In the guide, we have analyzed in detail the main features of classic ATX power supplies. Now is the time to get acquainted with specific models. For better understanding, we have divided the devices into five categories. Let's start with budget solutions for office computers and finish with top-end gaming models.

Top-end system - top-end power supply!

Power supplies for office computers

Power supplies for office equipment are very often already built into the enclosures with which they are supplied. As a rule, the quality of such an integrated "feed" depends on the quality of the case itself. But we all understand perfectly well that an office workhorse should be cheap and low-powered. Below we bring to your attention the proven models that you can trust.

LEPA N350-SB

This model was announced relatively recently. However, it is of some interest to assemblers of low-cost work computers. Despite the low price in the region of 1000 rubles, the N350-SB has a very uncommon appearance in the style of sports cars. Of course, it won't be visible in a closed case, but any PC builder will appreciate it.

The device does not have an additional power cable for PCI-E expansion cards, but it has all the necessary connectors, including three SATA connectors. In principle, everything is logical, because office PCs usually use the integrated graphics core of the processor for displaying images.

The quiet 120mm fan with hydraulic bearing, which has a beneficial effect on the acoustic characteristics of the device, is not bypassed. The cables are long enough to fit even housings with a bottom-mounted PSU. We also note the high-quality assembly of the N350-SB as a whole and the use of competent schematic solutions.

FSP Group ATX-350PNR

A very popular and noticeably added power source in recent years. At a cost of about 900 rubles, it is one of the best budget PSUs. The appearance matches its category, but there are no sharp corners or burrs. Very often it comes with a system unit, as it has proven itself only on the positive side. So if you come across an ATX-350PNR when buying a case with an integrated power supply, consider yourself lucky.

FSP Group ATX-350PNR

The device is equipped with a 120mm Yate Loon D12SM-12 fan. It cannot be called absolutely quiet, but the noise level can be considered acceptable. Models with a stamped fan grille are louder.

The printed circuit board is universal; on its basis, power supplies for 400 and 450 W are manufactured.

All the necessary filter elements are present in the primary circuit, the installation was done quite carefully. Electrolytic capacitors are manufactured by OST and TEAPO, which is a rarity for this PSU class. Power connectors are enough for assembling an inexpensive PC, although the length of the cables is small, but this is already nit-picking.

Enermax Triathlor ETA385AWT

The last "subject" can definitely be recommended to those wishing to assemble an economical computer, while not sparing money for the "feeding trough". Its high quality is immediately indicated by the declared power of the + 12V bus, which actually corresponds to the rating of the entire power supply unit. The + 12V line is divided into two virtual buses with a 20A limit. Of the important features, it is worth noting the presence of a power connector for the video card. It's hard to judge about its urgent need for a working PC, but this is an absolute plus.

Enermax ETA385AWT

The power supply can be installed in housings with a bottom position of the PSU, since the length of the wires allows you to do this. The element base for this class is excellent, at the input there is a 220 uF (400 V) capacitor manufactured by Panasonic, in the secondary circuit "electrolytes" are mainly from Nippon Chemi-Con. The only significant drawback, in our opinion, is the noise level at loads above 200 W. The manufacturer has a lot to work on.

In general, the ETA385AWT has a right to exist and is, in fact, a unique power supply unit.

Power supply unit for multimedia computers of entry level

SeaSonic G-450

Why, if the conversation comes about an entry-level PC, then it must necessarily consist of cheap components? Nobody bothers a user who wants to get a high-quality and stable computer from paying an additional several thousand rubles.

The power supply complies with the 80 PLUS Gold standard, the efficiency level of which does not fall below 88%. The + 12V bus can transmit up to 37 A of current, so the use of a discrete video card clearly suggests itself to the system. Another undoubted advantage of the "trough" we consider the presence of detachable cables.

In the secondary circuit, the manufacturer uses the latest generation DC-DC converter circuitry with a common + 12V rail. Instead of Schottky rectifier diodes, field effect transistors are used. The electrolytic capacitors in the primary and output circuits are manufactured by the renowned companies Nippon Chemi-Con and Rubycon. The polymer "kegs" are manufactured by United Chemi-Con and Enesol. Ripple level and KNX (cross-load characteristics) of the G-450 are ok.

