Often when people are looking for the best gaming pc, they overlook the importance of having a good power supply. It is vitally important that you have enough power to meet the requirements of your components, or you may run the risk of permanent damage. Fortunately, understanding what to look for in a power supply is not difficult.
When searching for a power supply, the most important thing to do is to carefully consider the power requirements of all your components. If a game requires a certain amount of power in order to run, you’ll need to make sure the supply has enough wattage to cover it. Realistically, however, you should aim for at least one hundred watts over the requirement for the best performance.
When it comes to wattage, the more the better – particularly if you plan on adding extra components later on. This means that a higher wattage power supply enables you to safely expand your setup without worrying about not having sufficient power. The best power supplies are also flexible when it comes to the connectors they require.
High-quality gaming power supplies also come with ample protection. This includes surge suppression, power overload protection, and over-temperature protection. This ensures your components won’t be harmed by interference or higher temperatures. They should also include some kind of active power factor correction, which minimizes current draw to help optimize the efficiency of your computer.
For the best performance and stability, however, it’s a smart move to invest in a good quality power supply with at least 80 Plus certification. An 80 Plus supply will ensure your gaming PC can run heavier graphics, multiple components, and other more demanding tasks smoothly. In addition, 80 Plus supplies also usually come with quieter and more efficient cooling systems.
Finally, when it comes to budgeting for your power supply, remember not to skimp – putting your money into a reliable, quality power supply will save you from headaches down the line. You can check reviews to see which supplies are reliable, and make sure you get an appropriate sized supply that comes with the right connectors.
Power Supply Efficiency
The overall efficiency of a power supply is also a key factor to consider when shopping around. The more efficient a supply is, the more power it can deliver to your components while dissipating less heat – this can ultimately extend the lifetime of your computer. In general, supplies with an 80 Plus certification are a safe bet and will offer the most advantages.
Another important factor that people often overlook is the ripple noise ratio. Having too much ripple noise can lead to some components to be under-powered, which can cause poor performance. To avoid this, go for a power supply with ripple noise levels lower than 50mV.
On the other hand, the total cost of ownership (TCO) is also something that should be taken into account. This essentially means the total cost of buying, operating, and eventually replacing the power supply. You can get a better deal by going for models with more wattage than you require, but this could mean you waste money on features and connections you don’t need.
Finally, ensure you take a look at the warranty – this can give you a good indication of the quality of the power supply.
Connector Types and Position
Another important factor to consider is the type and positioning of the connectors. Always make sure your power supply has the correct connectors for the components you need to power, and the correct type. Generally, a PSU will have various output connectors like PCIe, SATA, and Molex.
On the other hand, the position of your connectors can also be an issue. If most of the connectors are on one side of the unit, it can cause long and tight cable runs, which can eventually lead to problems with system performance. To avoid issues we recommended sticking to modular power supplies with many connectors on both sides.
It is also important to check if the power supply has multiple 12V rails or used single 12V rail. Most mid-range enthusiasts supplies will feature single 12V rails, which is generally better in terms of performance and handling your components. Keep an eye out for this if you require a higher wattage supply.
Finally, always double check the sizes – power supplies come in different sizes, from small form factor models designed to fit in cramped spaces, to large models designed for increased performance. Make sure the power supply you choose will fit the size of your case.
Look For Other Features
In addition to power delivery and cooling, there are also a few other features that make for an excellent gaming power supply. One of the most important is the ability to keep noise down, which is especially important if you regularly play games late into the night. A good-quality shield should keep the roars of your GPU fan at a minimum.
On top of this, it is also worth considering the semi-modular options which offer both parts modular and fixed. Semi-modular power supplies let you choose which cables are necessary, while the fixed ones will provide necessary power. This is a convenient feature for anyone looking to keep their gaming setup clean and tidy.
Finally, some gaming power supplies also come with specialized features that can help you increase your FPS (frames per second). For instance, some supplies come with a ‘turbo’ mode that can help improve performance in gaming environments. However, these features can often be expensive, so it’s worth considering if it’s really necessary for you.
Other Considerations
When looking for a goodpower supply for gaming PC, it’s also worth checking what type of energy efficiency the supply offers. For example, some power supplies are certified for 80 Plus Gold – these are usually more efficient than other supplies and can help you save money in the long run.
In addition, it is also important to take into account the cost of the power supply. A higher cost doesn’t necessarily mean better quality, but stay away from the very cheap models. Generally, sticking with reputable brands will help you get a decent and reliable power supply.
If you’re unsure which power supply to get, it’s worth looking up some reviews and asking around in forums and communities. People are usually happy to help you out, and will provide valuable feedback on which power supplies are the best.
Finally, when it comes to safety, make sure the power supply is equipped with an efficient filter. This will filter out any electromagnetic disturbance, and ensure a good, reliable performance for your components.
Conclusion
Overall, always ensure you take into account the main factors when shopping for a gaming power supply: the power requirements of all your components, the connectors, the protection features, the noise levels, and the TCO. A reliable, good-quality power supply will save you a lot of headaches down the line, so make sure you invest in one that offers the best value for your money.
