Week 4 Posting

 Choosing a Power Supply

    

Choosing the correct power supply for your system is a very important step that can affect performance, stability, and lifespan. The PSU is the part that is supposed to give consistent power to your whole system, so choosing a bad option can lead to major issues with your computer. Once you have all your other component you need to calculate how much power it will need. There are a few reliable calculators online you can use, or you can use PCPartPicker and build your system, and it will tell your needs. Once you have a rough idea of the minimum power necessary it is usually a good idea to give yourself like 20-30% over that amount. This way you have some futureproofing space and will reduce stress on the PSU. 

               The power of the unit is not the only thing to consider. Things like the quality and efficiency are equally important. You always want to buy a PSU from a brand that is reputable with an 80 PLUS certification (Gold if possible), these certify that is has a level of energy efficiency. They range from Bronze, Silver, Gold, and some higher, but Gold is the usual sweet spot for price and quality. There is also newer modular or semi-modular PSUs that help to reduce on cable clutter in your system. You will just want to make sure you have the necessary connections, because with newer GPUs some require multiple 8 pin connecters or a special high voltage cable (May or my not burn out your computer). Always check the reviews, and avoid the generic brands you do not see mentioned often. The PSU is not necessarily a flashy component but it can be the most important part. 

 

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