The cooling system of the device provides a comfortable noise level, while the temperature of all components is within acceptable limits. In addition to all of the above, I would like to add that the warranty for this model is 5 years.

Corsair VS450

Inexpensive and very high quality power supply. If we take into account the package bundle, the set of connectors and the length of the cables, it will be quite enough for assembling a system with a good processor and one discrete video card. Please note that the power supply is non-modular, so you should take care of laying the remaining "tail" in advance.

With an average cost of 1,600 rubles, the VS450 is equipped with a solid element base. It does not have an APFC, but at such a low power rating, this is not so critical. All the necessary filtering and protective elements are wired in the primary circuit, most of the electrolytic capacitors are manufactured by CapXon. The installation is done neatly, the quality of the soldering is neat. The output voltages have an acceptable ripple level, while at different loads they behave stably, although not ideal.

The device is equipped with a 120mm Yate Loon fan, which provides good cooling quality with acceptable acoustic characteristics. The noise from the rotating blades becomes noticeable only at high loads.

Thermaltake LT-450P

Another representative of the budget category. It does not represent anything supernatural, but it has a number of advantages over competitors. Despite the low power rating, it has all the cables you need, and you probably won't have to buy adapters.

Thermaltake LT-450P

The PSU is equipped with four SATA and five MOLEX connectors, which is quite enough by modern standards. The motherboard power cable is covered with a black braid, the rest of the wires are not protected by anything. The length and spacing of the connectors are suitable for routing in small midi-towers.

Still, the greatest advantage of this power supply unit, in our opinion, is a good stabilization system even at a load of 400 watts. Not every "trough" in this price category can boast of such results. The efficiency level is at least 80%. But the noise level emitted by the cooler is quite noticeable.

As a result, for 1,600 rubles you get a solid power supply with stable voltage levels and a good element base.

Medium Gaming Power Supplies

AeroCool Strike-X 600W

For quite a reasonable price, the buyer will receive a decent power supply. This is not to say that it is devoid of any visible flaws, but it works out its value in full.

AeroCool Strike-X 600W

AeroCool in the Strike-X series uses a fairly high-quality element base, including capacitors from the well-known Teapo company. We are satisfied with the rather high quality of installation and soldering. The large 139mm fan effectively cools the internal components, but at high RPM it makes itself felt to keep in mind.

The power supply is equipped with APFC, has the 80 PLUS Bronze certificate, the + 12V bus is designed for loads up to 50 A. Modders and gamers will also like the unusual red and black color with the fan grill in the form of the letter "X".

For the rest, the PSU is quite ordinary, with the use of common circuitry solutions.

"Golden" power supply, which we could not pass by. The appearance of the V550 is made in restrained colors, although it looks very nice and win-win. The power supply is partly modular, the detachable cables have a flat profile, which facilitates their routing in the case and has a beneficial effect on air circulation.

Cooler Master V550 Semi-Modular

By the way, the OEM-manufacturer of this PSU is SeaSonic. Circuitry solutions led to shortening of conductive lines, additional boards are directly soldered to the main PCB, which reduces the level of interference. The power supply unit is based on a modern resonant LLC-inverter.

The input APFC capacitor is manufactured by Hitachi, and the polymer and electrolytic secondary lines are manufactured by Teapo.

The power supply demonstrates a good voltage stabilization ratio, low noise level, and decent acoustic characteristics over the entire load range.

Chieftec BPS-500S2

The last representative we reviewed can attract a potential buyer at a very pleasant price. The power supply complies with the 80 PLUS Bronze standard, that is, the efficiency does not fall below 85%. APFC is also used in the BPS-500S2 design. Unfortunately, the PSU is not modular, however, if desired, most of the cables will most likely be used. Given the length of the wires, the BPS-500S2 is best suited for installation in small enclosures with a bottom-mounted power supply.

Chieftec BPS-500S2

The element base is pretty good at such and such a price. By the way, Chieftec has never been caught in an unscrupulous layout.

The device is equipped with a 120 mm fan, the noise from which turned out to be very low. It was also noticed that even at high loads, the temperature of internal components is within acceptable limits, which indicates the high-quality operation of the cooling system and relatively low electrical losses.

