Posted on 11:08am, Tuesday 3rd January, 2023

A power supply unit (PSU) is an essential component of a computer system. It converts the alternating current (AC) from the wall outlet into the direct current (DC) that the computer components require. In this article, we will explain in-depth what power supply ratings mean for PCs and how to choose the right one for your system.

How does a power supply work?

A power supply unit is responsible for converting AC power from the wall outlet into the DC power that the computer components require. The PSU converts the AC power into DC power through a process called rectification, which involves the use of diodes to convert the AC power into pulsating DC power. The PSU then uses a device called a voltage regulator to convert the pulsating DC power into steady DC power. The steady DC power is then distributed to the various components, such as:

• CPU
• GPU
• Memory
• Storage

The PSU also regulates the voltage to ensure that the components receive the correct amount of power. The voltage is regulated by a device called a voltage regulator module (VRM) which regulates the voltage to the right level. The VRM is located on the motherboard and provides the correct voltage to the CPU, GPU, and memory.

What are power supply ratings?

Power supply ratings refer to the specifications of a PSU, such as its maximum power output, power efficiency, and safety. The maximum power output is measured in wattage/watts (W) and indicates the amount of power that the PSU can provide to the computer components. The power output is measured in watts and is the total amount of power that the PSU can provide to the computer. The power output is important because it ensures that the PSU can provide enough power to the computer components.

Efficiency is measured as a percentage and refers to how much AC power is converted into DC power. Efficiency is an important factor because it determines how much power is wasted in the form of heat. The more efficient a PSU is, the less heat it generates and the less power it wastes.

Safety ratings indicate that the PSU has been tested and certified to meet certain standards. The safety ratings ensure that the PSU is safe to use and won't damage the computer components. Safety ratings are important because they ensure that the PSU meets certain standards and won't damage your system.

What does an 80 Plus Rating actually mean?

80 Plus is a certification program that tests and certifies PSUs for their efficiency. The program measures the efficiency of a PSU at different loads and certifies it based on the results. 80 Plus certifications include:

• Bronze
• Silver
• Gold
• Platinum
• Titanium

These certifications indicate the minimum efficiency rating that the PSU has been certified for.

The 80 Plus certification tests the efficiency of a PSU at different loads. The loads are 20%, 50%, and 100% of the maximum power output. A PSU that is 80 Plus certified must have an efficiency of at least 80% at 20% load, 80% at 50% load, and 80% at 100% load.

Benefits of 80 Plus certification

One of the main benefits of 80 Plus certification is that it ensures that the PSU is more efficient than those without. This means that it converts more of the AC power into DC power, which results in less heat and lower electricity bills. This can be especially beneficial for high-performance systems or systems that run for long periods of time, as it can help to reduce the overall running costs of the system.

Additionally, PSUs with 80 Plus certification are typically of higher quality and more reliable than non-certified PSUs. This is because the 80 Plus certification program tests and certifies PSUs for their efficiency, power output, and safety, which means that they have been thoroughly tested and meet certain standards. This can give users peace of mind that they are getting a high-quality PSU that will last a long time.

Furthermore, 80 Plus certified PSUs are typically more energy-efficient which is beneficial for the environment. This is important as the reduction in energy consumption will result in a reduction of carbon footprint and a decrease in energy use.

80 Plus Bronze

80 Plus Bronze certification indicates that the PSU has an efficiency of at least 82% at 20% load, 85% at 50% load, and 82% at 100% load.

80 Plus Bronze is the entry-level certification for PSUs under the 80 Plus program. A PSU that has achieved 80 Plus Bronze certification has been tested and certified to have an efficiency of at least 82% at 20% load, 85% at 50% load, and 82% at 100% load. This means that at least 82% of the AC power that is input into the PSU is converted into DC power and used by the computer components, while the remaining 18% is lost as heat.

80 Plus Bronze certification is suitable for basic computer systems or budget builds, where efficiency may not be the top priority. However, it's important to note that even with a Bronze certification, the efficiency is still higher than non-certified PSUs and can still help to reduce electricity bills and heat.

Additionally, it's important to note that even though a PSU has a Bronze certification, it may still have other features that make it a better option for your system, such as higher power output or better safety ratings. Therefore, it's important to consider all the specifications and features of a PSU before making a purchase, rather than just relying on the 80 Plus certification alone.

80 Plus Silver

80 Plus Silver certification indicates that the PSU has an efficiency of at least 85% at 20% load, 88% at 50% load, and 85% at 100% load.

80 Plus Silver certification is a step up from the Bronze certification and indicates that the PSU has an efficiency of at least 85% at 20% load, 88% at 50% load, and 85% at 100% load. This means that at least 85% of the AC power that is input into the PSU is converted into DC power and used by the computer components, while the remaining 15% is lost as heat.

