power supply is therefore considered the main element in managing the electrical energy of a computer. Known as a power supply block, the latter's primary aim is to transform the energy or alternating current from the mains or electrical outlet into another type of energy called continuous (consumed) by the PC.
In fact, this electronic device is essential for any type of PC. In fact, domestic mains sockets deliver variable electrical voltage. Generally, the standard in this area is 220V and practically 50 Hz. However, your PC only requires an electrical voltage of around 12 volts. Most often, it operates with a direct current of 5 V, or even 3.3 V in some cases.
All PCs consume energy. And not a small amount, as demonstrated by the electricity bill at the end of each month. From the processor to the hard drive, including the graphics card or the RAM, all these parts are affected, regardless if some of them are more demanding than the others.
The role of the PC power supply will therefore be to provide the PC with consumable energy and to reduce the voltage. It is a way to provide the necessary and good quality energy to your computer. Very often, electrical instability (voltage rise or fall) causes damage to your devices. It can definitely end the life of your PC. A quality power supply source will reduce all these risks and protect your computer.
Criteria for choosing a power supply for PC
Like all the parts necessary for the operation of a PC, choosing a power supply is not an operation that is done in haste. It is therefore important that all the conditions are met so that you are convinced that you are making a good investment. Here are the criteria to consider and not to neglect when you undertake the acquisition of a power supply unit for your machine.
The power
This is one of the parameters to analyze very carefully. The power of a power supply device for your PC tells you about the amount of energy your PC needs to start it up. This quantity of electrical energy is expressed in watts (W). It will therefore depend on the use of your machine. If, for example, you have a Desktop equipped with classic multimedia software or applications, it is certain that its operating energy will be below 350 W.
On the other hand, if you use a machine with several types of applications in addition to the most basic ones, its operating energy will be higher and could go beyond 350W. It must also be said that PC games also have a certain energy requirement. All things considered, the power of the power supply device. Furthermore, a laptop which is dedicated to intensive use equipped with numerous motherboards, high-power software... and a significant storage capacity, its energy input will be around 500 watts.
To be clearer, an entry-level PC will consume around 400 W of energy, while higher-end PCs may require power that ranges between 500 and 600W. We can therefore understand why it is essential to analyze the power of your PC power supply . This small, innocuous gesture will allow you to avoid any risk of heating or overvoltage which could lead to damage to the computer.
Performance and safety
For security measures, current regulations require compliance with PC power supply security standards. This is a technical means, or even an expertise, which makes it possible to distinguish the quality of the product and the performance it presents. You will therefore have inscriptions which will give you more information on the performance level of your device. Efficiency levels vary from one power supply to another. They are classified as follows:
- 80 Plus Bronze
- 80 Plus Silver
- 80 Plus Gold
- 80 Plus Platinum.
In fact, if you have a power supply at the 80 Plus efficiency level, this means that your equipment is of better quality. Why ? It must be said that this label is granted to PC power supply which have an efficiency of 80%, regardless of whether the load is 20.50 or 100%. It is in fact the level of power output between that which is supplied and that which is consumed. You must be vigilant and focus your choice on an electronic tool that will guarantee optimal performance.
Connection
You must understand that each power supply unit is equipped with two connectors or connection cords. They are available and given to you when purchasing your electronic power supply tool. This is the ATX 20 cable with 4 pins for powering the PC motherboard and the ATX P4/ATX 12 V cable facilitating the power supply of the brain or processor of your PC. In practice, the connectors must be able to ensure a good connection between the different electrical and electronic systems of your computer. You will benefit from it being of quality so as to fully play its role and avoid unpleasant situations or fires.
The format
On the market for electronic or computer gadgets, you will find power supply blocks of different sizes or formats. The ATX format (15 x 14 x 8.6 cm), for example, is the most visible and most used PC power supply . The latter is recommended for all laptop models, with the exception of a small model. The associated powers vary between 350 and 1,000 watts. Small PC models, for their part, need a reduced format adapted to their size. The most used is the SFX (12.5 x 10 x 6.5 cm), with an associated power of 350 watts. Be sure to choose the format that best suits your PC, knowing that it is not done in a hurry.
The sheathing
The cables can be sheathed or not and it is up to you to choose the model of your computer. However, it should be noted that sheathing ensures more practical use of cabling having layers of assembled wires.
Noise pollution
The sound level of a PC power supply depends on the specifics of its fan. We generally consider its size and quality. When ventilation is silent under load, it means that its quality leaves nothing to be desired.
The fan having large measurements benefits from an excellent level of ventilation, because the air circulates easily. In addition, it is quieter and therefore less noisy. You will therefore have so-called “passive” power supply , that is to say, those which do not have a fan.
