Normal power supply for a computer. Power supply for a computer, which one to choose? How to find out the required power of a power supply. Manufacturers of power supplies, which one is better?

Most users believe that companies that sell power supplies also produce them. But in fact, companies that do not have their own production of power supplies only sell them under their own brand, and we, as buyers, will have to overpay for the brand.
Power supply manufacturers are divided into:
— OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) i.e. power supply manufacturers
— Developers who do not have their own production
- Trade marks

OEM power supplies

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)- They are the ones who produce power supplies. There are manufacturers who develop and sell power supplies of their own production (for example, Enermax, Delta Electronics).

Others produce power supplies for their own brand, as well as for sale to other companies, which, in turn, resell them under their own brand (for example, SeaSonic, HEC, FSP, Chieftec). Some power supply manufacturers are focused specifically on producing power supplies for sale to other companies.

Power supply developers

Developers who do not have their own production. Such companies independently develop power supplies, but hire others for production. Such companies include Corsair, Be Quiet, SilverStone, Tagan, PC Power & Cooling

Trade marks

There are two types of companies in this category: those who buy the cheapest power supplies and simply put their trademark on them, as well as companies that are attentive to the quality of the purchased products (for example, Aerocool power supplies - relabeled Cougar power supplies from Compucase/HEC).
It’s not difficult to guess that if a company buys cheap power supplies, then their quality is appropriate. Such power supplies are characterized by poor build quality, they use the cheapest parts, disgusting soldering and installation, and most importantly, the characteristics declared by the manufacturer do not correspond to reality.

How to distinguish a high-quality power supply from a bad one?

— A high-quality power supply can be determined by its weight. A massive transformer, a case made of thick sheet steel, a group stabilization choke of 5 and 12 V - all this affects the weight of the power supply. Although this rule was violated by the Epsilon FX700-GLN power supply from FSP with a power of 700 W. The power supply turned out to be quite light and the quality of work was excellent.
— There is no detailed specification. If the manufacturer deliberately does not indicate the maximum total load, but indicates the maximum load for each line, then the declared power of the power supply is overestimated. And, as a rule, power supplies from the lower price category overestimate the characteristics.
— You should pay attention to the declared values for various lines. You should be careful if the performance on the 3.3 and 5 V lines is high, but on the 12 V line it is low.
— Power supplies with passive power supply, unlike power supply units with active power supply, provide greater efficiency (efficiency).
— It must have at least 4 connectors, if there are only two such connectors, then problems may arise in the future when upgrading.
— You should not take a power supply if it does not indicate protective circuits. A simple fuse is designated as OPP (overload protection) or SCP (short circuit protection); Metal oxide varistor is designated as OVP (overvoltage protection). Such protection methods are not always sufficient and they are simply not capable of replacing security chips.
— Quality can be partially assessed by the thickness of the wires - the standard is AWG18. This marking is applied to the wires and the larger this number, the smaller the cross-sectional size, for example: AWG22 wire is allowed to power a floppy drive, but the use of AWG20 along the entire length of the pins indicates that the power supply is of low quality.

Which power supply should you choose?

And yet, which manufacturer’s power supply should you choose? Even if you don’t take into account all the tips for determining the quality of a power supply, it’s not always possible to look and feel.

The highest quality power supply manufacturers (information is outdated!!!):

Zalman, FSP, OCZ, Hiper, Enermax

Quality power supplies:

Chieftec, CoolerMaster, AcBel, InWin, Thermaltake

Average quality power supplies:

Gembird, Codegen, Defender, Microlab, 3R, Golden Field

Low quality power supply:

SuperPower, Microtech, Colors-It, JNC, LinkWorld,

It is generally better not to buy power supplies from these manufacturers:

Tech Solo, Q-Tec, Rasurbo, RaptoxX, Inter-Tech (Sinan Power, Coba), Tronje, LC Power, Ultron, Xilence, World Link

More information about various manufacturers, as well as the power supply models they produce, can be found on their websites. You can find them through any search engine; there is no point in going through the entire list, since regardless of whether they had website promotion or not, they will still be in the first positions. And besides, many sites are already listed on IXBT - “

When assembling the system unit, among all the components, special attention should be paid to the power supply. After all, if this component is of poor quality, then all the others can fail - the motherboard, video card, RAM and others, since during power outages, power surges or a short circuit, not only the power supply fails, but also its distribution circuits loads. Therefore, the quality and durability of the entire system will depend on the correct choice of this particular part. To make it easier for you to make your choice, we have compiled a rating of the best power supplies for computers.

Power. There must be a power reserve of at least 25% from the maximum total in the entire system. The most optimal is a margin of up to 50%. This means that for a computer with one video adapter, but also intended for games, the acceptable power will be approximately 550 to 750 W. PSUs with a lower rating are suitable for systems that do not have a video card at all or have a very weak one.
Efficiency and certificates. This indicator determines how efficiently the device operates. A higher one ensures that the amount of power from the network is as close as possible to that supplied by the computer components. For systems operating at 500 W or more, it is better to take a power supply with an efficiency above 80%. Determined according to the certification system:

Certificate 80+;
80+ Bronze certificate;
80+ Silver certificate;
80+ Gold certificate;
80+ Platinum certificate;
80+ Titanium certificate.

Components. It is very important to evaluate the quality of components before purchasing: converters, capacitors and other circuit elements. The longevity of your computer depends on this.
PFC. The functionality of the system is aimed at reducing the phase shift, which is almost impossible to avoid in AC networks due to the fact that there are high-capacity capacitors at the input of the power supply unit, so it is better to purchase power supplies that have this parameter in stock.
Noise and cooling. Nowadays, a quiet PC will not surprise anyone; 120 mm or 140 mm coolers are present in almost all modern power supplies. Thanks to the large blades, they capture a lot of air and do not reduce speed, thus making the computer almost silent.