Power supplies for top gaming systems

Model	Enermax REVOLUTION87 + 650W	Corsair CX750M	Chieftec GPM-850C	ZALMAN ZM650-XG
Rated power, W	650	750	850	650
Modular	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
80 PLUS certificate	Gold	Bronze	Gold	Gold
Form Factor	ATX12V v2.4	ATX12V 2.3	ATX12V 2.3	ATX12V
APFC	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
approximate price	RUB 6,500	RUB 3,900	RUB 4300	RUB 4 800
Refined price

Enermax REVOLUTION87 + 650W

Almost a year has passed since the release of this model, but it is still relevant and popular. It should be noted right away that REVOLUTION87 + 650W is a partially modular power supply. The power cables of the motherboard and processor are not detachable, which, however, will not cause any inconvenience.

Enermax REVOLUTION87 + 650W

The feeder is equipped with four 6 + 2 pin connectors for connecting PCI-E devices. This number of ports allows you to connect two high-performance video cards. The wires are long enough for routing in medium-sized enclosures.

The power supply meets the 80 PLUS Gold standard and the power factor approaches 0.99. Excellent performance! The + 12V bus has three "subchannel" lines with a current limitation for each 25 A. The total load capacity of + 12V is 648 W, which practically corresponds to the PSU rating.

The REVOLUTION87 + 650W is equipped with a 139mm fan, manufactured with Twister Bearing technology, which guarantees quiet and long-lasting operation.

The power supply has an excellent component base with the use of modern technologies. It remains to add that the REVOLUTION87 + 650W is covered by a five-year warranty.

Corsair CX750M 750W

The main advantage of this power supply is, of course, its cost. For 3900 rubles, today it is difficult to find a power supply unit capable of delivering more than 600 watts of energy with the 80 PLUS Bronze certificate.

The CX750M is partially modular, which can also be considered a definite plus. And the cables are long enough even for routing in some Full-Tower cases. The detachable wires have a flat profile, which is especially important to reduce the areas of overlapping air flows. Considering the number of possible connectors, the CX750M can easily become the backbone of a system with two high-performance graphics cards.

Thanks to the use of quality components, Corsair engineers managed to maintain a small size and weight with a relatively high power supply. An important factor in its favor is good stabilization of output voltages at various load levels, as well as a low ripple amplitude.

The only, in our opinion, more or less noticeable drawback is the noise level at loads above 500 W.

Chieftec GPM-850C 850W

Another curious model from Chieftec. The device is certified according to the 80 PLUS Gold standard. There is all the necessary set of connectors. Including for building SLI / CrossFire arrays. However, it should be noted that the length of the cables is not the most acceptable.

Chieftec GPM-850C

The element base of the GPM-850C is far from outstanding, but quite good for its value. The secondary circuit is based on a modern synchronous rectifier using DC-DC converters for + 3.3V and + 5V lines. Polymer capacitors are soldered on the modular connector board. The rest are electrolytic, produced by well-known companies.

The GPM-850C does an excellent job even with overclocked high-end components, while the temperature of the internal components is within acceptable limits. And all this "good" is offered at retail for an average of 4,300 rubles.

ZALMAN ZM650-XG

"Gold" power supply. One of the representatives of the GOLDROCK line. The device is perfect for building a high-performance gaming system. The power supply is modular. The wires are long enough to run even in large enclosures, but especially tall towers may require a CPU extension cable.

First of all, the standard describes the requirements for the input voltage of the mains, with which the power supply must work.

In practice, almost all manufacturers of power supplies in recent years have mastered circuitry with active power factor correction (Active PF Correction), which makes it possible to create models for AC input voltage of any power network in the world, in the range from 90V to 260 V. power supply circuits from current overload, for which a fuse is required.

The basic ATX specification defines the requirements for both the main supply voltages, + 3.3V, + 5V and + 12V, and the auxiliary power rails, -12V and + 5VSB (Standby). In its first revisions, the ATX standard also described the requirements for the -5V bus, since this voltage was required to power the ISA bus, but after the disappearance of the ISA bus, the requirements for this voltage were removed from the ATX standard.

Initially, in the list of mandatory buses and power connectors, the ATX standard prescribed the mandatory presence of a 20-pin connector for powering motherboards, however, over time, as the components became more complex, the power requirements increased and became more stringent, and the ATX12V standard in the 2.x editions already prescribes the presence of two motherboard power connectors: the main 24-pin (improved 20-pin version) and an additional 4-pin for powering the central processor.

