Power Supply: General Tips

Power supply unit (PSU) is the major component that supplies power to a computer. It is simply an essential part in every computer system. Without it, the entire system won’t be able to work according to what the user demands. If it does not supply sufficient and steady amount of power needed, it may cause instability and possible damage to other major computer components which in turn, will affect your computer’s life span.

Like any other parts of a computer, power supply also requires compatibility. The main power connector goes to the motherboard while the other connectors are for ATX or micro ATX pin power connector, 4-pin Peripheral power connectors or Molex, 4-pin Berg power connectors or mini-connector, auxiliary power connectors, serial ATA power connectors or SATA, 6-pin for PCI Express graphics cards and the C14 IEC connector with an appropriate C13 cord. After the main power connector, the next is the two main standard connectors for a desktop computer that buyers must consider. And this also tackles the difference between ATX and micro ATX board. The motherboard will provide the difference between the two. Older motherboards use the 20-pin ATX connector while the newer ones which are feature-laden use the 24-pin ATX connector. A 24 pin power supply can be used with a 20-pin motherboard with the help of an adapter but, it is not recommended to use the other way around. It’s because the 20-pin power supply or micro ATX do not provide expandability or goodies onboard. It can’t produce the necessary voltage to all those wires. Besides, the motherboard may fit but the optical drive may not.

Along with this, buyers must not also depend only on the specs provided on the sticker attached with it. For all we know, the original label can be replaced or removed. Just to make sure you are buying the right power supply with the right quality, try to measure its weight. Weighing the power supply helps buyers distinguish its real quality. A heavier power supply is more reliable than the lighter one because it only means that the first one uses larger transformer, bigger and more capacitor, thicker wires, larger heat sinks and more connectors. Although it is not only the weight that matters, end-users must also know the most practical method in purchasing this item.

The thermal compound is also an important factor in buying power supply. Thermal compound is also known as heat paste or heat sink compound which is a thick glutinous substance, with very good heat conductive qualities. This is important if you are overclocking your computer which makes CPU cooling systems under extra stress. Thermal compound is generally placed between the CPU core and the surface of the heatsink. With a high quality thermal compound, temperatures are low at either idle or loading process because heatsink will be able to prevent heat from the core more effectively.

The wattage of all voltage lines that affects the wattage ratings of a power supply is also important. The lower the wattage it provides, the cheaper it is. It goes the same way with the brand. If it is a generic type or non-branded, then you can find it a cheaper cost. However, it is always better to buy power supply with higher wattage because whether or not the computer is used with its maximum potential, users can guarantee that the power it provides is still sufficient. To top it all, buyers must make sure that the power supply meets the needs of the computer system. Otherwise, make sure that the maximum wattage rating of your power supply is higher than you intend to use.