Which company is better

Today, there are quite a few brands offering power supplies for computers. Therefore, competition in this segment is very high, however, the best manufacturers have long held leadership positions in the market and offer reliable, high-quality products. These include:

Corsair. The popularity of the models of this company is explained not only by their high quality, but also by their quite reasonable cost. The power supplies deliver good power and are capable of operating with multiple video cards. In addition, the highest build quality and reliable fan operation are noted, which is guaranteed to ensure stable and long-lasting service for the computer.
Thermaltake. The power supplies of this brand have high-performance parameters that can withstand heavy loads on the electrical network. There is also a powerful cooling system and the most reliable protection. Popular models of this brand are distinguished by quiet operation and precise control of electricity flows, which prevents fluctuations and loads from affecting the operation of the system.
FSP Group. The main feature of this company is that it produces only power supplies, which distinguishes it from most competitors. Therefore, all the brand’s developments are aimed at constantly improving the components of the device, while the company is a supplier of budget models, which does not in any way affect the quality.

Rating of quality blocks

Deepcool DA500 500W

Inexpensive, but very popular power supplies with 80+ Bronze certification and power up to 500 W. There is active power correction, which greatly reduces the range of discrepancies on the output channels. There is support for EPS12V, which allows you to install the unit in the simplest server PC. Good parameters for maximum loads on individual channels. The protective circuits are presented in an optimal set, and the warranty period is quite long for budget models - 3 years.

Price: RUB 2,770.

Advantages:

Good quality for an affordable price;
5 SATA, two connectors for video cards;
sophisticated cooling system.

Flaws:

The fan is quite noisy at high speeds;
Not all cables are braided.

Video review of the power supply:

AeroCool Strike-X 500W

A good option for assembling an office or inexpensive gaming computer with a maximum load of 496 W on a 12-volt line. The fan is 140 mm and the radiators have a fairly large area. Active PFC system.

Average price - 3,360 rubles.

Advantages:

Additional braiding on wires;
excellent fan and built-in PWM control.

Flaws:

Unique design of the case, which is difficult to disassemble and clean;
active ZAS.

Review of the power supply - in the video:

Efficient and virtually silent operation even at maximum load. Very good components that allow you to achieve a ratio of real power to declared power of almost 1:1. Wires that are not in use can be unfastened and secured in the housing to optimize routing. The 140 mm cooler has a proprietary feature - a plain bearing with a screw thread, so cooling is very good during long-term operation and significant loads. In addition, the operation of a power supply up to 300 W without any noise is ensured by passive cooling.

How much does it cost - 6320 rubles.

Advantages:

Full power at 48°C;
ripple suppression;
efficiency;
capacitors made in Japan;
operating mode – semi-passive.

Flaws:

Fan test button missing;
there is a small distance between 4-pin Molex connectors;
price.

Video testing of the unit:

SEASONIC SSR-650TD

This model is considered by many to be the best in the 650 W power segment that exists today. The manufacturer is so confident in the quality of its product that it backs it with a record 12-year warranty. The maximum error factor on output lines is 2%. There is no need to worry about power cuts in the circuit during power failures; they are prevented by a Hold-Up Time of 30 ms. The highest certification level is 80+ Titanium. Quiet operation is ensured by a hydrodynamic bearing.

Price – 14410 rub.

Advantages:

Silence;
guarantee period;
ripple suppression;
efficiency.

Flaws:

Price;
jumps in the starting current are observed at the 230V input.

THERMALTAKE TOUGHPOWER DPS G RGB 650W

An excellent option for gamers because it combines two important qualities - power and beauty. Efficiency indicator is 91-93%. The system operates silently, RGB and proprietary software are available. There is a useful function through which you can find out the cost per 1 kW per hour. The hybrid-analog system greatly increases the functionality of the power supply as a whole. Certification – 80+ Gold.

Price — 8,190 rub.

Advantages:

Efficiency at the highest level;
8 SATA;
full set;
It has its own software interface, which allows you to set additional settings and diagnose the system.

Flaws:

Price.

Video about the power supply:

Sea Sonic Electronics PRIME Titanium 750W

750 W PSU with 80+ titanium certificate. Ensuring efficiency even at the heaviest load is at least 91%. The fan is 135 mm with a hydrodynamic bearing, so the device operates almost silently. The Weltrend WT7527V chip monitors performance and provides a guarantee of protection against any failures in the electricity network. There is also Micro Tolerance Load Regulation technology, which is responsible for uniform voltage dissipation of up to half a percent.

Price - 16,122 rubles.

Advantages:

Detachable braided cables;
noiselessness;
guarantee for a decade.

Flaws:

High price.

Video review of the power supply:

Zalman ZM1000-ARX 1000W

Makes it possible to simultaneously connect different powerful components thanks to an impressive current of 83 A along the +12 V line, certificate - platinum 80+. The incoming voltage can be in a fairly wide range up to 240 V. It belongs to the gaming PC segment, has 6 connectors for video cards and protective systems against all possible failures, including overheating and short circuits. Can be installed in an ATX case. Fan – 135 mm.

Price — 13,990 rub.

Advantages:

High quality components;
decent level of efficiency.

Flaws:

Not a competitive warranty period.

Chieftec GDP-750C 750W

Another very powerful model with a 140 mm fan that accelerates to almost 3000 rpm, this result is ensured by a built-in plain bearing. Fixed interfaces for displaying main power (24 pin) and processor (8 pin SSI) processes. In terms of dissipation, the figure is quite low - about 130 W, unlike analogues, which can have it up to 200 W. A separate +12 V channel can withstand a load of up to 744 W.

Price – 7290 rub.

Advantages:

For such high power, the price is quite reasonable;
cables can be detached;
excellent quality;
efficiency.

Flaws:

Under heavy load, an unpleasant noise appears.

Corsair HX1000i 1000W

This is one of the most popular power supplies for gamers with power up to 1000 W. It also has an increased number of connectors and a very wide range for current distribution. The maximum on the +12V channel is 83 A, and the efficiency is confirmed by the 80+ Platinum certificate. This is the best power supply in terms of quality and price.

Price – within 17,000 rubles.

Advantages:

It is possible to connect wires in any order;
quiet operation;
resistance to power surges;
there is software for additional configuration;
many consider it the most reliable one on the market.

Flaws:

Rigidity of connection cables;
high price.

AeroCool Hero 575W

Suitable for medium-power computers with one video card. There is an active PFC and stabilizers for the output channel 3.3 V and group for 12/5 V. An acceptable cooling system with a 120mm fan that can accelerate to almost 2000 rpm, there is a plain bearing. In light load mode, it consumes only about 7 W of electricity. Reliable schemes of protective mechanisms against power surges.

