How to Buy a Computer Power Supply
A computer power supply is a hardware designed to convert power from the mains to specific voltage that's required to run a computer. It also regulates the power supply to the machine, which is a very important, considering that minor fluctuations in the same can lead to some serious damage to the machine. Simply put, the power supply unit of the computer is not just required to run the machine, but is also necessary to make sure that the machine is safe from volatile power supply from the mains. Taking the importance of this unit into consideration, it isn't surprising that experts stress on the fact that one has to be careful when choosing it.
Tips to Buy a Computer Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Many people assume that buying power supply for the computer is an easy task, which can be done with a snap of the finger. Some go to the extent of assuming that the unit with highest output is the best option for their desktop. With that in their mind, they buy the unit with the maximum power, but ignore the other vital aspects which need to be taken into consideration if you are to make the right choice.
Wattage
The wattage of the power supply unit is undoubtedly the most important aspect of the unit. Normally power supply units meant for the desktop computers range between 400 to 1000 watts, but units reaching up to 2000 watts are also available. Units with such high wattage are most often used for servers and computers with multiple processors. Various software as well as online power supply calculation applications can help you to determine your requirements. Ideally you should buy a power supply unit, which exceeds your requirements by 30 percent. This will ensure that you don't require to repurchase new power supply, when you upgrade your PC in the future.
Connectors
The computer power supply unit connectors determine the capability of your machine, and therefore you need to take the connector into consideration, when you buy a PSU. There is a vast range of PSU connectors available in the market. Some models have 24 pin connector, while some have a 20 pin connector. You need to make sure that the connector of the PSU is compatible with your system. For instance most of the Pentium 4 CPU-based motherboards require a 20 pin connector, while the models to follow require a 24 pin connector.
Efficiency
As the processors of the computer are becoming more and more powerful, the energy consumption of the computers is going on increasing. Even though your PC has 400 watt power supply, the amount of energy that the unit draws from the wall or the mains is estimated to be much more higher. The efficiency of the unit is determined by the amount of energy that is lost, when the unit converts the power from the mains to suit the requirements of the computer. So it is ideal to choose a PSU which is highly efficient (HE), when it comes to energy consumption. Ideally an unit with 85 percent efficiency would mean that 15 percent of energy is lost in the form of heat. Higher the efficiency, lesser will be the energy loss and hence better will be the product.
Computer Application
You also need to analyze the purpose for which you would use the computer. In this case, you need to take into consideration the present as well as the future use of the machine. If you are using multiple processors or if you plan to use the PC for gaming or networking, it's better to opt for a power supply unit with a bit of extra wattage.
Even if you are not an expert in computer hardware, being well-versed with the aforementioned aspects of the PSU will help you make the right choice. Ignoring them, on the other hand, will result in you opting for the wrong unit, and that will either come heavy on your machine or your pocket.
