The Importance of Power Supplies for PCs and Installation Guide

Want to build a gaming PC or upgrade an existing one, but can’t decide if your power supply can handle the upgrades? Here is a guide to help you make a good decision about which power supply to choose for your needs. An appropriately chosen power supply will allow you to maximize your hardware performance without failure and enable you to upgrade your hardware should the need arise, without the hassle of changing the PSU.

Introduction to PC Power Supplies

What Is A  Power Supply Unit (PSU)

A power supply unit is hardware that provides DC power to the motherboard, processor, graphics card, and other peripherals connected to it. Electronics run on DC power, and the primary function of a PSU is to provide that DC power to devices that use AC power.

Why It Matters In A Pc Build

A PSU must be capable of powering the PC to its maximum performance. Based on the hardware connected and your PC's specifications, the power required to run the hardware may vary. Hence, it is crucial to choose the proper PSU for your PC.

Key Specifications & Features

PSUs come in a wide variety of options, sizes, and features. It is essential to understand the requirements before selecting a PSU for your PC to achieve optimal performance.

Power Requirements or Wattage

PSUs may be classified into 3 broad categories based on their wattage.

300W or Less

These PSUs are suitable for everyday systems, including office and home computers. They can meet the requirements of day-to-day computing, such as web browsing, watching movies, using social media applications, giving presentations, and creating documentation.

Between 300W to 600W

These PSUs may be used for more complicated and advanced computer networks, hosting services, application development, programming, and engineering applications.

700W and Higher

These PSUs are used for high-end workstations, servers, and gaming rigs that require high efficiency, video editing stations, AI applications, and data analytics.     

Efficiency ratings and certifications

The efficiency of a PSU is measured by the 80 Plus certification system, which indicates how much power is lost as heat during the conversion. A higher rating indicates a reduced energy consumption and heat generation.

• 80 PLUS Standard (80% efficiency)
• 80 PLUS Bronze (82-85% efficiency)
• 80 PLUS Silver (85-88% efficiency)
• 80 PLUS Gold (87-90% efficiency)
• 80 PLUS Platinum (89-94% efficiency)
• 80 PLUS Titanium & Ruby (90-96% efficiency)

Form-factor & Compatibility

PSUs come in various sizes. Each one is designed to fit a particular PC case size and requirements.

ATX

Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) is the standard form factor for desktop PCs. The ATX power supply dimensions are 150 × 86 × 140 mm, and it features a 24-pin connector compatible with all ATX motherboards.

SFX

Small Form Factor Extended (SFX) is a compact power supply that is compatible with SFF PC cases. It is the second-most-common PSU on the market. The dimensions are 125 x 63.5 x 100 mm. However, if your case can accommodate a longer PSU, the SFX-L allows for higher wattage.

Others

• TFX (Thin Form Factor Extended) is used in slim desktop PC and HTPCs
  (Home Theater PC) cases.
• EPS (Entry Level Power Supply) is used in servers and workstations. They feature an additional 8-pin or 8+8-pin 12V connector for additional CPUs, along with a standard 24-pin ATX connector.

Protection features

PSUs include multiple protection features to keep the hardware safe in the event of abnormal conditions. A good PSU will protect the hardware from damage. Standard Protections include Short Circuit Protection, Over Voltage Protection, and Overpower Protection.

• Over Temperature Protection (OTP): Shuts down the PSU if internal components overheat, which can occur with a heavy load or with poor airflow.
• Over Voltage Protection (OVP): Shuts down the PSU if the output voltage exceeds a safe level to prevent damage to sensitive components.
• Under Voltage Protection (UVP): Shuts down the PSU if the output voltage drops too low.
• Short Circuit Protection (SCP): Automatically cuts power if a short circuit is detected on the output lines, protecting both the PSU and connected components.
• Over Current Protection (OCP): Limits the current delivered if it exceeds a safe threshold, preventing damage under overload conditions.
• Over Power Protection (OPP): Shuts down the PSU if the total power draw exceeds its rated capacity.