Price — 3,200 rub.

Advantages:

Low price;
good power;
reliable protection systems.

Flaws:

It works quietly, but not silently.

Video review of the device:

Seasonic Prime 600 W Titanium Fanless (SSR-600TL)

Another interesting model of power supplies, which differs in that it operates without a fan. Quiet operation is ensured by passive radiators that remove heat. Certificate – 80+ Titanium. There are high-quality Japanese capacitors with a temperature of 105 ° C, which help to increase the reliability and service life of the device.

Price – 15,000 rub.

Advantages:

Fanless design;
modular connection type;
equipped with Japanese capacitors;
the manufacturer provides a 12-year warranty;
highly efficient;
quality of components.

Flaws:

Inrush current surges may occur.

Which one is better to buy

You need to choose a power supply for your computer based on the individual needs of the user. For gamers, videographers and people who need constant uninterrupted operation of the system under heavy loads, it is better to select more powerful models; for office PCs it is worth paying attention to medium-power power supplies up to 500 W. It is also advisable to purchase models with active PFC and 80 Plus certification.

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Top rating of the best gaming computer mice of 2019.

An indispensable tool for maintaining computer performance is the power supply. It is used to redistribute electricity from the primary source to various parts of the system unit. This unit is the main one for a desktop computer, since without power supply not a single part can be started.

Many popular power supply manufacturers make mostly specialized and powerful devices, the choice of which is simply huge on the modern market. At the same time, the rating of the best power supplies for computers for 2018 – 2019 considers both standard and reinforced models, which allow you not to worry about the operation of your computer.

Which brand of computer power supply should I buy?

There are a relatively larger number of manufacturers in the power supply market. Each offers very good models that create worthy competition for each other. However, among them there are a number of companies whose products are especially popular among customers.

Corsair– the best power supplies for a computer are traditionally offered by Corsair, which can not only deliver excellent power, but also work with several video cards at once. High-quality assembly, high reliability, as well as excellent fan performance allow users of the company’s devices to be confident in the reliable and stable operation of their computer.
Thermaltake– the company allows users to choose a good power supply for their PC with high-performance parameters that require heavy loads on the power grid. Maximum protection, a powerful cooling system and the absence of noise allow the device to clearly control the flow of electricity and prevent surges and overloads.
FSP Group is one of the few companies in the modern computer parts market that produces exclusively power supplies. This allows the company to make more than high-quality power supply elements, but not overprice them. For the best budget power supplies, you should definitely come here.

The device has excellent voltage tolerance due to compliance with the ATX12V2.2 standard, as well as active PFC, preventing excess current from passing to any nodes of the computer system unit. The motherboard is connected to the power supply using a classic 20+4 pin connector. There are enough additional connectors on the unit’s body to connect all the required equipment: one 4-pin connector each for CPU, PCI-E and Floppy (to support older computers), five for IDE, and two 15-pin connectors for SATA. Such parameters at a price of 2000 rubles make this good and inexpensive power supply very popular among desktop PC users.

Advantages:

withstands the load perfectly
additional protection against short circuit and overvoltage
comfortable current range (from 18 to 24 A and from 0.3 to 2.5 A)
The kit includes two PCIe connectors (6-pin and 6+2-pin)
low cost
excellent reliability

Flaws:

relatively noisy

The next model in the rating can confidently be called the best inexpensive 500 W power supply. With a price tag of 2700-2800 rubles, the device is equipped with a reliable 24 pin motherboard connector, support for operation with a current of 38 A on a +12 V line 1, as well as short circuit protection. In addition, it is worth noting that it complies with the ATX12V 2.3 standard and works with an active PFC circuit. The block has 6+2-pin connectors for PCI-E (two), 4+4-pin for the CPU, as well as a standard 15-pin for SATA (five), 4-pin for IDE (three) and Floppy ( one). In this price range, a computer power supply with an 80 Plus certificate (even Bronze) is a rarity, so buyers should definitely take a closer look at this device.

Advantages:

overvoltage and overload protection
quiet operation
blue backlight
excellent protection against impulse noise
stylish appearance
value for money

Flaws:

quite heavy
average quality capacitors

The TOP continues, a popular 600 W power supply from the FSP Group already known to the reader. ATX12V 2.2 standard, active PFC system, fast and fairly quiet fan - an excellent combination for 2700-2800 rubles. The proposed parameters are complemented by an excellent set of connectors on the block: one 4+4 pin for the CPU and 4 pin for Floppy, two 8 pin for PCI-E and 4 pin for IDE, as well as six 15 pin for SATA. The current strength for lines from +3.3 V to 12 V 4 varies from 18 to 26 A. In this case, the unit includes protection against overvoltage, overload and short circuit. Users especially note the quiet operation of the unit, thanks to which, apart from the sounds of the video card coolers, not a single sound will be heard.

Advantages:

stable performance
doesn't heat up
good efficiency indicator
standard dimensions

Flaws:

rubbery smell of wires (dissipates after a week)
There are only two PCI-e slots
The fan is noisy under light load

A powerful device from one of the best power supply manufacturers meets the ATX12V 2.4 and EPS12V standards, has an 80 Plus gold certificate, and is also capable of withstanding current from 25 to 54 A. All of the above characteristics guarantee maximum safety and reliability of this computer power supply element. This modular unit is equipped with many connectors: seven 15-pin for SATA, seven 4 pin for IDE, four 6+2 pin for PCI-E, two 4 pin for Floppy and one 20+4 pin for motherboard and 4+4 pin for CPU. A large number of wires, however, will not become an obstacle to disassembling and assembling the device, since it is equipped with detachable cables. Of course, the cost of the device at 8000-9000 rubles is very impressive, but when it comes to a power supply for gamers, it’s difficult to find anything better for that kind of money.