This is how the pinout of a modern 24-pin motherboard power connector according to the ATX12V 2.x standard looks like.

24-pin connectorATX12 V 2. x(added 11, 12, 23 and 24 pins to the 20-pin version)
Colour	Voltage	Contact	Contact	Voltage	Colour
Orange					Orange
				3.3V signal	Brown
Orange
				Without contact
Orange
Pins 8, 13 and 16 are signal, not power)
Pin 20 can be used on ATX and ATX12V systems version 1.2 and older to supply the −5VDC bus (white). In version 1.2 this contact disappeared, and since version 1.3 it is prohibited.

Four contacts deserve a separate description, which are entrusted with special functions:

• 8 contact - PWR_ OK, or " PowerGood"- the output signal of the power supply, signaling the final stabilization of the output voltage and the readiness of the power supply unit for stable operation. Usually the signal remains low for 100-500 ms after the" grounding "of the PS_ON # signal.
• 16 pin - PS_ ON# , or " PowerOn"- signal 5-volt contact. When the contact on the side of the motherboard is connected to the common wire (" grounded "), the power supply turns on.
• 9 contact - +5 VSB, or " +5 Vstandby"- standby voltage, remains even after the power supply is disconnected. It is necessary to power the circuits that control the" Power On "signal.
• 13 contact - supply voltage + 3.3V, ( +3.3 Vsense) - connects to the + 3.3V bus of the motherboard or its power connector, allows you to detect a supply voltage drop remotely.

One of the most important parameters regulated by the standard is the stability of the output voltage provided by the power supply, as well as the residual ripple present in the DC output voltage. It is from these parameters that manufacturers make a start when designing circuits for converting, stabilizing and filtering voltages necessary to power motherboard components.

For key supply voltages, the spread of supply voltages should not exceed ± 5% of the nominal over the entire load range. For less critical voltages, a variation of the order of ± 10% of the nominal voltage is allowed. The table below shows the voltage tolerance and maximum output ripple requirements.

Tire	Deviation	Range	Ripple (max.amplitude)
		4.75V - + 5.25V
	± 10% (± 0.50V)	4.50V - -5.50V
		11.40V - + 12.60V
		10.8V - -13.2V
	± 5% (± 0.165V)	3.135V - + 3.465V
		4.75V - + 5.25V

Of course, the smaller the deviation of the supply voltages from the nominal, the more stable operation can be expected from the system as a whole. Some PSU manufacturers even declare a deviation of the main voltages of no more than ± 3% over the entire range of permissible loads. This is not standardized by the standard, but at the same time, it speaks of the very high quality of this product.

In addition, the standard also describes the cross-load requirements of + 5V and + 3.3V rails depending on the load of + 12V rails for several typical configurations - 250W, 300W, 350W, 400W and 450W. This is, for example, a cross-load diagram for a 450 W configuration:

As noted above, starting with the ATX12V standard version 2.0, the main power connector of the motherboard turned into a 24-pin, while maintaining backward compatibility with the previous 20-pin design, while the additional four pins provide + 3.3V, + 5V power. and + 12V. In addition, in this version of the standard, the additional 6-pin AUX power connector, which appeared in ATX12V versions 1.x, has been abolished since the additional + 3.3V and + 5V power rails were integrated into the 24-pin connector.

From this moment (February 2003) the main supply voltage of the system is considered to be the + 12V buses, therefore the standard since that time determines the need for at least two + 12V buses (12V2 for the 4-pin processor power connector and 12V1 for everything else), with independent protection against current overload on each channel. In practice, the most powerful power supplies have since begun to acquire a large number of + 12V buses, but the standard requires at least two of these buses to be present without fail.

Due to the growing "responsibility" of the + 12V buses, the power requirements for the + 3.3V and + 5V buses have been reduced. In addition, starting with this version, the presence of power connectors for Serial ATA devices has become a mandatory requirement.

In ATX12V version 2.01, the standard finally got rid of the -5V bus, and the next revision, ATX12V v2.1, required a 6-pin power connector for PCIe graphics cards, since the PCIe slot, which appeared on motherboards, required power up to 75 W. ATX12V version 2.2 added the requirement to have an 8-pin PCIe power connector, providing a load of up to 150 watts.

