How to choose a power supply for the computer?

Computer's power supply provides power to all the major computer components - motherboard, processor , video cards , optical drives , card readers , hard drives, cooling system , etc. Therefore, the correct choice of power supply depends on a stable and long-term operation of the computer . Let's learn how to choose the right computer power supply for standard ATX 12V of stationary PC.Power supply on the one hand that comes out of the system unit has a main supply power cable that plugs into a wall outlet and turn on the power toggle switch . On the other facing inward, it leaves a plurality of wires with various connectors for connection to one or other devices.The main characteristic on which to look for when selecting a power supply - its power ( measured in watts - W). Currently there are power supplies with different rates of 300 and 1000 watts. For each computer PSU power is calculated separately , and the sum of the power consumption of each device. Here is a table of the indicative average consumption component of the universal computer.When buying a power supply note the number of slots of different standard for connecting devices , as well as semnost cables ( modular cables ) . On expensive models extra wires can be disconnected , they do not interfere in the case and do not impede air circulation for cooling. Matter and cable lengths - When installing the bottom of the case it may not be enough , so it is best that the cables are 50 cm

The main and the biggest is the power connector of the motherboard. Depending on its model, the board is powered by different types of connectors with a different number of contacts. As a rule, modern boards have a connector 24pin. However, older ones have 20-pin connector, respectively most power supplies are separated by a fork with 20 +4 pin, to be able to connect with both old and new models. If this fork on BP made ​​integral, then connect it to the old board will not succeed.

It should also pay attention to the connector for the CPU power. Powerful modern processors often have an 8-pin power connector. At the same BP can be divided as 8mikontaktny (4 +4, as in the figure below), and only 4-pin for older boards. There is nothing wrong if you use old PSU new board, for most everyday tasks on the not very powerful processor and enough such a small connector, so it can be safely cling to vosmipinovomu on the system board.

For advanced komlekte desirable to have more power connectors SATA, and Molex for connection to older hard drives and working with the board via the IDE.To connect using a special video card power connector PCI-E, which usually has 6 +2 pin for older cards with contacts 6 and 8 for the old for the new . Modern powerful vidyuhi requires two 8-pin connector on , so when you install two of these cards - you will need as much as 8 similar forks.With a shortage of some types of connectors can be used multiple adapters .

Speaking of food, you need to pay attention to the amount of the maximum load line +12 V - just feed it to the major components such as motherboard, processor, video card. She pointed to the sticker on the side of the housing section DC Output. In the example below, the maximum load on the line 12 volt - 600W, ie the sum of consumption possibility major components of the computer should not exceed 600 watts.

Here note the strength of the current, which gives this line (in A - amps). Very often in the minimum requirements specified minimum power graphics cards this line and amperage. If via the power supply, as in the screenshot above, there are multiple lines 12V amperage is less than, in this case 4 line 18A, then to get the total amperage, add all of these values​​. Obtain 72A.

Here is another example of stickers - here already contains the total current in one line +12 V - 38 amperes.

Also, when selecting a power supply for the PC , keep in mind that modern components work with standard PSU ATX 12V power 2.x , which means that if you put the old power supply into a new computer , it will not work.Availability PFC module is an additional advantage to the parameters of modern power supply. PFC (Power Factor Correction) allows you to adjust the power factor and thereby protects the components from power surges . He can be passive or active . Active is used for power units for medium and weak enough to be passive .Not the last parameter is the number and size of fan on the power supply . Usually a big fan of this one (120 × 120 , 135 × 135 or 140 × 140 mm ) from the bottom , but powerful unit can also be a small fan (80 × 80 or 100 × 100 mm) on the rear panel for additional cooling of warm air housing. The larger the fan , the less it will create noise. Model without or with one small is better not to buy .

Manufacturers

For stable operation, it is desirable to buy the power supply from the known and proven brands. These today are the Zalman, CoolerMaster, PowerMan, Thermaltake, Enermax, Corsair, Antec, Chieftec, OCZ, FSP, Enhance, Seasonic. Other firms is to acquire BP with caution.