How to Choose the Right PSU

 

 

Start with Manufacturer, Reviews & Budget

You get what you pay for and that couldn't be more true than with power supplies. Cheap and generic power supplies might get the job done for some basic desktop computers, but for anything more than that start with a reputable manufacturer with good reviews such as EVGA, Corsair, and Antec. With power supplies bigger is better. Larger and heavier power supply units typically means bigger capacitors, chokes, heat-sinks and all of the other goodies needed to keep your rig cool, all while making less noise than the cheaper and smaller units.

 

The Wattage to Look For

Wattage is the second important bit, as it determines how much power the unit can distribute to the different computer parts that need it. Ideally, your PSU should put out at least 500 watts–enough power to run the average desktop. If you are building a beastly rig such as one designed for high-end gaming, a 750-watt PSU should be able to handle the power drain from your video card and sometimes from linking two video cards together. Anything above 800 watts is typically best for professional-grade systems.

 

Necessary Connections

Finally, make sure you have the proper connectors. This is the easiest part of your computer power supply guide checklist, because if you are buying a PSU and your computer has no unusual parts, then you shouldn't have a problem with having the right connectors. PSUs come with a standardized number of connectors that fit the average desktop system. If you run a non-standard setup such as a desktop with multiple video cards, look at the computer power supply information that came with the cards to make sure the power supply has the correct number of connectors.

 

Maintaining Power Supply

Use a gas duster to blow out your computer's power supply occasionally. Dust can and will accumulate inside the unit, potentially leading to a short—a situation that's both irritating and dangerous to the other computer components.