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

The purchase of a computer for people far from technology is mainly limited to the concepts "video card", "processor" and "RAM". However, for some reason the power unit is remembered last. And when it comes to this, in most cases, the grief-collectors try to save on it as much as possible, investing in other components of the PC.

"It's just a box that feeds energy. Although some will come down, the main thing is, let it be more powerful and cheaper! "- the approach is quite common and, frankly, it's a failure. Unfortunately, this becomes obvious only when the computer is turned on. Lucky if it ever starts. It is doubly fortunate if this work will be stable and without sudden interruptions. And it will be quite a blessing if the cheap power supply unit does not eventually fail in the next few months, without "dragging" the remaining components that he somehow provided with power.

But really such can guarantee only high-quality power supplies for computers, the rating of manufacturers of which is confidently holding on worthy positions. Therefore, a competent choice of a product that will actually work out every penny of its value remains only for the buyer, who, of course, needs to remember the basic characteristics of the BP and understand which of the producers really deserves to be trusted.

Power for the whole system

This is the main device parameter that users are interested in first. When choosing, many are often lost in the Watt rates, which provide the entire computer with power. The lack of power is fraught with unstable operation of equipment (up to the impossibility of launching it). On the other hand, the excess capacity of the power supply unit will cause a tangible impact on the budget, which could be avoided.

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

• Basic - a mode that allows any newcomer in the subject of computer hardware to calculate the required power of the PSU, indicating only the general characteristics of the PC.
• Expert - a mode for advanced users and avid computer enthusiasts. Allows you to make calculations 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 is capable of transmitting the 12V line. It is the main channel of electricity consumption in the computer. For example, the power supply AeroCool KCAS 600W for 12V produces slightly less than its overall figure - 540 watts. A better product from the company 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 worth it is naturally more expensive.

It is this parameter that should be based on your choice. After all, who will not be disappointed when the video card, calculated for one power factor on the 12V line, gets completely different, when connected to the power supply, lower? Of course, the unstable work of a video chip is still the best thing you can hope for in such a situation.

The coefficient of useful flow

Any resource can be used in different ways: somewhere it is done by more rational methods, and somewhere excessive redundancy leads to additional costs. Approximately the same thing with power supplies - the same power factor 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 rating of manufacturers which in most cases is buried at the bottom of the market, constantly sin low efficiency. Receiving electricity from the grid, the PS dissipates a certain part of it in the form of heat, giving out a smaller volume from what was originally obtained. Cheap devices lose in this way the most part of electricity.
• Due to reduced dispersion, the heating of the PSU itself also decreases. This allows you to keep the quiet operation of its cooling system.
• Lesser temperatures significantly extend the life of the power supply.

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

The degree of energy efficiency for power supplies is determined by a single international standard of 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, the basic computer configurations with the level of iron to the average price segment will be enough for the block with the official certification of 80 PLUS Bronze. For the more powerful and, accordingly, demanding components, the best option will be Silver-Gold. Holders of top configurations are recommended to look towards Platinum or Titanium, if the need for maximum energy efficiency of the system is acute.

Avoid choosing those models that, instead of official certification, try to attract attention with other data (for example, 85 PLUS, "slightly match 80 PLUS Gold", etc.). A product capable of issuing honest indicators will necessarily pass certification for one of five standards. And those who can not in practice work as stated by the manufacturer, will always enter the market with a wide variety of marketing tricks for the sake of buyers' wallets.

Stability course

In addition to the previously mentioned 12V, two more lines are responsible for powering the computer: 3.3V and 5V. To put all the required voltage on them is only half the task. It is important to keep it within the permissible limits during the whole operation 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 permissible voltage deviations are:

Line	Minimum	Norm	Maximum
+ 3.3V	+3.14	+3.30	+3.47
+ 5V	+4.75	+5.00	+5.25
-12V	-10.80	-12.00	-13.20

For lines 3,3V and 5V, +/- 5% of oscillations are quite acceptable. For 12V, slightly higher values are permissible - +/- 10%.

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

The increased voltage from the standard rating entails overheating of both the power supply unit itself and the converters on the motherboard, expansion slots. At the same time, the sensitive schemes of winchesters deteriorate sufficiently, which will lead to their quickest failure.

An important role is played by such a parameter as the range of the input voltage. In ordinary blocks it is 200-240V. But the market also has options for 100-240V. The last one should be given the decisive preference - a wider range indicator guarantees durability of the device for various malfunctions in power networks.

Dropping or increasing the mains voltage will not lead to such a power failure in the faulty state. What, in turn, is not insured for simpler, cheaper alternatives.

Each user is strongly encouraged to check any interesting model of the BP in reviews and tests that are freely available. It is advisable to search for information from at least 2-3 sources, taking into account the feedback of customers, if any. This will finally make a whole picture and will allow you to make the right choice - it is the chosen power supply unit of your money or not.