This level of efficiency is suitable for basic computer systems or budget builds, but it's also suitable for systems that require a bit more power. Its higher efficiency than the Bronze certification will help to reduce electricity bills and heat, making it a more energy-efficient option.

It's also important to note that PSUs with 80 Plus Silver certification often come with other features such as higher power output, better safety ratings, or better cooling solutions which can make them a better option for your system.

80 Plus Gold-Rated

80 Plus Gold certification indicates that the PSU has an efficiency of at least 87% at 20% load, 90% at 50% load, and 87% at 100% load.

80 Plus Gold certification is a higher level of efficiency than Silver and Bronze, indicating that the PSU has an efficiency of at least 87% at 20% load, 90% at 50% load, and 87% at 100% load. This means that at least 87% of the AC power that is input into the PSU is converted into DC power and used by the computer components, while the remaining 13% is lost as heat.

This level of efficiency is suitable for high-performance systems or systems that require a lot of power, as it ensures that the system is running at optimal performance levels while minimizing the electricity consumption and heat generated.

It's also worth noting that a Gold-certified PSU is also suitable for systems that are running 24/7, as it will help to reduce the electricity bills and generate less heat. Additionally, PSUs with 80 Plus Gold certification often come with other features such as better safety ratings, improved cooling solutions, and longer lifespan, which can make them a better option for your system.

80 Plus Platinum

80 Plus Platinum certification indicates that the PSU has an efficiency of at least 90% at 20% load, 92% at 50% load, and 89% at 100% load.

80 Plus Platinum certification is the highest level of efficiency offered by the 80 Plus program, indicating that the PSU has an efficiency of at least 90% at 20% load, 92% at 50% load, and 89% at 100% load. This means that at least 90% of the AC power that is input into the PSU is converted into DC power and used by the computer components, while the remaining 10% is lost as heat.

This level of efficiency is suitable for high-performance systems or systems that require a lot of power and is especially suitable for high-performance systems, where efficiency is a priority. Such systems are typically used for gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks that require a lot of power.

Additionally, PSUs with 80 Plus Platinum certification often come with other features such as better safety ratings, improved cooling solutions, longer lifespan, and higher power output, which can make them a better option for your system.

It's also worth noting that a Platinum-certified PSU is also suitable for systems that are running 24/7, as it will help to reduce the electricity bills and generate less heat.

80 Plus Titanium

80 Plus Titanium certification indicates that the PSU has an efficiency of at least 90% at 20% load, 94% at 50% load, and 90% at 100% load.

80 Plus Titanium certification is the highest level of certification offered by the 80 Plus program, indicating that the PSU has an efficiency of at least 90% at 20% load, 94% at 50% load, and 90% at 100% load. This means that at least 90% of the AC power that is input into the PSU is converted into DC power and used by the computer components, while the remaining 10% is lost as heat.

This is the highest level of efficiency offered by the 80 Plus program and is suitable for high-performance systems, where efficiency is a priority. Such systems are typically used for gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks that require a lot of power.

Additionally, PSUs with 80 Plus Titanium certification often come with other features such as better safety ratings, improved cooling solutions, longer lifespan, and higher power output, which can make them a better option for your system.

It's also worth noting that a Titanium certified PSU is also suitable for systems that are running 24/7, as it will help to reduce the electricity bills and generate less heat.

It's also important to note that the 80 Plus Titanium certification is not the only factor to consider when choosing a PSU. Other important factors include the power output, safety ratings, and the components' build quality. It's also important to choose a PSU from a reputable brand, as this can affect the reliability and longevity of the PSU.

Getting the PSU right rating for you

When choosing a PSU, it's important to consider the power output, efficiency, and safety ratings. The power output should be at least as high as the total power consumption of your system. The power consumption of a computer can be calculated by adding the power consumption of all the components. A good rule of thumb is to choose a PSU that has a power output that is at least 25% higher than the total power consumption of the computer.

Efficiency is important for reducing electricity bills and heat, so look for a PSU with an 80 Plus certification. Safety ratings are also important to ensure that the PSU meets certain standards and won't damage your system.

Power Supply Units: Bronze vs Gold

When comparing PSUs with Bronze and Gold certifications, the main difference is efficiency. A Gold-certified PSU is generally more efficient than a Bronze-certified PSU. However, a Bronze-certified PSU may be more cost-effective for a budget build, while a Gold-certified PSU may be more suitable for a high-performance system where efficiency is a priority.

In conclusion, understanding power supply ratings is important when building or upgrading a computer. Power supply units play a vital role in converting and distributing power to the various computer components. The 80 Plus certification program is a good indicator of efficiency, but it's not the only factor to consider when choosing a PSU. It's important to also consider the power output, safety ratings, and quality of components. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose the right PSU for your system and that your computer runs at its optimal performance level.