The following requirements are adopted with regard to the operation threshold of the output voltage protection:

Short-circuit protection prescribes mandatory operation when the circuit resistance is less than 0.1 Ohm, while the power supply must be turned off.

In terms of noise performance, the standard prescribes a limitation of acoustic noise to no more than 40 dB.

The power supply is one of the most important parts of a computer. Without it, no component will work. At the same time, too little attention is paid to the power supply.

Why is the power supply so important? The reason is simple: every component in the computer depends on a stable power supply - only then everything will work without interruption. Any, even a short voltage change can lead to system crash and component failure, but many users do not even think about it. When PCs become unstable, users often blame overly aggressive memory lags, graphics card or processor overclocking. But the power supply is one of the most problematic components! That is why our laboratory could not ignore him.

ATX12V 2.01 - new specification

There is a certain revival in the PC world today: PCI Express, DDR2 and Serial ATA memory, and many other new technologies have entered the scene. Among them, almost imperceptibly, flaunts the ATX12V 2.01 standard, which is intended to replace ATX 1.3.

Probably the most notable change is the new large ATX plug, which now has 24 pins instead of 20 on the previous version.

Classic ATX plug (left) and new ATX 2.0 plug (right).

Adapter from 24 to 20 contacts.

And a completely clever alternative is a separate block with four contacts.

The four new contacts are the +12 V, +5 V, +3.3 V lines and additional ground. Thus, the old AUX connector goes into oblivion - the new standard no longer supports it. The layout of the remaining 20 pins has not changed, that is, the two standards are compatible, but with some restrictions. To use a 24-pin power supply on an old motherboard, you will need an adapter. However, most manufacturers of power supplies include it in the package. Reverse configuration is also possible as the 20-pin plug fits into the 24-pin connector.

However, mechanics do not always coexist successfully with electronics. The manufacturer decides for himself which combination can be used and which not. Some boards use an additional 4-pin Molex socket, like on optical drives or hard drives, to which the corresponding power supply plug is connected. In general, always read the instructions for the motherboard before installing.

Connects mechanically, but does not work. So the manufacturer of the motherboard decided.

Also in the ATX12V 2.0 standard there is a mandatory SATA power connector. It was already seen in the 1.3 standard, but now it has become mandatory. So it's time to say goodbye to power adapters for SATA hard drives. Moreover, as practice shows, they are very inconvenient. But the ATX standard does not specify the number of SATA power connectors.

No more needed: SATA adapter.

SATA power connectors coming directly from the power supply. There is both a straight fork and an angled one.

CONTENT

There are such form factors of power supplies: TFX, SFX, PS3 / ATX and ATX.
ATX is the most common size of power supplies that are used in the majority of personal computers. Dimensions (HxWxD): 8.6x15x14 cm.
PS3 / ATX is a type of ATX that is more compact due to reduced depth. The depth depends on the model of the power supply - the range is from 10 to 13.9 cm.
SFX are compact power supplies designed for small PCs or home theaters. With the help of a special adapter, SFX can be installed in an ATX case. Dimensions (HxWxD): 5.15x125x100 cm.
TFX - this standard size is used in cases of small height or non-standard shape. Dimensions (HxWxD): 6.5x8.5x17.5 cm. Depending on the PSU model, the depth may be less.

Power
from 120 to 2400 W
The power supply has this power.
This parameter is most important for power supplies. However, the system is powerful, the energy consumption has more.
For computers used in offices, 300-400 W is quite enough power, but a powerful PC for gamers will need 450-600 watts. A power supply with a capacity of more than 650 W is needed for top-end configurations with two video cards.

Cooling system
View of the cooling system of the power supply. Today, power supplies are produced with one, two fans, as well as those without fans - fanless.
The most common cooling system is with one fan. In budget models, 80 mm fans are installed, these fans spin up to several thousand rpm, minus - they make a lot of noise. In more expensive models, fans are installed with a much larger diameter - more than 120 mm.
Sometimes a second fan is also built into powerful power supplies, which, of course, increases the cooling efficiency, but significantly increases the noise level.
In fanless power supplies, only radiators are used to dissipate heat. The advantage of this type of power supply: they are completely silent. Disadvantages - high cost, as well as power limitation (this cooling system cannot completely cool powerful power supplies). Today, power supplies that do not have fans do not exceed 600 watts.

