Power supplies are an integral part of gaming PCs, and choosing the right watt power supply can make the difference between optimal performance and disappointing results. Choosing the right watt power supply for the system can seem daunting, but it’s important to understand the basics of power supplies to make an informed choice. This article will outline what watt power supply to look for when investing in a gaming PC.
The first factor to consider is what type of power supply will best suit your system. While single rail power supplies are suitable for some systems, dual rail power supplies can provide more reliable performance. Dual rail PSUs contain two power cables that separately power up the components, which helps to maximize efficiency and reduce the risk of system failure. Multiple rail power supplies are also available, but they often require more power than many systems require, so they may be overkill.
The next factor to consider is the wattage rating. The wattage rating of the power supply will determine how powerful the system can be. Generally, gaming PCs require more power than everyday computers, so it’s important to choose a power supply with a higher wattage rating than necessary. However, it’s important to avoid purchasing a power supply that has too high a rating, as it will be more expensive and not necessarily provide any benefit.
Also, pay attention to the efficiency rating of the power supply. The higher the efficiency rating, the more power the system can draw from the power supply. This can help to reduce electricity costs over time, so it’s worth looking for a power supply with a high efficiency rating. Generally, 80 Plus ratings are considered to be the minimum level for a gaming system, so look for 80 Plus Gold or Platinum for the best performance.
Finally, pay attention to the form factor of the power supply. Forgaming PC applications, ATX form factors are the most popular, so look for a power supply that has an ATX form factor. Generally, ATX power supplies are fairly compact, so they won’t take up too much space in the case. Additionally, they offer plenty of modular connectors, which can be used to customize your system.
Power Supply Features
When considering which watt power supply to buy for your gaming PC, it is important to understand the features that a power supply offers. Many PSUs come with additional features such as temperature-controlled fans or semi-passive modes to keep the system cool. Other features to look for include the ability to switch between single or multiple rail operation, modular cables for improved airflow, and active power factor correction (PFC) to reduce voltage ripple.
The quality of the components used to build the power supply is also important. Look for power supplies built with quality components such as Japanese capacitors, which offer less resistance and improved durability. Additionally, some power supplies come with warranties that protect the purchaser from any defects in the components.
It can also be beneficial to look for power supplies with multiple connectors, as this can make setting up the system easier. Some power supplies have multiple 4-pin Molex connections, while others come with extra SATA or PCIe power connectors. Additionally, some power supplies come with multiple PCI-E connectors for multi-GPU configurations, which can improve the system’s gaming performance.
Power Supply Quality
When searching for the right watt power supply, it is important to pay attention to the overall quality of the power supply. Poor-quality power supplies can be unreliable, as they can cause instability and even system failure. To ensure that the power supply is of high calibre, pay special attention to its wattage rating, efficiency rating, and form factor. Additionally, if possible, read the reviews of the power supply to make sure that it is up to the task.
It’s also important to look for reputable brands when buying a power supply, as some brands are known for their high quality. Popular brands that make reliable power supplies include Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic and Antec. Additionally, it’s worth looking for power supplies with a long warranty, as this can provide peace of mind in the event of a power supply failure.
When shopping for a watt power supply for a gaming PC, it’s important to do research first. Pay attention to the power supply form factor, wattage rating, efficiency rating and features to make sure that the power supply is up to the challenge. Additionally, look for reputable brands and a long warranty for peace of mind.
Power Supply Installation
Once you have found the power supply with the desired specifications, it’s important to install it correctly in the case. Firstly, make sure that the power supply is compatible with the motherboard and graphics card, as some PSUs have different connector sizes. Additionally, look at the airflow inside the case when installing the power supply as it should be installed in an area that provides plenty of airflow.
Once the power supply is in place, it’s important to connect the power cables correctly. Connect the cables to the necessary components and ensure that they are securely connected. If a component is not correctly connected, it may not get power, which can lead to system failure. Additionally, be sure to check the power ratings of each component to prevent any damage.
It is also important to check for signs of electrical damage, as faulty power supplies can cause electrical shorts. Ensure that the cables aren’t frayed at the ends and that the connectors are undamaged. Once all of the cables are connected, connect the power supply to the wall outlet and switch it on. If all the components boot up, the power supply is working correctly.
Power Supply Troubleshooting
If the power supply isn’t working or is causing issues in the system, troubleshooting is necessary. Firstly, it’s important to make sure that the power supply is securely and correctly connected to the components. Ensure that the cables are all firmly secured, as loose cables can prevent the power supply from functioning properly.
If the power supply still isn’t working, a power cycle may be necessary. Disconnect the power supply from the wall outlet and hold down the power button for one minute. This will reset the system, which may fix any issues with the power supply. If the issue continues, the power supply may be defective, in which case it should be replaced.
Finally, it is worth considering what caused the problem in the first place. Many power issues are caused by an inadequate power supply, so make sure to purchase a power supply with the right wattage rating and features for the system. Additionally, make sure to keep the power supply clean and free of dust to ensure optimal performance.
Power Supply Test
One of the best ways to make sure that the power supply is working correctly is to perform a power supply test. This can be done with the use of an affordable power supply tester, which is available at most hardware stores. These testers allow you to check the voltage and amperage being output from the power supply and can indicate if the power supply is working correctly.
To perform the test, connect the power supply tester to the power supply’s ATX connector. Then, switch on the power supply tester. The tester will display the current values for the 3.3V, 5V and 12V lines. These values should be within acceptable margins for the power supply to be considered working correctly. Additionally, it is worth checking the efficiency rating to make sure that the system is not using more power than necessary.
If the values on the power supply tester are not within the acceptable ranges, it is likely that the power supply is faulty. The power supply should be replaced in this case. Additionally, if the power supply is shutting down intermittently during use, it may also be failing and should be replaced.
Conclusion
When investing in a gaming PC, it is important to consider what watt power supply to look for. The wattage rating, efficiency rating and form factor of the power supply should be taken into account, as should the features it offers and the quality of the components used. Once the power supply has been purchased, make sure to install it correctly and perform a power supply test to ensure that it is working correctly.
