Power Supply
Introduction
The power supply (AKA the PSU) needs no introduction.
It is the thing that pulls scary-dangerous 240V AC from your wall and converts it into several DC rails with different voltages for each of your parts to happily use.
Often an overlooked and grossly under-budgeted part in novice builders, the PSU does its work and never complains about it. A little investment in your PSU can go a long way for your power bill!
Picking your PSU
80+ cardboard? Fluid-bearing fans? High Current GAMER?!
Confusing terminology often leads to switched off brains purchasing cheap PSUs that will spectacularly fail in under 3 years, taking their whole rig down with it.
Luckily for you, there's a LTT PSU Tier List!
Anything Tier 1/2 are highly recommended and will last you 5+ years! Avoid anything below Tier 3 unless you're on a really, really tight budget.
Considerations
- Size: Regular ATX PSUs are generally fine but in smaller cases that take ATX, be wary of length. There are also small cases that take other form factors like SFX and TFX, but they come at a premium!
- Noise: Most good PSUs today have a load threshold to completely turn off the fan (the first to do it were the Corsair RM series, then Seasonic followed with a completely passively cooled SKU!). Look out for these in your silent builds!
- Longevity: It's not uncommon to see 3 year warranties but look out for the higher tier PSUs that offer 5, or even 7 year warranties!
- Price: Your PSU should be roughly 10% of your budget (for consumer-grade components). Any less and you're making compromises that should not be made!
Community Picks
Vincent: I personally have owned a CM 750W Bronze something or other (now retired to my closet) and am still using a RM650 for over 2 years without any hiccups! Here are my picks:
- RM550x is a great price/performer clocking in at around $130. With the recent power efficiency jumps across industry, 550 is the new 650!
- Seasonic 520 Fanless, almost anything from Seasonic really! Great company with great reputation
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