Fan diameter
from 14 to 180 mm
Diameter of the fan installed in the power supply.
Typically a fan with a larger diameter operates at a lower speed and therefore produces less noise (cooling efficiency does not change). If you need a quiet ventilation system, buy power supplies with a fan with a diameter of at least 120-140 mm.

Second fan diameter
from 40 to 80 mm
Diameter of the second fan installed in the power supply.
Typically a fan with a larger diameter cools at a lower speed and produces less noise (the cooling performance does not change).

Fan speed
Rotation speed of the fan installed in the power supply.
The higher this value is, the louder the fan is. Many powerful power supplies have a function that automatically changes the fan speed depending on the temperature, this function helps to reduce the noise level.

PFC
Power Factor Correction (PFC) method in the power supply unit.
The power factor is the value obtained by dividing the active power (the power that goes into useful work) by the received power. The closer the power factor is to unity, the better. Developed two methods of power factor correction - passive method and an active. The active correction method is much better, because the power factor with it reaches a large value - 0.95-0.99, and with the passive correction method - only 0.7-0.75. A high power factor is needed by those who have low-power UPSs, because to ensure the functioning of a power supply with a passive PFC, a much more powerful (by about a third) UPS is needed than to ensure the functioning of a power supply of the same power, but with an active PFC. By the way, power supplies with active PFC are not so sensitive to undervoltage in the network.

ATX12V version
from 1 to 2.52
The version of the ATX12V standard supported by the power supply.
The ATX12V standard is a list of specifications that defines the design of a power supply. This standard was introduced after the Pentium 4 processor was released. The main difference from the previous standards is a significant increase in power on the +12 V line (before the Pentium 4 processor, power was supplied via the +5 V line). The main differences between the versions of the standard
1.3 - a 20-pin power connector is required for the motherboard, as well as an additional 4-pin power connector for the processor. The current on the +12 V line is at least 10 A.
2.0 - a 24-pin power connector is required for the motherboard, as well as an additional 4-pin power connector for the processor. The presence of at least 2 + 12V lines is mandatory.
2.2 - a 24 (20 + 4) -pin power connector is required for the motherboard, as well as an additional 4-pin power connector for the processor.

TFX12V version
1.3 to 2.4
The power supply supports TFX12V standard. The Thin Form Factor standard was developed for small systems in 2002 by Intel. The power supply is characterized by a narrow, elongated shape. 180-300 W is the typical power of the PSU.

EPS12V support
The power supply supports EPS12V standard.
This standard is for entry-level servers. Firms that produce power supplies for home computers mention this standard in order to emphasize the reliability of their products.

80 PLUS certificate
The compliance of the power supply unit with one of the certification levels implies the compliance of this model with certain energy consumption standards (the efficiency of the power supply unit must be at least 80%). The higher the certification level, the more efficient the PSU.

Connectors

Motherboard connector type
View of the connector for the motherboard. Power is supplied to the motherboard through this connector. Modern motherboards use a 24-pin connector; older motherboards have a 20-pin connector. Many power supplies available today have a collapsible 24-pin (20-pin + 4-pin) connector to establish compatibility with older motherboards.

Number of connectors 4-pin CPU
from 1 to 2
Number of connectors 4-pin CPU.
This connector supplies additional power to the processor. A huge number of motherboards produced today (about half) are equipped with a 4-pin CPU connector.

Number of connectors 4 + 4 pin CPU
from 1 to 2
The number of connectors is 4 + 4 pin CPU.
This connector supplies additional power to the processor. This connector is collapsible, it is compatible with motherboards with an 8-pin CPU connector, and with motherboards that have a 4-pin CPU connector.

Number of connectors 8-pin CPU
from 1 to 2
Number of connectors 8-pin CPU.
This connector supplies additional power to the processor.

Number of connectors 6-pin PCI-E
from 1 to 20
Number of 6-pin PCI-E connectors.
powerful graphics cards produced today are in need of supplementary feeding. Power is supplied to the video card through the 6-pin PCI-E connector.
If you are planning to build a CrossFire or SLI system, then the additional connectors will come in handy.

Number of connectors 6 + 2-pin PCI-E
from 1 to 20
powerful graphics cards produced today are in need of supplementary feeding. Power is supplied to the video card through the 6 + 2-pin PCI-E connector.

