How to choose a power supply for a computer

The main component of the computer is a power supply, on which stable operation depends, the durability of the entire system and individual components. Unstable operation of the power supply can lead to frequent reboots of the device, and then to the failure of the computer. Often when choosing a power supply, buyers pay attention only to the power and brand of the manufacturer. However, there are several more parameters that should not be bypass.

You should not buy a power supply from unknown manufacturers. It is possible that they will not produce the necessary voltage, and, therefore, do not guarantee reliability and stability. Well done well-established companies: Chieftec, Cooler Master, Hiper, Seasonic, Corsair.

The main point when choosing a power supply - power. A device with a weak power may not cope with peak loads, and the system, its components may fail. The power selection depends on which category the computer refers. For an office device, powerful components are not needed, so it is enough and 350-400 watts. The home computer using multimedia systems will pull 450-600 watts. And for the game PC, you need a powerful processor, a top video card and a power supply to 600 and higher watts.

The whole point of buying a power supply will disappear if it is missing connectors. On motherboards there are connectors:

4 PIN - to connect HDD discs, processor power;
6 PIN - for feeding the video card;
8 PIN are designed for powerful video cards, there are not in all blocks of power;
15 PIN SATA - to connect the SATA interface with hard drives, CD-ROM.

The larger the current rate, the better. Weaker power supplies have a circuit series 16a, and powerful - 50a and more.

PFC or power factor correction is active or passive. When using active PFC, the coefficient value increases to 95%, and passive - up to 75%. The first option is high quality. The power supply is usually indicated which PFC is installed on it.

Sticker 80 PLUS confirms high power supply efficiency. This certificate is awarded to models that have passed the appropriate check and having efficiency more than 80%. But the absence of this sticker does not mean that the power supply is not high quality. This is just an additional plus size when choosing.

The power supply you selected should have protection against overvoltage, overload and short circuit.

The degree of quality of the power supply says its appearance. Unnamed fine metal blocks with something holding a fan grid can not serve for a long time. In high-quality models, the fans must be screwed to the housing and have a size of 120, 140 mm. Also pay attention to the integrity of the wires, their length.

The criteria described above are the highlights that attention should be focused. When choosing a power supply, consider which basic characteristics will be needed when working on a computer.