Advantages:

silent operation
high power
modular connection
availability of all the most necessary protections
powerful fan
no heating at high loads
high reliability (manufacturer's warranty 7 years)
availability of certificate (80PLUS Gold)

Flaws:

not detected

Another modular power supply in the review was due to its excellent price-quality ratio. Price tag - 7500-8500 rubles, power - 750 W, 80 Plus certificate - gold. This combination allows us to talk about the device only in a positive way, since competitors with similar parameters cost at least 1500-2000 rubles more. Excellent protection and compliance with the ATX12V 2.3 standard allow you to cast aside all doubts about the reliability of the power supply, and it is also equipped with protection against overvoltage, overload and short circuit. The range of perceived current is also impressive: the current on the +12 V 1 line can reach 62 A, while for the +5 V line it drops to 22 A. The power supply connectors are also okay: eight standard for SATA, four 6+ 2 pins for PCI-E, six 4 pins for IDE. If the question arises about which power supply is best to buy for a medium-load personal computer, the choice should be made in favor of the Cooler Master V750.

Advantages:

unit fan with very quiet operation
high energy efficiency
20+4 pin connector for motherboard
modular connection system
stable output voltage
very high quality build
compact dimensions
Availability of 80PLUS gold certificate

Flaws:

none

A popular and very good power supply up to 750 W, it is considered one of the most successful options for those users who need above-average performance, but not the maximum possible. The classic standards ATX12V 2.3 and EPS12V and the gold 80 Plus certificate seem to be something ordinary for such a power supply. The first noticeable feature of the unit is a powerful fan with an increased diameter and a rotation speed of 1900 rpm, thanks to which there will be no hint of even the slightest heating. The presence of several connectors for one group of equipment (in particular, 4+4 pin and 8 pin for the CPU or 6 pin and 8 pin for PCI-E) allows you to use two corresponding devices (video cards, processors). Judging by user reviews, the safety of the gaming power supply is at the level of top-end 1200 W models, while protection against overvoltage and overheating provides additional guarantees to users.

Advantages:

very powerful
excellent efficiency indicator
silent operation
excellent build quality
good equipment
load adjustment
high quality Japanese capacitors
looks stylish for placement outside the system

Flaws:

short wire for motherboard
starting currents

Users hardly thought that the first line of the review could be taken by any other option. Thanks to one of the best power supplies with a power of up to 1000 W, thousands of gamers around the world are able to effectively develop in games, and freelancers do not have to worry about overheating of video editors and other heavy and resource-demanding software. This powerful power supply has an increased number of connectors, as well as a wide range of current distribution, with a maximum of 83 A at +12 V1. It would seem impossible to be safer with an 80 Plus gold certification. However, the Corsair HX1000i 1000W has a platinum rating, which makes it independent of any internal or external conditions. The cost of 15,000-17,000 rubles once again confirms that the proposed model is the best power supply in terms of price-quality ratio. In addition, high-quality detachable wires, which, moreover, are equipped with additional voltage protection, are extremely rare.

Advantages:

You can connect the wires in any order
it feels like the unit is running without a fan due to the missing noise
stable voltage
Availability of software for additional configuration and diagnostics
reliability in operation

Flaws:

high price
very rigid connection cables

Which computer power supply to choose?

Purchasing a reliable power supply for your computer is a must for new gamers or video editors. It reduces the risk of the system unit burning out, and also takes performance to a new level due to the absence of heating. Unfortunately, choosing the best power supply is quite difficult to do without special knowledge in the field of computer equipment, so it is better to study the specialized rating and buy a suitable model without regretting the money spent.

First, let's talk a little about the hardware, which is relevant from the point of view of the consumer who does not want to bother too much with technical details. If the technical side of the issue is of interest to you, we recommend that you refer to the article.

In retail sales, according to Yandex.Market, there are almost 1,100 models of power supplies - and choosing among them a high-quality, quiet and not too expensive one without studying the technical details is not so easy. Moreover, the lower the price limit, the greater the chances of encountering, at best, an option that does not fully meet expectations.

When choosing, we will limit ourselves to power supplies of the most popular ATX form factor. They are the ones that are installed in the lion's share of systems, and it is with them that we have sufficient experience working. The range of power supplies of more compact sizes (SFX, TFX, Flex ATX, etc.) is much more modest, and in the foreseeable past they have not passed through our hands - so it will not be possible to use personal experience here. As a result, in our opinion, it is better to review the most common format of computer power supplies well than poorly (based only on manufacturers’ statements) - that’s all.

Having 80 PLUS certification provides a good starting point for choosing: in this case, at a minimum, you can be sure of a sufficiently high efficiency of the power supply. However, this certification will not say anything, for example, about the noise level of the cooling system - and from the user’s point of view, this parameter is perhaps much more important than a few extra kilowatts spent during the month. At the same time, you can sometimes find both rather noisy power supplies with very high efficiency 80 PLUS Platinum, and inexpensive and much less efficient models certified to the 80 PLUS Bronze level with no worse acoustic comfort.

In addition, sometimes very decent results in all respects are shown by 80 PLUS models that are completely deprived of certification (as a rule, designed to operate only on a 230 V network - only recently manufacturers began to certify them according to the 80 PLUS 230V EU Internal standard).

As you can easily see from the data provided, 80 PLUS 230V EU Internal has more stringent efficiency requirements for an equal level of certification with the “regular” 80 PLUS 115V Internal, but this is due to the higher efficiency of power supplies when operating on a higher voltage network. So in practice, the “regular” and “European” certification levels of 80 PLUS under operating conditions with an input voltage of 220-230 V can be considered approximately corresponding to each other.

However, it is worth noting that power supplies with “European” 80 PLUS certification operate in a fairly narrow voltage range and therefore, when the voltage in the power supply sags, they turn off in a situation where a unit with “regular” 80 PLUS certification with an input voltage range from 100 to 240 V will continue to work. Accordingly, in case of frequent problems with voltage drop in the network, it is worth choosing power supplies with a wide range of input voltages.

It may seem to some that the difference between a power supply with a basic 80 PLUS certificate with a peak efficiency of about 85% on a 230 V network and, say, a “platinum” unit with an efficiency of about 94% is not so great, but this is misleading. A power supply with an efficiency of 85% uselessly spends 15% of its power on heating the surrounding air, and in a power supply with an efficiency of 94% only 6% of the power is converted into heat, and this is not a difference of 10% (if we formally compare efficiency), but of 2. 5 times. There is hardly any need to explain which of the two power supplies given as an example, all other things being equal, will have a quieter cooling system.

