Choosing a power supply for your computer. Choosing the optimal power supply for a PC How to choose a power supply for a computer

When you assemble your computer, this has its significant advantages, since all the components in a personal computer (PC) play their role with the system unit - processor and RAM for speed of operations, video card for displaying the graphic part, motherboard for connecting everything this together. That is why it is important to select components not only by how they will satisfy your needs, but also by how they will interact with each other.
In particular, there are errors when the motherboard does not “accept” the processor or there is no space in the case to install a video card.
But even if you seem to have selected all the components and they fit together, then when choosing a power supply unit (PSU) questions often arise. The most common is how much power is needed to make all components “feel” comfortable.

In order to calculate the power of the power supply, you can go in several ways. For example, you can ask the consultants in the store and hope that the store employee will be sufficiently knowledgeable about this and will be able to advise and select the right one.

Or you can go and buy a power supply with a power of 600-1000 Watts and not think about it at all because... Either way, this is enough. Yes, you can do this and overpay for the extra 600 Watts because... in fact, 400 W for example could be enough for you. It seems to me that this is not a way out of the situation. If only for the lazy and who don’t mind the money.

You can also look on the Internet how much power is needed for each of the components of the future system unit, and then calculate the required power. It should be taken into account that the total power of all components must be less than the maximum output power of the power source. It is also worth knowing and remembering that the specifications indicate the maximum power consumption of the components. During operation, energy is consumed unevenly by everyone (turning on, turning off, recording information, launching many programs, a complex episode in a game, etc.).

For example, the power consumption of components looks something like this:

  • Central processor: 50-120 W. The more powerful, the more.
  • Motherboard: 15-30 W. The more functions (heatsink, built-in sound or video card, etc.), the more.
  • Video card: 60-300 W. Depends on additional power supply, functions and load (may “jump”).
  • RAM: 15-60 W. Depends on the functions (filter capacitors, radiators, etc.) and capacitance.
  • Hard drive: 15-60 W. It also depends on its characteristics and load.
  • CD/DVD drive: 10-25 W. Depends on the maximum disk rotation speed and the actual operating mode.
  • Sound card: 5-50 W. Depends on the type and characteristics.
  • Fans (coolers): 1-2 W. Depends on rotation speed, dimensions and quantity.

    And some more nuances in the form of ports, floppy drives, various peripheral devices, etc. As you can see, it will not be possible to calculate computer power for everyone. These are purely individual characteristics.

    This is a very good option for you. Now there are many specialized sites and programs for calculating power on a computer. The topic is always quite relevant.
    There is only a small problem that not all databases on the sites and in the program are up to date, but I will give you links to those that are really suitable for modern components.


    A great calculator that requires minimal knowledge of English.
    There are two types of calculator - Basic and Expert. From the name you can guess what each one is needed for. Using the second one, you can also specify how many hours the power supply will work, models for bitcoins, coolers (fans), processor speed and frequency, keyboard/mouse, etc. In general, take everything into account in more detail (for those in the know).
    Select the main components (Motherboard, CPU, Memory, Video Cards, Storage and Optical Drives) and press the CALCULATE button (or RESET to reset) to then see how much power supply is needed for the computer.
    One of the features of this service is that it is possible to select the minimum number of components.
    One of the disadvantages (or advantages, depending on who you choose) is the display of advertising for a product from one well-known foreign site. And when calculating, they will show the recommended power supply, which is also available on another site.
    This site, on the one hand, gives the opportunity to choose from the offered products and buy a power supply immediately, and on the other hand, he will earn money from this. Whether to follow such links or not is up to you.


    A more advanced version of the previous service. The principle is similar, but additional functions have appeared: selecting a language (though there is no Russian), manually specifying the processor speed and its power, connecting a Blue-Ray drive, TV tuner, sound card, USB connectors (2.0 and 3.0), coolers (fans) ) indicating their number and size, mice, keyboards and similar little things. It is even possible to specify how long the computer is turned on.
    In general, this is a good modern service calculator for calculating the power of a computer power supply.


    A site from the famous company MSI, which is famous for its gaming products.


    There is a Russian language and quite modern characteristics for components. In principle, everything is easy and clear.