Number of connectors 8-pin PCI-E
from 1 to 8
The number of connectors 8-pin PCI-E.
Powerful video cards released today require additional power. An 8-pin PCI-E connector is used to supply power to the video card.
If you are thinking of building a CrossFire or SLI system, then the additional connectors will come in handy.

Number of connectors 4-pin IDE
from 1 to 16
Number of 4-pin IDE connectors.
This connector supplies power to IDE hard drives and CD / DVD drives.

Number of 15-pin SATA connectors
from 1 to 62
Number of 15-pin SATA connectors.
The 15-pin SATA connector supplies power to CD / DVD drives and SATA hard drives.

Number of connectors 4-pin Floppy
from 1 to 8
Number of 4-pin Floppy connectors.
The 4-pin Floppy connector supplies power to the floppy drive.

Current strength

On the +3.3 V line
from 4 to 40 A
The maximum value of the current along the line is +3.3 V.
In previously released PCs, the main load fell on the +3.3 V and +5 V buses. However, with the introduction of the Pentium 4, the +12 V bus became the main energy consumer. That is why today the current through the +3.3 V line is not particularly important, because all power supplies currently being produced has sufficient power on the given bus.

On the +5 V line
from 5.3 to 52 A
The maximum value of the current on the +5 V line.
In previously produced personal computers, the main load was on the +3.3 V and +5 V buses. However, after the introduction of the Pentium 4, the +12 V bus became the main consumer of electricity. sufficient power on this bus.

On the +12 V line 1
from 6 to 200 A
The most "gluttonous" elements of modern computers - the processor and the video card - are powered via the +12 V bus. For this reason, the higher the current on this bus, the better.
Usually the bus 12 for security is divided into several lines.

On the +12 V line 2
from 7 to 85 A
The maximum value of the current on the first line is +12 V.
Power is supplied to the processor and video card via the +12 V bus. The higher the current on this bus, the better.
For safety reasons, the +12 bus is divided into several lines.

On the +12 V line 3
from 6 to 45 A
The maximum value of the current strength on the third line is +12 V.
The +12 V bus supplies power to the video card and processor, these components are the most "power hungry" components. The more current is supplied through this bus, the better.
As a rule, the +12 V bus is divided into several lines for safety reasons.

On the +12 V line 4
from 8 to 45 A
The maximum value of the current strength on the fourth line is +12 V.
On the +12 V bus, power is directed to the video card and the PC processor, these are the most "gluttonous" elements. Therefore, the bus flows more current, the only better.
Usually the +12 bus is divided into several lines for safety reasons.

On the +12 V line 5
from 15 to 30 A
The maximum value of the current strength on the fifth line is +12 V.
The +12 V bus supplies power to those components of modern PCs that consume the most energy. Therefore, the higher the current flowing through this bus, the better.
Bus 12 is typically divided into multiple lines to improve safety.

On the +12 V line 6
from 17 to 30 A
The maximum value of the current strength on the sixth line is +12 V.
On the +12 V bus, power is supplied to the most "gluttonous" components of personal computers, so the more current that goes through this bus, the better.
This bus is usually divided into several lines for safety reasons.

On the +12 V line 7
The maximum current on the seventh line is +12 V.

On the +12 V line 8
from 0.3 to 0.3 A
The maximum current on the eighth line is +12 V.
The +12 V bus supplies power to the processor and video card - the most "power hungry" components of modern PCs. Therefore, the more current on this bus, the better.
As a rule, for safety reasons, the + 12V rail is divided into several lines.

On the -12 V line
from 0.1 to 300 A
The maximum value of the current along the line is -12 V.
A voltage of -12 V is required for the operation of the COM ports.

On the +5 V Standby line
from 0.5 to 12.5 A
The maximum value of the current on the +5 V SB line.
The +5 V SB (Standby) bus is required for such functions as turning on the PC via a modem, via a local network, by pressing a button on the mouse or keyboard, and also for the Suspend-to-RAM mode.

Noise level

Minimum
from 2 to 34 dBA
The noise level generated by the cooling system when the power supply operation. The lower the value of this parameter, the more comfortable the work will be. But it should be noted that in most computers, the main noise comes not from the power supply, but from the processor cooler.