Performance indicators

That's right, when there is enough power for the system with a margin. It is excellent if the voltage on all lines does not exceed the permissible norms. But when it comes to the direct transmission of electricity from the device to the components, the cornerstone of the whole process is the pinout of the computer power supply (or simply a set of cables that will power the rest of the PC's components).

Of the main distinguish two types. The first one is EATX 24pin, intended for power supply of the motherboard. The second one is 12V, which is responsible for powering the processor. For conventional motherboards, only its 4pin-version is needed. However, instances with overclocking support are characterized by increased power consumption, for which the 8pin variant (or 4 + 4pin) is already designed.

In the complete set with the basic cables any pinout of the computer power unit includes also some additional:

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

Their number may differ depending on the specific model of the PSU. Be sure to check that the product has both a sufficient length and the necessary number of cables for the computer it is intended for. In the future, this will save you from the sudden search for additional extensions and adapters.

Finally, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of all six schemes of protection of PSU from emergency situations:

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

Fewer protection systems - more risk of detecting a power supply that is out of order in case of force majeure.

What about comfort in use?

Conveniently, when assembling at hand do not interfere with additional wires and connectors. Easier installation and better cabling can be offered by modular block types, that is, from which it is physically possible to unfasten unclaimed elements.

It is recommended to choose at least those models that are equipped with a 120-mm cooler. However, there are options and more that will give the cooling system additional efficiency. It does not hurt to find out on the manufacturer's website what type of bearing is used. It is advisable to avoid sliding bearings - they are the least durable and begin to clearly make noise after a certain period of operation. The ideal acoustic solution will be the "intelligent 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 must fit the housing in which it will be located. Most consumer developments are created under the ATX format.

German quality from Be quiet

The emerging market has long been living by certain principles. Cheap power supplies for computers, whose manufacturers ranked in the forefront, are nothing more than fiction or another marketing deception. This completely proves all the products of the German premium brand Be quiet, which won a lot of awards and popularity in the market. Each series of their power supplies is equipped with all types of protection, the claimed performance is always confirmed in fact in numerous reviews, and the silence of the products pleasantly surprises buyers year after year.

In particular, the advanced technical edition of PC Games Hardware (Germany) for the ninth time in a row awards the brand with the honorary title of "Manufacturer of the Year" in the category of power supplies. More well-known in domestic circles, the Hardwareluxx community also gives the Germans a similar title for the fourth year. In addition, you can always get acquainted with third-party reviews and tests that confirm the quality, reliability and quiet operation of this company's products.

SeaSonic - a solid position in the market with solid experience

It is a direct competitor to the German brand for excellent quality products, only from Taiwan, with numerous regional units in Europe, the USA, Japan and other parts of the world. Founded by engineers 40 years ago, this company first appeared only to present to the world high-quality high-tech solutions that will be appreciated by the broad masses.

The products of SeaSonic are divided into many series, each of which can offer different sets of characteristics for any budget. Taiwanese do not offer cheap devices either. And numerous praises in dozens of reviews from a variety of publications confirm that it is not in vain.

Power units DeepCool - a lesson of successful development of the budget segment

China - this is not always a stereotypically disgusting quality of products on an industrial scale. Engineers from China are confidently winning high positions in the world market not because of the quantity, but because of the quality of the products supplied. At the same time they manage not to overprice the price tags for just one brand name.

A bright modern example is the company DeepCool, which supplies affordable power supplies for computers at the cost attributed to the philistine. Since its foundation in 1996, the Chinese have been given multiple coverage in the press. Popular editions of Tom's Hardware, 3D news, Techpowerup are not the first time awarding 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, protection systems. The cost remains at a more accessible level than that of competitors.

Who else is noticeable in the mid-price segment?

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 it 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 a wide range of people. If you simply do not have enough funds for solutions from the top segment, you can always find a decent alternative in the average price range.

In a large proportion of domestic budget PCs, the Zalman power supply unit is installed - one of the undisputed favorites in the masses. South Korean brand for 17 years of its existence managed to grow into an international-class corporation, covering a lot of IT-spheres. 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 power unit Zalman is one of the first candidates for installation in the budgetary gaming system. With certainty, we can say that South Korean products received such a nominal status not because of the advertising company alone.

Speaking about power supply units FSP Group, it is necessary to note their worthy level of quality at relatively average cost. Taiwanese manufacturer can please a large assortment of series, where there was a place both top "platinum" solutions, and quite budgetary "bronze". FSP - the fifth largest manufacturer of BP in the world. Its products are valued not only in the circles of gamers, but also by other well-known brands. So, the solutions of the company are used by the same Zalman, Thermaltake, Antec.

Often, in order to save money, users choose some cheap AeroCool power supply, seriously at the same time counting on impeccable quality and excellent level of work. Indeed, this firm 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 not bad at the market. Power units, the reviews of which generally form a positive impression, at least are worth a careful examination. Using in its own development the capacities of other companies, Thermaltake has proved its competitiveness in the market with numerous awards. The lion's share of all products of this company belongs to an 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).