Selecting a power supply for your computer

In today's article, we'll talk about how to choose the power supply for the computer. But first, we point out one important point, which is often overlooked when building a computer system. Particularly unfortunate is that it is the newcomers who face its consequences. It's simple: in the computer, any accessory is the key. Mishandle with the choice of the mouse - soon you will have to buy a new one, with a higher DPI value, other dimensions, additional buttons; Save on the keyboard - the speed dial will drop, its body will bend, the buttons will spontaneously begin to be pressed. Without having studied how the power supply is selected, it is possible to get unstable operation of the entire system due to voltage mismatch. Even the body, which seems to many to be just a metal box holding all the components, requires a thoughtful selection. Sometimes it's surprising: people decide for several days what tulle is needed for the window, but at best they choose the power supply unit to trust an unknown consultant in a computer store. At least I need to understand the basics.

The choice of the power supply is started by calculating the power value consumed by the computer components. There are two ways to determine it. First: make a list of all internal components (board, processor, video card, hard drive, memory modules). External, powered separately (printer, scanner, monitor) are not taken into account. After that, go to the sites of manufacturers, specify their models and in the specifications to find the power consumption. For example, to find out the data on the Radeon 5570, you should open the AMD website, search through the search for specifications, find out the power value. After that, it remains only to summarize the values.

The power supply is selected taking into account that the amount received is at least 30-40% less than the declared value for the block itself. For example, if the system unit consumes 200 watts, then a 300-watt power supply will work for it. For the average modern system, enough "honest" 450 W (with a small perspective).

The second method of calculation is more convenient. To do this, you need to type in the browser line "calculating the power supply online" or download the corresponding program - the result is the same. Next, you need to specify the models of components (they are on boxes, if anyone does not know) and their number. As a result, the required power will be displayed. Quite convenient.

We recommend overpaying, but purchase a high-quality power supply (Cooler Master, FSP, Thermaltake, Zalman), and not a Chinese equivalent. The problem is that the power indicated on inexpensive models is almost always overestimated. Thus, if you really want to save money, you should get a simple power source, but with a good margin. Note that a good block is quite heavy.

Lovers of silence should take a closer look at models that can reduce the speed of the cooling fan and completely stop it. Also a good option is to purchase a device with passive cooling.

Installing the power supply is very simple. On all the connectors there are special "keys" that prevent the wrong connection. The main thing is attentiveness and leisure.