An important nuance is also that, unlike other components, power supplies do not have to be chosen from among the latest models. A “golden” block developed five years ago is almost guaranteed to be better than any new “bronze” model in all technical parameters (with the possible exception of fashionable appearance).

We also note that the filling of the vast majority of power supply manufacturers presented on store shelves is produced by only a few companies. For example, you can find the same Channel Well Technology (CWT) development platform in power supplies from Chieftec, Deepcool, Thermaltake and many others - while the price tag for virtually identical models (except for the warranty, configuration and nuances of organizing the cable system) may vary almost doubled. Therefore, to immediately reject any brand presented on the counter (or, on the contrary, to trust it unconditionally) without knowing exactly what kind of “filling” is hidden inside a particular model is, to put it mildly, unproductive. You can find out the real manufacturer of a specific power supply platform for most brands, for example, (the OEM column in the list of power supplies of the selected manufacturer).

The main criterion for dividing the models on the market, quite predictably, is the output power. We believe that four main gradations are sufficient:

up to 400 W (for low-end systems: from office typewriters to gaming PCs based on mid-level video cards - up to GeForce GTX 1050 Ti and AMD RX 560 inclusive);
from 410 to 600 W (this power is more than enough for a gaming system with one flagship video card, even with moderate overclocking of the CPU and GPU);
from 610 to 1000 W (for systems with 2-3 video cards and/or serious overclocking);
more than 1010 W (such power supplies are really needed only by miners and very passionate gamer enthusiasts with 3-4 flagship video cards and serious overclocking).

Of course, significant internal differentiation is inevitable for each of these groups: each of them has many models that differ in price, efficiency, ergonomics and many other parameters.

We could take some technical value as the next selection step (from 80 PLUS certification level to acoustic comfort), but let's be realistic: in most cases, the choice of model is based on its price. Therefore, in each power range we will go from the cheapest models (from among those, of course, the purchase of which we consider justified) to the most expensive. In most cases, the optimal choice will not be extremes, but mid-level models that are successful in terms of the combination of technical parameters and price - which we will not fail to indicate in the description.

⇡ Power supplies up to 400 W

With all the passion of PC component manufacturers for energy saving issues, it is quite difficult to find high-quality ATX power supplies with an output power of less than 400 W on sale - although even 300 W of power is enough to power a modern system that does not deserve the contemptuous label “calculator”.

So the lower power category of power supplies is almost completely occupied by budget models that do not feature advanced circuitry and a high level of efficiency. Most budget models with a power of 420-500 W can also be included here, since their achievable power in real conditions does not always coincide with the maximum output power stated on the label.

Power supplies in this category often have a very modest permissible voltage load of 12 V, so even when adding to it 40-50 W, typically consumed under load by modern PCs for other voltages, the final output power is noticeably lower than the level indicated in the model index. Formally, there are no violations: the unit actually produces the parameters declared by the manufacturer. But in practice, in a real system, it is fundamentally impossible to achieve the full declared output power.

The general level of these power supplies is typical for this price category: cheap capacitors, cables without braiding, absence of PFC of any kind, noisy operation (starting fan speed is about 1300 rpm) and a fairly high (albeit within the standard tolerances) level of low-frequency ripple voltage. However, compared to other “ultra-budget” devices, they have three advantages: a powerful 12 V line (the VX-350 model produces 300 W at this voltage - more than, for example, the formally 400-watt FSP ATX-400PNR-I with 276 W at 12 line B), a relatively developed cable system and two years of manufacturer's warranty. This warranty period is provided for all Aerocool PSUs, with the exception of the flagship Project 7 series (7 years warranty) and specialized PSUs for cryptocurrency mining (no warranty).

In the category “up to 400 W, up to 2,500 rubles,” the clear leader, in our opinion, is the Chieftec TPS-400S model, available at a price starting from 2,200 rubles. We are a model of this series with a power of 500 W and we can confidently say that in terms of a set of characteristics these are the undisputed leaders in the budget segment. The assets of the blocks of this series are high by class standards of efficiency, a quiet cooling system at low and medium loads, good voltage stability, moderate voltage ripple range, active PFC, and as a cherry on the cake - an 80 PLUS Bronze certificate, unthinkable for this price tag. Disadvantages: inexpressive appearance, only a 4-pin connector for additional processor power, not the highest quality capacitors, rather short power cables without braiding. But almost all of these shortcomings are inherent in any model in the specified price category.

In the Chieftec TASK series, which includes the models mentioned above, there is also a less powerful alternative - the 350-W model TPS-350S, but it is practically not represented in domestic retail sales.

In general, in this price category there are quite a lot of other options with a good set of characteristics (old and new “state budget” Chieftec of other series, the recent MasterWatt Lite 230V 400W, Zalman ZM400 in various modifications and others), but in terms of efficiency and acoustic comfort Chieftec TPS are the undisputed leaders at prices quite comparable to competitors.

The only very close competitor to this model in terms of price and efficiency is Aerocool KCAS-400W. The assets of this model include a more developed cable system (all cables have a nylon braid, a larger range of connectors is available) and design (if only because the painted PSU case is nicer than the unpainted one). However, personal experience suggests that the Andyson development platforms (Aerocool KCAS uses the development of this particular company) are still inferior in terms of the set of characteristics to the CWT platforms (on which the Chieftec TASK blocks are based).

A somewhat more affordable option in the range of 1,500-2,000 rubles could be the Q-DION QD400 80+ power supply, which is quite efficient and fairly quiet during operation. But now models of this series are practically not found on sale. There are only power supplies left with the same indices, but without “80+” in the suffix - but they can only boast capXon and Teapo capacitors that are quite good for the budget price tag, decent voltage stability and a moderate level of ripple. However, efficiency, acoustic comfort, range of connectors and cable lengths were left behind.

Yes, and there are few available “bronze” options: the Chieftec BDF-400S Proton series model (more “advanced” due to separate voltage stabilization and somewhat higher-quality capacitors) could diversify the choice, but it is practically not found on sale yet, and if it appears , then at an unreasonably inflated price tag of 4-5 thousand rubles.