Selecting a Power Supply Unit

Before selecting a power supply, it is crucial to know the hardware you want to run on your PC. Further, the power requirements of each hardware component and the form factor of your PC case are vital.

Connectors Required

MotherBoard Connector

• ATX 24-pin Connector - The most common is the 24-pin ATX connector, which powers the motherboard and processor.
• 20-pin ATX Connector - Older models may use this type of connector for motherboard power
• ATX12B/EPS Connector -  If you are using a server or workstation with multiple processors, you require an 8-pin ATX12V/EPS connector to power additional processors on your motherboard.

PCIe Power Connector

• 6/6+2 Pin Connector - These are commonly used to power graphics cards or other high-power PCIe devices, such as high-end network cards or storage solutions.
• 12V 2x6 Connector - These connectors are found on high-performance graphics cards and can safely deliver up to 600W of power.

SATA Power Connector

These connectors are required to power up SSD/HDD and RGB fan controllers. The number of these connectors may vary across PSUs, so select a PSU that meets your requirements.

Power/Wattage Required

• Calculate Wattage -  Determine the hardware you wish to run, find the power requirement of each hardware item, and total them.
• Be on the Higher Side -  Always be on the higher side of the total power required. If you have calculated that your system needs 550Watts, choosing a 600W or 650W PSU is a good idea.
• Margin for Upgrades - If you wish to upgrade your system, keep a margin for further power requirements. This way saves you from having to buy a new PSU for your upgrades.
• Don’t Overkill - Your PSU will only provide the amount of power your hardware requires, so installing an 800W PSU for a 450W requirement will give you no benefit at all.

Consider Efficiency

• Power Delivery - Inefficient power delivery results in more heat generated by the PSU. This heat may shorten the lifespan of components installed in the PSU and in your PC.
• Consider your Budget - High efficiency PSUs also cost more, so find the balance that works for you.

Form Factor

Size Compatibility

For most PC users, a standard ATX works fine. However, if you want a small form factor, you should do more research to find which size may fit your PC case.

Cable Management

• Modular PSUs - Modular designs don’t include cables. They are plugged into sockets at both ends.
• Semi-Modular PSUs - Most often, cables are attached to the PSU, while some require connection.
• Non-Modular PSUs - All the cables come pre-attached to the PSU.

Cooling System

• Air Cooled - Air Cooled PSUs use fans to flow air over the electronics to keep them cool. Fan speeds are controlled by the PSU's power and heat output. However, at high load, the fan is noisy.
• Water Cooled - Water-cooled PSUs flow water to cool the circuit. They are silent even during high loads. Water-cooled PSUs are expensive and complex to maintain.

Installing a Power Supply Unit

Prerequisites Before Installation

• Workspace preparation: Gather your tools (a Phillips-head screwdriver) and make sure you have enough room to work.
• Shutdown and Unplug: Shut down the PC entirely, turn off the PSU switch on the back, and unplug the main power cord from the wall.  
• Grounding Protection: Touch a grounded metal object, such as the inside of the PC case, to discharge any static electricity before touching the components.
• Removal of PSU (if applicable): Disconnect all PSU connectors, remove the outer screws, and pull the PSU out.

Installing the New PSU

• Place and secure the PSU: Slide the new PSU into the PSU bay in the case, and fasten it with the screws.
• Connections: Connect the required cable to your motherboard and hardware.
• Cable Management: Organize cables within the PC case to ensure proper airflow and cooling.
• Test and Re-pack: Plug the PC into the power socket, test the PSU, and finally close the PC Case.

Conclusion

An ideal power supply unit must be capable of handling all the power requirements of a PC for any given application, while providing efficient power conversion and protection to the PC’s hardware.  ESGAMING offers a wide range of PSU options to suit your computing needs, from everyday use to intense gaming and professional workstation requirements.