Maximum
from 5 to 45 dBA
The level of noise generated by the cooling system when the power supply is operating.
The lower the value of this parameter, the more comfortable work with a PC will be. However, it should be said that in many PCs the main noise comes not from the power supply, but from the processor cooler. The noise level is measured in dBA. Measuring the value of the noise level in dB is a little incorrect, because the human hearing aid is designed in such a way that the volume perceived by the ear depends on both the sound pressure level and the frequency of the incoming sound. Loudness in dBA is the perceived loudness, that is, the sound pressure value that takes into account the structural features of the human hearing system.

Input voltage

Minimum
from 85 to 230 V
The minimum input voltage that the power supply supports. The voltage in the network in different countries is different: in Europe and Russia, the standard is 220 Volts, in Japan or the USA - 110 Volts. Universal power supplies allow you to maintain the input voltage in certain ranges (the range depends on the device model).

Maximum
from 220 to 280 V
The maximum input voltage that the power supply supports. The voltage in the network in different countries is different: in Europe and Russia, the standard is 220 Volts, in Japan or the USA - 110 Volts. Universal power supplies allow you to maintain the input voltage in certain ranges (the range depends on the device model).

Additional Information

Detachable cables
Unused cables can be detached, then they will not interfere with the assembly of the PC, connecting new devices to it.

Overvoltage protection
The power supply has a system overvoltage protection function.
If the output voltage is higher than the allowable value, then this function will automatically turn off the power supply, this will save the computer components from burnout.

Overload protection
The power supply has an overload protection function.
If the output current is greater than the allowable value, the function will automatically turn off the power supply, this action will save the computer components from burnout.

Short circuit protection
The power supply has a protection function of the system against short circuits.
If a short circuit occurs, the protection system will instantly turn off the power supply, while keeping all computer components and the unit itself from burning out.

Backlight color
The backlight installed in the power supply will give your computer a personalized design. There are models with different illumination colors.

Power supply color
The main color of the power supply case. As a rule, computer equipment is made in neutral calm colors, most often it is black, white or silver devices that will harmoniously fit into any interior.

Dimensions (edit)

Width
from 20.5 to 360 mm
Device width.

Height
from 19 to 190 mm
Device height.

Depth
from 2 to 360 mm
Depth of the device.

The weight
from 0.4 to 140 kg
Device weight.

This work was submitted to our "perpetual" article contest and the author received an award - a PENTAGRAM FREEZONE QVC-100 Cu + cooler, an AMD rug and a branded T-shirt of the site.

Most often, novice users do not pay enough attention to the selection of high-quality components, and when choosing a case, they are only worried about the design of its front panel. Even if the buyer is interested in the power of the power supply unit (hereinafter referred to as PSU) installed in the case, no one will warn him about the low quality of cheap power supplies (no matter how beautiful the numbers are drawn on them). In the future, with an independent upgrade, the processor, video card is replaced, a hard drive is purchased ... but the power supply remains the same, and if problems arise with the stability of the machine, it is not immediately remembered about its existence. The search for a more powerful PSU begins, but in articles about PSU and on near-computer conferences (through the efforts of individual illiterate and irresponsible authors, as well as their readers), there are many surprisingly tenacious myths walking around. Some of them will try to expose this material, and at the same time show with examples the differences between a cheap PSU and a high-quality one (not necessarily expensive).

advertising

On the net you can find a lot of articles on the theory of computer power supplies, their tests and guidelines for revision. This material is an attempt to give some generalized recommendations for choosing a power supply without tests, according to the characteristic external signs. The idea itself is inspired by this article.

Introduction

It's no secret that the power consumption (and therefore heat dissipation) of PC components is constantly growing. TDP (maximum design heat dissipation) of modern desktop platforms in the near future is 130W (LGA755) and 125W (Socket AM2), respectively. Power consumption of top-end video cards has long gone beyond the permissible currents for both AGP (40W) and PCI Express (75W) connectors and reaches 120W (such video cards are equipped with additional power connectors), and the use of two video cards in SLI or CrossFire mode automatically doubles these requirements (see the section for the list of PSUs certified for SLI and CrossFire systems). The transition DDR-> DDR2 (with a decrease in voltage from 2.5-2.8V to 1.8-1.9V and the reference frequencies by half) is slowly compensated by an increase in frequencies (and voltages in overclocking modules).