Of the high-quality power supplies with a power of less than 400 W, only representatives of the be quiet! series are relatively common on sale. Pure Power 10 power and W, certified to the efficiency level of 80 PLUS Bronze (cost on average 3 and 3.5 thousand rubles, respectively) and have a three-year warranty.

If you look at the more efficient models, then the “industrial” model Seasonic SSP-350GT, certified according to the 80 PLUS Gold standard, which can be purchased for less than 4 thousand rubles, looks like a rather interesting combination of price and efficiency.

The technical differences of this power supply from the “consumer” model G-360 (SSR-360GP Active PFC) boil down to the lack of coloring of the case and wire braid, 10 W less declared output power and a more modest cable system (no PCI-E 6- pin and short - 35 cm - ATX and ATX12V power cables). But with 1,000-1,500 rubles in savings, many will be able to come to terms with these shortcomings - especially if there are no plans to install a discrete video card with additional power.

If you need a connector for additional power supply for a video card, then we think be quiet! is a more attractive power supply option than the Seasonic G-360. Straight Power 10 400W, based on the FSP development platform.

At a comparable price (5-5.5 thousand rubles) and the same level of 80 PLUS Gold certification, it has greater output power, a larger and higher-quality fan based on a hydrodynamic bearing with less noise, and two 6+2-pin power connectors at once PCI-E, not just 6-pin. The manufacturer's warranty is 5 years, as is the case with the Seasonic G series (already discontinued, but still available in stores).

You can also pay attention to a slightly more affordable (on average about 4,500 rubles), but slightly less efficient (80 PLUS Silver certificate) be quiet! Pure Power 10 CM 400W, which, with the same set of power connectors, has a partially modular cable system. The latter can be very useful when assembling a compact system unit.

Finally, for those willing to pay a premium for maximum acoustic comfort and efficiency, Seasonic's fanless 400-watt power supply is 80 PLUS Platinum certified and comes with a seven-year manufacturer's warranty. Additional bonuses include a fully modular cabling system and a rich selection of connectors, not inferior to the above-mentioned be quiet! models. But for the Platinum-400 Fanless you need to pay about 10 thousand rubles, and you’ll also have to look for it on sale.

However, even if you want to get a power supply for a fairly energy-efficient system, solutions with higher power may also be relevant, which you can read about in the next section.

⇡ Power supplies from 410 to 600 W

It is these “workhorses” that are the optimal choice for most productive systems for fairly demanding users. They are quite suitable for powering PCs with processors and single video cards of older families in nominal mode or with moderate overclocking. Many people install much more powerful power supplies in systems of this class, but sometimes this is for reasons of reserve for an upgrade (“what if in the bright future I plug in a second video card?”), sometimes it’s just a reinsurance against illiteracy, and sometimes it’s just a consequence of better availability of units power supply with higher power output.

Since power supplies of such power already require a fairly energy-intensive (and expensive) filling of the system unit, when choosing models we recommend discarding the most budget-friendly options on the market. It’s unlikely that small savings are worth the risk of damaging expensive components.

Up to 3,000 rubles, the first candidates are more powerful versions of units of the Chieftec TASK series (500-watt TPS-500S, familiar to us from) and Aerocool KCAS (or W) - all of them fit into the specified price.

However, these are not the only options: for close money, better functionality (due to the use of separate voltage stabilization using DC converters) can be offered by Xilence Performance A+ power supplies, which also have an 80 PLUS Bronze certificate (unlike the above-mentioned models - “European”, i.e. without support for a wide range of input voltages). For the remove category we are considering, there are models with a power of 430 and 530 W, the cost of both is 3,000 rubles.

As an option when the power supply requires not so much efficiency as efficiency, and at a reasonable price, we can offer the Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W model. It is worth noting that units of this series are available in two versions: with an input voltage range of 100-240 V and 200-240 V (the first, of course, is preferable - especially if there are any regular problems with the voltage in the network, but are a little more expensive ).

The assets include 256-color RGB backlighting, an original body shape and cable braiding on the outside, a Sirtec platform with a basic 80 PLUS certificate, group voltage stabilization and the best Teapo capacitors found in budget models inside. The manufacturer's warranty is 3 years. The issue price is on average 2,800 rubles for a modification with a wide range of input voltages.

With an increase in the permissible price tag to 4,000 rubles, we see an extremely attractive power supply in this power range from the Chieftec A-90 series, made on the basis of the CWT GPN platform - model GDP-550C. Formally, this unit does not have an 80 PLUS certificate, but its efficiency in a 230 V network (maximum efficiency of more than 90%) is close to the “gold” level. At the same time, representatives of this series can boast of quite advanced circuitry with separate voltage stabilization using DC-DC converters, a partially modular cable system, very quiet fan operation and a more than modest price: for a 550-watt model in stores they ask from 3,300 to 4,100 rubles

The disadvantages include Chieftec's traditionally modest 2-year warranty and the lack of support for a wide range of input voltages. But if you want to get maximum performance and functionality of a power supply for a minimum of money, the models in this series have almost no worthy rivals. Competitors in terms of price and power are inferior either in efficiency, or in acoustic comfort, or in the possibilities of organizing a cable system (and often on all these points at the same time).

It is to the units of this series that one can include both the advice from the introduction not to chase too much after novelty (this series of power supplies has been on the market for several years, and the platform itself was presented by CWT in 2013), and a reference to the sometimes encountered power supplies with excellent parameters without a certificate 80 PLUS.

As an example of a seemingly quite successful new model that is losing out to the “old man”, we can cite a representative of the new CoolerMaster series - the MasterWatt 550 power supply (80 PLUS Bronze certificate, based on the HEC development platform). Same total output power, similar semi-modular cabling, same DC-DC converters - very similar to the Chieftec GDP-550C. But the efficiency is somewhat lower, the noise from the fan is higher at medium or high loads (however, at low loads the fan is inactive), and the price is on average about 500 rubles higher. On the plus side, in addition to silent operation at low power, there is only a five-year warranty and a wide range of input voltages.

Chieftec BDF-500S and BDF-600S from the PROTON series also cannot compete with their “old man” counterpart: at a comparable price (“five hundred” is a little cheaper, “six hundred” a little more expensive) they are less efficient, somewhat noisier under high loads and have a non-modular cable system. Although they can be called worthy competitors to the CoolerMaster models of the MasterWatt series: with similar parameters, they are somewhat more affordable and quieter at high loads, but their cables cannot be detached, there is no passive mode of operation at low output power, and again the warranty period is shorter.

