Building your own gaming PC for the first time is an exciting endeavor, but when it comes to choosing a power supply for gaming pc, it is important to get the right one. This is critical because a quality power supply will ensure your components receive the necessary power to run optimally, as well as offer other features such as surge protection and power efficiency. Luckily, there are several factors to consider when browsing for the appropriate power supply that will not only suit you current gaming needs, but set you up for potential upgrades in the future.
Types Of Power Supply Units
Choosing which type of power supply to purchase largely depends on your gaming needs. For example, mid-range gaming PCs will require between 500 and 600 watts of power; whereas, higher end systems may require more. The two main types of power supplies on the market are ATX and SFX, which each suits different gaming needs. ATX offers a smoother energy flow and is ideal for high-end setups. SFX, however, is better for gaming PCs that require less power, or portability as they are smaller in size.
Considering Voltage And Amperage
Alongside wattage, another important factor to consider when selecting a power supply for your gaming PC, is the voltage and amperage. Most power supplies will list the voltage and the amperage together (e.g 12V/8A). In this example, 12V is the voltage and 8A is the amperage. Voltage essentially refers to the strength of the outlet, and amperage essentially conveys the amount of current being delivered to each part of your gaming PC.
Power Factor Correction
When shopping for power supplies, its also important to consider power factor correction. Built into some power supplies, this technology essentially allows them to reach optimal performance across various power conditions. By monitoring the electrical current going through the computer, it can guarantee each part of the gaming PC is supplied with the appropriate amount of power.
Buying An Appropriate Power Supply
Buying an appropriate power supply can be an overwhelming process, with most power supplies boasting intricate labeling that details the max wattage, amperage, voltage and surge protection. When it comes to form factor, you should again consider the power needed for your gaming pc and its components, as well as whether a more efficient, reliable and quieter power supply is required. Lastly, when connecting up the power supply to your system, it is important to be aware of the airflow of your PC, and ensure the power supply is correctly connected up in the right orientation.
Monitoring Power Consumption
Once your gaming PC is set up, it is important to monitor power consumption. An energy monitoring system is recommended as it will allow you to keep track of the amount of power being used from the power outlet and within the gaming PC. This will help you understand your current power needs, making sure your components are running smoothly and are not overloading the power supply.
The Bonus Features of Power Supplies
When looking for the right power supply for your gaming pc, the bonus features to keep an eye out for include over-voltage, under-voltage and short-circuit protections. These features help protect the power supply, your gaming PC components and you from exceeding safe power levels and potentially damaging them. Other bonus features worth considering are power surge protection, fan noise, voltage switch and energy-efficiency levels.
Comparing Quality Vs Price
Last but not least, when choosing the right power supply it is always important to compare quality versus price. Though more expensive power supplies may be of higher quality, it is important to think of the future. If you do not require the output of the more expensive power supply, consider a power supply that meets your current gaming needs and perhaps allows room for upgrades in the future.
Matching Power Supply To Your PC
When it comes to pairing the power supply to your gaming pc, it is important to consider the number of components you have, their power requirements and the wattage output required to power them. Additionally, be sure to check the compatibility of your components to the power supply. Also, it is beneficial to match the cables inside the power supply to their respective connections. The 12V cable for graphics cards, for example, should be plugged into the corresponding connection slot inside the power supply.
Examine Efficiency Ratings From EFIs and 80PLUS Certifications
When selecting a power supply for your gaming pc, it is beneficial to examine the efficiency ratings from Energy Focus Inc. (EFIs) and 80PLUS Certifications. EFI and Thermal certificates offer insight into the energy efficiency of the power supply, based on the voltages and amperage supplied. Generally, higher ratings mean the power supply is more efficient in delivering power and will cost less to operate in terms of energy usage and lower electricity bills.
Know What Connectors You Need For Components
When selecting a power supply for your gaming pc, it is important to know what connectors you need to power your components. This includes 24-pin connector for the motherboard, four to eight pins for the CPU, 6 or 8-pin for the graphics card, SATA for the hard drive, and adapter cables for optical drives. Some power supplies will have a combination of all these connectors, however, it’s useful to check the cable supplied with your components and make sure the power supply has the necessary ports.
Cables With Affixed Socket Connectors
When constructing your gaming pc with a new power supply, it is also important to ensure all the cables with affixed socket connectors are attached correctly. This is essential as these are fundamental for the effective transformation of energy from the power outlet, to your PC power supply and then to the lights and components. It is also beneficial to make sure all the connections are securely fastened to prevent future problems. Lastly, if your power supply has multiple wires, each wire must be properly connected to the right source.