    Program KSA Power Supply Calculator WorkStation -


    As an alternative to online calculators on the Internet for calculating computer power.
    Portable (does not require installation), small size (177 kb), supports Russian language (developer Kaurkin S.A.) and all operating systems (Windows Xp, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (x86,x64)), yes and besides, the database is fresh and up-to-date.
    In general, a miracle program for calculating the power of a power supply in a PC.
    I don’t think it’s necessary to describe how and what to press, because... The interface is very simple and intuitive. I will only note that the program can also calculate the power for an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), which is just as important for a computer


    Just in case, I’m attaching it to the topic (version 1.2.4.0 dated June 24, 2015), because I don’t want such a program to remain inaccessible

    I think this will be enough for you to easily find out which power supply is suitable.

    I would like to emphasize the fact that it is necessary to calculate the computer’s power supply in such a way that there is a reserve for the future. As is the case with subsequent system updates, so will various surges in the load of the components themselves. It is better to take it with a reserve of 5-20 percent of power. For example, if a minimum of 500 W suits you, then take at least 550 or 600 W.

  • Correct calculation of power supply power for a computer. Calculate the watt of the power supply using a calculator. What types of power supplies are there and which one to choose? How many watts should the power supply have? What is the voltage in the computer power supply?

    1. The top configurations are, of course, Platinum and Titanium, this is the price segment that exceeded all standards, let’s say, gaming and the most energy-demanding systems. More powerful than the average price segment but lower than the top-end, the Silver-Gold option will be. For computers with configurations up to the mid-price segment, an 80 PLUS Bronze block will be enough, let’s assume as an office PC for managers.
    2. Calculate the power supply power for your computer configuration (power supply calculator)

    3. You can calculate the power of the power supply using a calculator and confirm or double-check it on several. Below I present to your attention our calculator, on which you need to select the components of your computer and look at the total at the very bottom; if your components are not in the list of the calculator, then just select the brand.

    Content

    If you buy a computer, it will probably already come with a standard power supply. But, given the most important function of this unit for stable, long-term operation, it is worth familiarizing yourself with its characteristics, and, if necessary, replacing it with one more suitable for you, taking into account all the requirements for this element. You can select a powerful and reliable power supply for your computer by reading the general requirements for it, choosing the type, power and manufacturer, taking into account the specific features of the equipment installed in your system unit.

    What is a computer power supply

    Most computers are connected directly to a public electrical outlet without the use of additional stabilizers that smooth out surges, voltage drops and frequency of the supply network. A modern power supply device must provide all computer components with a stable voltage of the required power, taking into account peak loads when performing complex graphic tasks. All expensive computer components - video cards, hard drive, motherboard, processor, and others - depend on the power and stability of this module.

    What does it consist of?

    Modern computer power supply devices have several main components, many of which are mounted on cooling radiators:

    1. Input filter to which mains voltage is supplied. Its task is to smooth the input voltage, suppress ripple and noise.
    2. The mains voltage inverter increases the mains frequency from 50 Hz to hundreds of kilohertz, making it possible to reduce the size of the main transformer while maintaining its useful power.
    3. The pulse transformer converts the input voltage to low voltage. Expensive models contain several transformers.
    4. Standby voltage transformer and controller that controls the inclusion of the main power supply in automatic mode.
    5. An AC signal rectifier based on a diode assembly, with chokes and capacitors that smooth out ripples. Many models are equipped with an active power factor correction.
    6. Stabilization of the output voltage is carried out in high-quality devices independently for each power line. Inexpensive models use one group stabilizer.
    7. An important element in reducing energy costs and reducing noise is a fan speed thermostat, the operating principle of which is based on the use of a temperature sensor.
    8. Signal units include a voltage and current consumption monitoring circuit, a system for preventing short circuits, overloads of current consumption, and overvoltage protection.
    9. The case must accommodate all of the listed components, including a 120 mm fan. A high-quality power supply will provide the ability to disconnect unused harnesses.

    Types of power supplies

    The power supply devices for desktop PC systems differ from those used in laptops. There are several types of these devices based on their design:

    1. Modular devices provide the ability to disconnect unused wiring harnesses.
    2. Fanless, passively cooled devices are quiet and expensive.
    3. Semi-passive power devices are equipped with a cooling fan with a control controller.

    To standardize the size and physical layout of computer modules, the concept of form factor is used. Nodes that have the same form factor are completely interchangeable. One of the first international standards in this area was the AT (Advanced Technology) form factor, which appeared simultaneously with the first IBM-compatible computers and was used until 1995. Most modern power supply devices use the ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) standard.

