Pc Power Supplies

Power supplies drive our entire system, and wihtout enough power we can run into trouble that could damage or destroy parts.

The first photo shows an old ATX 350 W power supply. As you can also see there is a large mass of wires.

The newer modular power supplies, like the one shown below, allow you to attach only the cables you need. The old school power supplies were always a wiring adventure.

Newer power supplies are designed with more than just function in mind. As an example, the ultra power supply to the right is shiny chrome, though it's a nightmare for fingerprints!

With the newer power supplies come larger fans, higher wattages, more connection options, and more connections in general. Many higher performance power supplies also provide cleaner power.

In addition, many of the newer power supplies feature 20+4 pin power connections. The older motherboards used a 20-pin connector, but the new ones have added 4 pins.

In some cases it is impossible to mount a 24-pin connector on a 20-pin motherboard. The benefit of 20+4 is that you can detach the extra 4 pins if needed.

The two pictures to the right show a good example of the 20+4 pin connector. The first image shows it as a 24-pin connector, while the second photo shows it as a 20-pin connector.

The next picture shows a good example of the connection block of a modular power supply.

The average is now approaching 800 W, and high end power supplies can run up to, or in excess of, 1600 W or 1.6 kW.

When shopping for a power supply, double check that is going to provide enough power; consider getting one that provides more power than you need, and has all the necessary connectors or more.

A larger power supply reduces the wear and load on the PSU (power supply unity) and, in many cases, reduces heat, which in turn can further reduce wear on the PSU.

Double check the warranty too as some of the best companies offer a lifetime warranty.