Nevertheless, units of these series can also be considered as a worthy option at a moderate cost if there are no Chieftec A-90 series models on the shelves or, due to frequent voltage sags in the network, a wide range of input voltages is required.

However, the Chieftec GDP-550C still has a competitor both in price and in efficiency - and with additional functionality in the form of controllable RGB fan lighting (connects either to the 4-pin RGB connector of the motherboard or to a separately purchased proprietary controller P7-H1). This is the Aerocool KCAS-550G model, released last summer, now available for sale at a price of less than 4,000 rubles.

Aerocool P7-H1 controller (1,200-1,300 rubles)

As far as one can judge, the “filling” of KCAS-G blocks was also developed by Andyson, but representatives of this series already have an 80 PLUS Gold certificate, in contrast to 80 PLUS Bronze for “regular” KCAS. The main drawback is the same as that of cheaper Aerocool solutions: JunFu capacitors are not particularly reliable.

In the range from 4 to 5 thousand rubles, several models with an 80 PLUS Gold certificate are available, the obvious advantages of which over the “unofficially gold” Chieftec A-90 include support for a wide range of input voltages, and over the Aerocool KCAS-G - more reliable capacitors.

EVGA GD 450W and GD 550W power supplies are based on the FSP development platform and feature a non-modular design. Teapo capacitors are used at the output, the manufacturer's warranty is 5 years, the cost is slightly above 4 thousand rubles.

DeepCool DQ550ST has almost similar parameters and price, only the platform was developed by CWT, and the warranty period is shorter.

The slightly more powerful Enermax REVOLUTION DUO 600W costs about 5-6 thousand rubles, and is also equipped with Teapo capacitors and non-removable cables. A special feature of the model is the use of two fans (100 and 80 mm in diameter) with the ability to manually control their speed using a rotating handle on the rear panel. The platform was developed by a not very well-known company Yue-Lin Electrical Technology, the manufacturer’s warranty is 3 years.

Finally, you can pay attention to the representative of the Chieftec Navitas series, as old as the A-90, with a full 80 PLUS Gold certificate. Unlike the more powerful (and older) models in the series, the GPM-550S is based on the Sirfa platform rather than the CWT, and also has a non-modular cabling system. The acoustic comfort of this model is perhaps the best among all the above options in this power category. This block will cost an average of 4.5-5 thousand rubles.

In the “over 5 thousand rubles” category, which can safely be considered solutions for enthusiasts, the choice is already quite extensive, but the most interesting for the combination of price, design quality and warranty promises are the Seasonic model.

The Seasonic FOCUS Plus 550 Gold power supply offers excellent efficiency by “golden” standards, a fully modular cable system and flawless Japanese capacitors at both the input and output. The cooling system can operate in two modes, one of which involves turning off the fan under moderate loads, but both provide very low noise levels even at high power.

Taking into account these advantages, a price tag of around 6-7 thousand rubles does not look inadequate: unlike the “golden” models described above, the FOCUS Plus 550 Gold has no weak points either in functionality or in the quality of components. The manufacturer's warranty for power supplies in the FOCUS line is an impressive 10 years.

The related model FOCUS Plus 550 Platinum is even more efficient and quieter in operation, but it costs a little more - from 7 to 8.5 thousand rubles.

It is worth noting such an advantage of Seasonic’s “tricks” as compactness: all models in the series up to 850-watt power have a body length of only 140 mm.

Finally, for those who don't look at the price tag, there is the Seasonic PRIME 600 Titanium: a fanless model, certified to the most efficient 80 PLUS level, with a fully modular cabling system, excellent voltage stability and a 12-year manufacturer's warranty. The price of the model is 14-16 thousand rubles, but it simply does not have a single equal competitor.

Somewhat more affordable among the fanless models is the 520-watt Seasonic Platinum 520 Fanless. With slightly less power and efficiency and a more modest 7-year warranty, this unit is available at a price starting from 11.5 thousand rubles.

By the way, it is precisely this kind of power supply that flawlessly powers the system of the author of these lines with an Intel Core i7-4790K, 16 GB DDR3-2400, GeForce GTX 1070, a discrete sound card and three storage drives (the processor and video card are slightly overclocked, and the power supply case during gaming only slightly warm under load).

Other high-end models presented for a power of no more than 600 W are either significantly more expensive with comparable parameters (such as the Corsair RM550x, which costs about 1,000 rubles more than the similar power Seasonic FOCUS Gold), or with a comparable price they are inferior in terms of a set of characteristics.

The power supply is designed to supply electrical current to all computer components. It must be powerful enough and have a small margin for the computer to work stably. In addition, the power supply must be of high quality, since the service life of all computer components greatly depends on it. By saving $10-20 on the purchase of a high-quality power supply, you risk losing a system unit worth $200-1000.

The power of the power supply is selected based on the power of the computer, which mainly depends on the power consumption of the processor and video card. It is also necessary that the power supply has at least 80 Plus Standard certification. The optimal price/quality ratio are Chieftec, Zalman and Thermaltake power supplies.

For an office computer (documents, Internet), a 400 W power supply is sufficient; take the most inexpensive Chieftec or Zalman, you won’t go wrong.
Power supply Zalman LE II-ZM400

For a multimedia computer (movies, simple games) and an entry-level gaming computer (Core i3 or Ryzen 3 + GTX 1050 Ti), the most inexpensive 500-550 W power supply from the same Chieftec or Zalman will be suitable; it will have a reserve in case of installing more powerful video card.
Chieftec GPE-500S power supply

For a mid-class gaming PC (Core i5 or Ryzen 5 + GTX 1060/1070 or RTX 2060), a 600-650 W power supply from Chieftec is suitable, if there is an 80 Plus Bronze certificate, then good.
Chieftec GPE-600S power supply

For a powerful gaming or professional computer (Core i7 or Ryzen 7 + GTX 1080 or RTX 2070/2080), it is better to take a 650-700 W power supply from Chieftec or Thermaltake with an 80 Plus Bronze or Gold certificate.
Chieftec CPS-650S power supply

2. Power supply or case with power supply?

If you are assembling a professional or powerful gaming computer, then it is recommended to select a power supply separately. If we are talking about an office or regular home computer, then you can save money and purchase a good case complete with a power supply, which will be discussed.