    Intel in December 1997 introduced a motherboard of a new microATX family, for which a smaller power supply device was proposed - Small Form Factor (SFX). Since that time, the SFX standard has been used in many computer systems. Its advantage is the ability to use five physical forms and modified connectors for connecting to the motherboard.

    The best power supplies for computers

    When choosing power supplies for your computer, you should not save money. Many manufacturers of such economy class systems exclude important anti-interference elements to reduce prices. This is noticeable by the jumpers installed on the circuit board. To standardize the quality level of these devices, the 80 PLUS Certificate was created, indicating an efficiency factor of 80%. Improvements in the characteristics and components of computer power supplies have led to the updating of varieties of this standard to:

    • Bronze – efficiency 82%;
    • Silver – 85%;
    • Gold – 87%;
    • Platinum – 90%;
    • Titanium – 96%.

    You can buy a power supply for your computer in computer stores or supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other Russian cities, which offer a large selection of components. For active Internet users, you can find out how much it costs, make a selection from a large number of models, buy a power supply for a PC in online stores, where you can easily select them from a photo, order them based on promotions, sales, discounts, and make a purchase. All goods are delivered by courier services or, cheaper, by mail.

    AeroCool Kcas 500W

    For most home desktop computers, 500W will do. The proposed Chinese-made option combines good quality indicators and an affordable price:

    • Model name: AEROCOOL KCAS-500W;
    • price: 2,690 rubles;
    • characteristics: form factor ATX12V B2.3, power – 500 W, active PFC, efficiency – 85%, standard 80 PLUS BRONZE, color – black, MP connectors 24+4+4 pin, length 550 mm, video cards 2x(6+ 2) pin, Molex – 4 pcs, SATA – 7 pcs, connectors for FDD – 1 pc, 120 mm fan, dimensions (WxHxD) 150x86x140 mm, power cord included;
    • pros: active power factor correction function;
    • cons: efficiency is only 85%.

    AeroCool VX-750 750W

    The 750 W VX line of power supplies are assembled from high-quality components and provide stable and reliable power to entry-level systems. This device from Aerocool Advanced Technologies (China) is protected from power surges:

    • Model name: AeroCool VX-750;
    • price: 2,700 rub.;
    • characteristics: ATX 12V 2.3 standard, active PFC, power – 750 W, current along the lines +5 V – 18A, +3.3 V – 22 A, +12 V – 58 A, -12 V – 0.3 A, +5 V – 2.5 A, 120 mm fan, connectors 1 pc 20+4-pin ATX, 1 pc Floppy, 1 pc 4+4-pin CPU, 2 pcs 8-pin PCI-e (6+2), 3 pcs Molex, 6 pcs, dimensions – 86x150x140 mm, weight – 1.2 kg;
    • pros: fan speed control;
    • cons: no certificate.

    FSP Group ATX-500PNR 500W

    The Chinese company FSP produces a wide range of high-quality components for computer equipment. The option offered by this manufacturer has a low price, but is equipped with an overload protection module in public networks:

    • Model name: FSP Group ATX-500PNR;
    • price: 2,500 rub.;
    • characteristics: ATX 2V.2 standard, active PFC, power – 500 W, line load +3.3 V – 24A, +5V – 20A, +12V – 18 A, +12 V – 18A, +5V – 2.5A, - 12 V – 0.3A, 120 mm fan, 1 pc 20+4-pin ATX connectors, 1 pc 8-pin PCI-e (6+2), 1 pc Floppy, 1 pc 4+4-pin CPU, 2 pcs Molex , 3 pcs SATA, dimensions – 86x150x140 mm, weight – 1.32 kg;
    • pros: there is short circuit protection;
    • cons: no certification.

    Corsair RM750x 750W

    Corsair products provide reliable voltage control and operate quietly. The presented version of the power supply device has an 80 PLUS Gold Certificate, low noise level and a modular cabling system:

    • Model name: Corsair RM750x;
    • price: RUB 9,320;
    • characteristics: ATX 12V 2.4 standard, active PFC, power – 750 W, line load +5 V – 25 A, +3.3 V – 25 A, +12 V – 62.5 A, -12 V – 0.8 A, +5 V – 1 A, 135 mm fan, connectors 1 pc 20+4-pin ATX, 1 pc Floppy, 1 pc 4+4-pin CPU, 4 pcs 8-in CI-e (6+2), 8 pcs Molex, 9 pcs SATA, 80 PLUS GOLD certificate, short circuit and overload protection, dimensions – 86x150x180 mm, weight – 1.93 kg;
    • pros: temperature-controlled fan;
    • cons: high cost.

    Thermaltake power supply devices are distinguished by high functionality and stability of all characteristics. The proposed version of such a device is suitable for most system units:

    • model name: Thermaltake TR2 S 600W;
    • price: RUR 3,360;
    • characteristics: ATX standard, power – 600 W, active PFC, maximum current 3.3 V – 22 A, +5 V – 17 A, + 12 V – 42 A, +12 V – 10 A, 120 mm fan, motherboard connector – 20+4 pin;
    • pros: can be used in new and old computers;
    • Cons: no network cable included.

    Corsair CX750 750W

    The purchase of a high-quality and expensive power supply device is justified when using expensive other components. The use of Corsair products will make it unlikely that this equipment will fail due to the fault of the power supply device:

    • Model name: Corsair CX 750W RTL CP-9020123-EU;
    • price: RUR 7,246;
    • characteristics: ATX standard, power – 750 W, load +3.3 V – 25 A, +5 V – 25 A, +12V – 62.5A, +5 V – 3 A, -12V – 0.8 A, dimensions – 150x86x160 mm, 120 mm fan, efficiency – 80%, dimensions – 30x21x13 cm;
    • pros: fan speed controller;
    • cons: expensive.

    Deepcool DA500 500W

    All Deepcool products are certified to the 80 PLUS standard. The proposed model of the power supply device has a Bronze degree certificate, has protection against overload and short circuit:

    • Model name: Deepcool DA500 500W;
    • price: RUR 3,350;
    • characteristics: form factor Standard-ATX 12V 2.31 and EPS12V, active PFC, Main connector – (20+4)-pin, 5 15-pin SATA interfaces, 4 molex connectors, for video card – 2 interfaces (6+2)- pin, power – 500 W, 120 mm fan, currents +3.3 V – 18 A, +5 V – 16 A, +12 V – 38 A, -12 V – 0.3 A, +5 V – 2.5 A ;
    • pros: 80 PLUS Bronze certificate;
    • cons: not noted.

    Zalman ZM700-LX 700 W

    For modern processor models and expensive video cards, it is advisable to buy certified power supplies of at least Platinum standard. The presented computer power supply from Zalman has an efficiency of 90% and high reliability:

    • model name: Zalman ZM700-LX 700W;
    • price: RUR 4,605;
    • characteristics: ATX standard, power - 700 W, active PFC, +3.3 V - 20 A, current +5 V - 20 A, + 12V - 0.3 A, 140 mm fan, dimensions 150x86x157 mm, weight 2.2 kg;
    • advantages: short circuit protection;
    • cons: not noted.

    How to choose a power supply for your computer

    You should not trust your expensive computer equipment to little-known manufacturers. Some dishonest manufacturers disguise the low quality of their equipment under “fake” quality certificates. Chieftec, Cooler Master, Hiper, SeaSonic, Corsair have high ratings among manufacturers of power supply devices for computers. It is desirable to have protection against overload, overvoltage and short circuit. The appearance, case material, fan mounts, quality of connectors and harnesses can tell a lot.

    Motherboard power connector

    The number and type of connectors installed on the motherboard depend on its type. The main ones are connectors:

    • 4 pin – for power supply to the processor, HDD drives;
    • 6 pin – for powering video cards;
    • 8 pin – for powerful video cards;
    • 15 pin SATA – for connecting the SATA interface with hard drives, CD-ROM.

    Power supply power

    All requirements for stable operation can be met by power supplies for computers, the power of which is selected with a reserve and exceeds the rated consumption of all computer components by 30-50%. The power reserve guarantees that the cooling properties of radiators are exceeded, the purpose of which is to remove excessive overheating of its elements. It is difficult to determine the device you need based on a review of their offer on the Internet. For this purpose, there are websites where, by entering the parameters of your components, you can calculate the required characteristics of power supply devices.