3. What is the difference between a good power supply and a bad one?

The cheapest power supplies ($20-30) by definition cannot be good, since manufacturers in this case save on everything possible. Such power supplies have bad heatsinks and a lot of unsoldered elements and jumpers on the board.

At these places there should be capacitors and chokes designed to smooth out voltage ripples. It is because of these ripples that the motherboard, video card, hard drive and other computer components fail prematurely. In addition, such power supplies often have small radiators, which cause overheating and failure of the power supply itself.

A high-quality power supply has a minimum of unsoldered elements and larger radiators, which can be seen from the installation density.

4. Power supply manufacturers

Some of the best power supplies are made by SeaSonic, but they are also the most expensive.

Well-known enthusiast brands Corsair and Zalman recently expanded their range of power supplies. But their most budget models have rather weak filling.

AeroCool power supplies are among the best in terms of price/quality ratio. The well-established cooler manufacturer DeepCool is closely joining them. If you don't want to overpay for an expensive brand, but still get a high-quality power supply, pay attention to these brands.

FSP produces power supplies under different brands. But I would not recommend cheap power supplies under their own brand; they often have short wires and few connectors. Top-end FSP power supplies are not bad, but they are no longer cheaper than famous brands.

Of those brands that are known in narrower circles, we can note the very high-quality and expensive be quiet!, the powerful and reliable Enermax, Fractal Design, the slightly cheaper but high-quality Cougar and the good but inexpensive HIPER as a budget option.

5. Power supply

Power is the main characteristic of a power supply. The power of the power supply is calculated as the sum of the power of all computer components + 30% (for peak loads).

For an office computer, a minimum power supply of 400 watts is sufficient. For a multimedia computer (movies, simple games), it is better to take a 500-550 Watt power supply, in case you later want to install a video card. For a gaming computer with one video card, it is advisable to install a power supply with a power of 600-650 Watts. A powerful gaming PC with multiple graphics cards may require a power supply of 750 watts or more.

5.1. Power supply power calculation

Processor 25-220 Watt (check on the seller’s or manufacturer’s website)
Video card 50-300 Watt (check on the seller’s or manufacturer’s website)
Entry class motherboard 50 Watt, mid class 75 Watt, high class 100 Watt
Hard drive 12 Watt
SSD 5 Watt
DVD drive 35 Watt
Memory module 3 Watt
Fan 6 Watt

Don’t forget to add 30% to the sum of the powers of all components, this will protect you from unpleasant situations.

5.2. Program for calculating power supply power

To more conveniently calculate the power of a power supply, there is an excellent program “Power Supply Calculator”. It also allows you to calculate the required power of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS or UPS).

The program works on all versions of Windows with Microsoft .NET Framework version 3.5 or higher installed, which is usually already installed for most users. You can download the “Power Supply Calculator” program and if you need the “Microsoft .NET Framework” at the end of the article in the “” section.

6.ATX standard

Modern power supplies have the ATX12V standard. This standard can have several versions. Modern power supplies are manufactured according to ATX12V 2.3, 2.31, 2.4 standards, which are recommended for purchase.

7. Power correction

Modern power supplies have a power correction function (PFC), which allows them to consume less energy and heat less. There are passive (PPFC) and active (APFC) power correction circuits. The efficiency of power supplies with passive power correction reaches 70-75%, with active power correction - 80-95%. I recommend purchasing power supplies with active power correction (APFC).

8. Certificate 80 PLUS

A high-quality power supply must have an 80 PLUS certificate. These certificates come in different levels.

Certified, Standard – entry-level power supplies
Bronze, Silver – mid-class power supplies
Gold – high-end power supplies
Platinum, Titanium – top power supplies

The higher the certificate level, the higher the quality of voltage stabilization and other parameters of the power supply. For a mid-range office, multimedia or gaming computer, a regular certificate is sufficient. For a powerful gaming or professional computer, it is advisable to take a power supply with a bronze or silver certificate. For a computer with several powerful video cards - gold or platinum.

9. Fan size

Some power supplies still come with an 80mm fan.

A modern power supply should have a 120 or 140 mm fan.

10. Power supply connectors

	ATX (24-pin) - motherboard power connector. All power supplies have 1 such connector.
	CPU (4-pin) - processor power connector. All power supplies have 1 or 2 of these connectors. Some motherboards have 2 processor power connectors, but can also operate from one.
	SATA (15-pin) - power connector for hard drives and optical drives. It is advisable that the power supply have several separate cables with such connectors, since connecting a hard drive and an optical drive with one cable will be problematic. Since one cable can have 2-3 connectors, the power supply must have 4-6 such connectors.
	PCI-E (6+2-pin) - video card power connector. Powerful video cards require 2 of these connectors. To install two video cards, you need 4 of these connectors.
	Molex (4-pin) - power connector for older hard drives, optical drives and some other devices. In principle, it is not required if you do not have such devices, but it is still present in many power supplies. Sometimes this connector can supply voltage to the case backlight, fans, and expansion cards.
	Floppy (4-pin) - drive power connector. Very outdated, but can still be found in power supplies. Sometimes some controllers (adapters) are powered by it.

Check the configuration of power supply connectors on the seller's or manufacturer's website.

11. Modular power supplies

In modular power supplies, excess cables can be unfastened and they will not get in the way in the case. This is convenient, but such power supplies are somewhat more expensive.

12. Setting up filters in the online store

Go to the “Power Supplies” section on the seller’s website.
Select recommended manufacturers.
Select the required power.
Set other parameters that are important to you: standards, certificates, connectors.
Look through the items sequentially, starting with the cheapest ones.
If necessary, check the connector configuration and other missing parameters on the manufacturer’s website or another online store.
Buy the first model that meets all parameters.

Thus, you will receive the best price/quality ratio power supply that meets your requirements at the lowest possible cost.

13. Links

Corsair CX650M 650W power supply
Thermaltake Smart Pro RGB Bronze 650W power supply
Power supply Zalman ZM600-GVM 600W