    Power consumption ratings for home computers range from 350 to 450 W. It is better to buy power supplies for commercial purposes from a nominal value of 500 W. Gaming computers and servers must be run with power supplies of 750 W or higher. An important component of a power supply device is PFC or power factor correction, which can be active or passive. Active PFC increases the power factor value up to 95%. This parameter is always indicated in the passport and instructions for the product.

    Here is another informative article, this time on the topic of hardware. More precisely, about choosing the right power supply for your system. Most likely you will think that there is nothing complicated here, you just need to look at the power and choose the manufacturer. But no, this is the most common mistake of all novice users, since when you come home and start connecting a brand new power supply, you may be unpleasantly surprised when you realize that something doesn’t fit. And to avoid such mistakes, I strongly recommend that you read this article.

    Let's start with the simplest thing, what is a power supply? A computer power supply is a voltage converter that supplies all computer components with direct current and the voltage required for each element. A modern power supply should provide voltages of 3.3V, 5V and 12V.

    Power. One of the most important points when choosing a power supply, of course, is the correct selection of power. If you install a power supply with a weaker power than your system needs at peak load, this will result in system instability and a high probability of failure of some components. If you install a power supply of unreasonably higher power, this will affect its efficiency and increase power consumption. There are quite a few calculators on the web for calculating the power of power supplies, but I recommend using the Asus power calculator, since it is regularly updated and there are always new video cards and processors in its list. You can add 50W to the received power for reserve; I also recommend looking at a power supply not lower than the 80+ Bronze standard (you can read more about the 80 plus standard on wikipedia.org).

    Firm. This is somewhat more complicated and it is necessary to seriously study each model, because, as with everything, some models are successful, some are not. Still, I strongly advise against contacting a noname power supply unit, but rather look towards such manufacturers as Thermaltake, Chieftec, Corsair. Personally, I have been buying components at the OGO.ru store for a long time, but first, read the article.

    Wires and connectors. Let's move on to the most interesting part. It is precisely because of your inattention to this topic that the purchased power supply may not be suitable. If you pay attention to the characteristics of motherboards, you may notice that the specifications always indicate two important points:
    1) Main power connector;
    2) Processor power connector.

    It is because of inattention to these two points that beginners have problems.

    In modern motherboards, the 24-pin main power connector is most often found, but the processor power connector is divided into two types: 8-pin ...

    On server motherboards there is also a 20-pin for the main power supply.

    A universal option would be to purchase a power supply with a connector for the motherboard 20+4pin, and for the processor 4+4pin. This will allow you to connect this power supply to any motherboard. But for purely home use, you can often just take 24pin power for the motherboard.

    Don’t forget about video cards, since if you have a powerful video card installed, then most likely it requires an additional 6-pin power supply, sometimes even 6+6pin. That is, two connectors of 6pin each. The number of hard drives and optical drives is also important, since all modern hard drives and drives are powered by a Sata connector. Although, if you have an old computer, then you should pay attention to IDE and Floppy connectors.

    So, when choosing a power supply, the second most important thing is the selection of connectors suitable for your system unit assembly:

    To summarize, we can say that you should carefully read the specifications of the motherboard and video card, look at the dimensions of the case and the location of the power supply in it so that the wires are long enough to reach all the elements. Plus, you can choose a power supply with detachable cables, this will free up some space in the case by disconnecting unnecessary wires.

    PFC(Power factor Correction). Translated as “reactive power compensation”. I recommend choosing a power supply with Active PFC. This will reduce interference in the network, it will also stabilize the incoming voltage and the power supply will be much less sensitive to voltage drops. This essentially allows the power supply to be used in a universal voltage range of 110-230V.

    PSU cooling. It is desirable that the fan be at least 120mm in diameter, but this condition is met in almost all power supplies.

    That's all. You can safely go to the catalog of the OGO.ru online store and choose the power supply that suits you.

    I hope you found this article useful, click one of the buttons below to tell your friends about it. Also subscribe to site updates by entering your e-mail in the field on the right.

    It is no secret that for stable operation of a computer, a reliable power source is needed, and in order to understand how to choose a power supply for a computer, you need to determine for yourself a number of criteria by which the selection will take place. First of all, we talk about power. The power supply unit (PSU) must be powerful enough, preferably higher than normal, so that there remains a certain “margin of safety” in case of an unforeseen situation.

    This is especially true for gaming computers, where the main consumers are components such as a video card and processor. After this, you need to add about 30% to the resulting value, this will be the same reserve that will not only increase the reliability of your computer in the future, but will also be useful for future system upgrades, and you will not have to buy a new power supply.

    If you are choosing a power supply for an office computer, then models with a power of ± 400 W are suitable. For computers in the mid-price segment (average performance) - 450–500 W. For all other cases, 500–700 W will be more than enough. However, if you plan to install, for example, two video cards in SLI/CROSSFIRE mode, you may well need a power supply up to 1000 W. Again, neither I nor anyone else can tell you any clear gradations; that’s why such calculators exist.

    Do not also forget that not all power supplies indicate the actual power on the packaging. Let me explain: it can be nominal and peak, peak is denoted in English “PEAK”. Usually, for the sake of marketing, they indicate just the latter, which can differ quite significantly from the nominal one (the one on which the power supply can work for a long time). How to find out? Yes, it’s very simple, on the power supply itself there is a sticker with all the characteristics, including this parameter. It looks like this:

    12V lines

    The 12-volt lines are the ones through which the “lion’s” share of the power is transmitted. The more of these lines, the better. Usually this number does not go beyond the range of 1–6 lines. But the parameter of greatest interest is the “total current along 12V lines”, accordingly, the larger it is, the greater the power going from the power supply to the main consumers: processor, video cards, hard drives. All the necessary information can be found on the label, again.

    Power correction

    A very important parameter. More precisely, the power correction factor (PFC). There are several types of power supply - with active PFC (APFC), and with passive (PPFC). The coefficient determines how efficiently the power supply works, in other words, its efficiency. For a power supply with passive PFC, the efficiency cannot be more than 80%, and for a power supply with active PFC it varies between 80–95%. The remaining percentages characterize energy losses due to heating during the conversion process. If electricity is expensive where you live, then I recommend taking a closer look at a power supply with an active PFC; as a bonus, you will get less heating of the power supply itself, and in the end you will be able to save on cooling. In addition, power supplies with active PFC are less sensitive to low mains voltage - if suddenly the mains voltage drops below 220V, the power supply will not turn off power to the computer.

    Certificate 80 PLUS

    The presence of this certificate just shows how efficiently the power supply can work, that is, it indicates its efficiency. There are several types of these certificates, the most common: 80 plus bronze, silver, gold. It is better to choose a power supply with a certificate of at least 80 PLUS Bronze, since all others are already an order of magnitude more expensive. Also, high efficiency is simply necessary in large enterprises, where the number of computers amounts to hundreds; on such a scale, even small energy savings on each specific computer will ultimately bring significant money.

    Short circuit protection

    It must be mandatory, in order to avoid... Overload protection is also necessary - when the current at the output of the power supply is too high, so that the computer components do not burn out. Overvoltage protection also doesn't hurt - when the voltage at the power supply output is too high, the power supply to the motherboard is turned off.

    About “Nameless” BP

    Unfortunately, you can still find so-called “no name” power supplies on sale, that is, those on which neither the manufacturer nor any characteristics are indicated. Often they are sold even without a box - a sort of “pig in a poke”. It is highly not recommended to buy this type of power supply, but there is a temptation, I must say, because they are often an order of magnitude cheaper (the cheapest) than others presented in the store. But it's not even about the stickers. After all, the vast majority of people, by and large, don’t give a damn what their power supply looks like, because in order to see it, you need to disassemble the computer system unit, and to be precise, remove its side cover, because not everyone has a transparent window on the side.

    Click to enlarge

    “no name” power supplies are dangerous not for this, but for what they consist of - low-quality, to put it mildly, components, or the absence of necessary components on the board at all (this is clearly visible in the photo above). Such a power supply can burn out at any time, regardless of whether it is still under warranty or no longer. By the way, their warranty period is as short as warm summer days in Siberia. I hope I managed to dissuade you from the idea of ​​​​buying such a power supply, if such an idea has crept into your mind.

    A few words about the manufacturers

    And here we smoothly move on to the question of which company to choose a power supply? Where is the guarantee that a “no name” power supply will not suddenly fall apart (explode/short out) in exactly the same way? Here you need to look at the authority of the manufacturer. But you shouldn’t go to extremes, you shouldn’t chase the most branded power supplies from this list, because no one wants to overpay for a name. Inexpensive but high-quality ones include: FSP, Chieftec, Cooler Master.

    ATX standard, connectors

    This standard defines the set of connectors required to connect equipment to the power supply, as well as the size - 150x86x140 mm (WxHxD). Most computers today are equipped with such power supplies. There are several versions of this standard: ATX 2.3, 2.31, 2.4, etc. It is recommended to purchase ATX power supplies of at least version 2.3, since starting with this version a 24-pin connector appeared, which is necessary to power all modern motherboards existing today (before that used a 20-pin connector), and also with this version, the efficiency of the power supply exceeded the threshold of 80% and can now be almost 100%. In addition to the above-mentioned connector, there are several more: power supply for the video card, processor, hard drives, optical drives, coolers. Needless to say, the more there are, the better.

    Connectors, cables
    24-pin motherboard power connector. On any power supply you can find 1 such connector. If desired, you can “unfasten” the 4-pin piece from the common connector for compatibility with older motherboards.
    The connector for powering the central processor is 4-pin; some processors require two of these connectors.
    Connectors for additional power supply for a 6-pin video card (there are also 8-pin ones). Typically, gaming video cards require 2 of these connectors. But if the power supply doesn’t have them, don’t worry, you can get them together using an adapter and 2 free MOLEX connectors.
    15-pin SATA connector for powering hard drives and optical drives. Typically, there are 2-3 such connectors located on one wire (loop) coming directly from the power supply. That is, you can connect 3 hard drives to one cable at once. The more such wires there are, the better. If there are few of them, then, again, an adapter from the “almighty” MOLEX comes to the rescue.
    “The same” 4-pin MOLEX connector, which was previously widely used instead of the one shown in the previous picture.
    Old - like planet Earth, used to be used for floppy disk drives - floppy disks.

    Modularity

    There are two types of power supplies - modular and, accordingly, non-modular. This means that in the first case, it will be possible to easily disconnect all currently unused cables in order to free up precious space in the system unit, thereby improving the cooling inside it. The flow of cold air will pass freely through all the components of the computer, cooling them evenly, which is quite problematic to achieve in the case of a non-modular design. In addition, by freeing the internal space from a tangle of wires, you will achieve a much more aesthetic appearance. In general, aesthetes will definitely like this feature. True, there is one caveat: modular power supplies are somewhat more expensive, and among cheap power supplies you won’t find them at all.

    Cooling

    Since the power supply unit (especially gaming computers) is a loaded element, during its operation it generates a large amount of heat; therefore, active cooling fans (coolers) are needed that will blow over the insides of the power supply unit. Once upon a time, fans with a diameter of only 80 mm were mainly installed on power supplies. By today's standards, this is simply “nothing.” The vast majority of modern power supplies have a cooler with a diameter of 120–140 mm, which not only contributes to more efficient cooling, but also reduces the noise level. Here we can draw the following analogy: the larger the outer diameter, for example, of a wheel, the less speed it will need to be rotated to achieve the same speed on a car. Therefore, it would be more correct to choose a power supply with the largest possible fan from the options that you have previously considered for yourself.

    Results

    And now, I propose to summarize all of the above, for better understanding, so to speak. So, what do you need to choose the right power supply:

    1. It is necessary to choose only high-quality power supplies from trusted manufacturers; it is better to forget about “no name” power supplies.
    2. Pay attention to the real power, and not what is indicated on the packaging in order to attract your attention.
    3. It is better if the number of 12V lines is more than one, but if there is only one, it’s not a big deal. It is much more important that the lion's share of the power supply is transmitted precisely through these lines, and not through any others.
    4. The power supply should preferably be of the ATX 2.3 standard and have a sufficient number of connectors for connecting components to them in the future.
    5. The efficiency of the power supply must be greater than 80%. The power supply in this case will have an 80 plus certificate and an active PFC.
    6. Ask if the power supply has protection against short circuit, overload, and overvoltage.
    7. Choose a power supply with a cooler of the largest possible diameter, this will reduce the noise level. In addition, on modern power supplies, the number of fan revolutions depends on the load on the power supply, that is, when the power supply is idle, you will not hear it at all.
    8. (Optional) Models with detachable wires are much more convenient to use, but also cost more.
    9. I do not recommend buying a system unit case that already contains a power supply, the so-called “assembly”. Usually, weak power supplies are installed along with the case, or their characteristics may not suit you. If you can buy separately, do so. In addition, it will even be somewhat cheaper.

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