How to choose power source for your PC

The choice of energy source Suitable for a computer is often underestimated, even though it plays a crucial role in the efficient functioning of any desktop. To the energy sources for PC, often overlooked, is the vital component that powers all the others, ensuring stable and reliable system performance. The variety of options on the market can be overwhelming, with different capabilities, efficiencies and features. In this context, understanding the specific needs of your computer and considering factors such as power, energy efficiency and connectivity becomes essential to ensure not only proper functioning, but also the longevity of your PC components.

What are PC power supplies

Energy sources These are the components capable of converting alternating current (AC) from the socket into direct current (DC), essential for powering the computer's electronic components. In addition power supply It plays a regulatory role, transforming the high-voltage electrical current from the network into a more suitable and safe voltage for the PC's internal components.

One of the important aspects of power supply is its ability to efficiently distribute electrical energy to the different parts of the computer. This includes powering the motherboard, storage drives, processor, graphics cards, and other connected devices. Accurate power distribution is vital to ensure stable and efficient operation of all components. The electrical current conversion process is carried out using a transformer inside the power supply, which adjusts the voltage as needed. This transformation allows the computer to receive energy in the appropriate form to operate efficiently and safely.

Furthermore, the source is also responsible for keeping the voltage stable, especially in the face of fluctuations in the electrical network. In situations where there is a sudden spike in electrical current above normal, the source must have the ability to control this anomaly. Otherwise, the extra energy could be harmful to other components, resulting in damage. However, modern sources come equipped with prevention technology to deal with such phenomena, providing protection against power surges and even blackouts. This ensures the integrity of PC components, including video cards, processors, RAM and motherboard.

Types of connections

Properly connecting power sources to a computer is essential to ensuring proper system performance. The different connections and cables play specific roles in powering the machine's key components. Let's explore the types of connection of power sources for PCs, highlighting the main characteristics of each one.

p connector24-pin motherboard

The 24-pin connector not only supplies power to the motherboard but also plays a key role in voltage regulation. This function ensures that the voltage supplied to motherboard components, such as the chipset and PCIe slots, remains stable, preventing fluctuations that could damage connected devices.

The standardization of the 24-pin connector ensures some backwards compatibility. This means that, in many cases, a power supply The latest version with a 24-pin connector can be used on older motherboards that support this format.

In addition to powering the chipset and PCIe slots, power supplied by the 24-pin connector is also distributed to other essential motherboard components such as audio controllers, USB, and other integrated circuits. Therefore, the stability of this connection is crucial to the overall performance of the system.

4/8 pin CPU

The dedicated 4/8-pin CPU connector plays an important role in supplying power to the processor. With the constant evolution and increase in power consumption by modern CPUs, the presence of this extra cable has become imperative to meet intensive processing demands.

In overclocking scenarios, the 4/8-pin connector seeks to extract additional performance from your CPUs. Providing the additional power necessary to sustain operations at higher frequencies, ensuring optimized power delivery during periods of intense load.

The location, generally on the upper left side of the motherboard, close to the input/output (I/O), is strategically chosen. This proximity minimizes the distance that the energy needs to travel, reducing the chance of losses and ensuring efficient delivery.

6/8 pin (PCIe/GPU)

6/8-pin PCIe connectors offer significant customization in powering external graphics cards. This flexibility allows users to tailor the power connection to the specific needs of their GPU and system configuration.

The diversity of combinations, such as 6, 8, 6+6, 8+6, and even 8+8+8 pins, highlights the ability of power supplies to meet a wide range of power requirements for GPUs. This versatility is particularly crucial on systems employing high-performance graphics cards or multi-GPU configurations.

SATA power

The SATA connector plays an essential role in powering SATA storage devices such as hard drives and SSD drives. Its versatility makes it a reliable standard for ensuring the power required for the stable operation of these vital components.

In addition to storage devices, the SATA connector has also found application in other peripherals such as RGB hubs and fan controllers. This expanded use highlights the desirability of this universal power standard in more modern, custom PC build environments.

A practical feature of modern power supplies is the provision of multiple SATA connections on a single cable. This approach significantly simplifies cable management, reducing the number of wires needed to power multiple devices. This not only contributes to a cleaner aesthetic inside the case, but also makes maintenance easier.

4-pin Molex

The 4-pin Molex connector, in its time, was a common solution for many accessories. However, with advances in power technology, this connector has become an older option and has largely been replaced by more modern and efficient alternatives.

The advancement of the SATA standard, offering a more compact and efficient solution for powering devices, contributed significantly to the replacement of the Molex connector. SATA has become the preferred choice due to its ease of use, smaller profile, and greater ability to deliver power more efficiently.

Although it has lost its prominence in modern systems, the Molex connector can still be found on less common accessories such as water cooling pumps. Its presence on these specific devices may be attributed to compatibility with older hardware or the need to provide additional power to specific components.

Make sure the power supply Having the proper connections for your system components is crucial to avoiding power issues and ensuring stable operation. Understanding the different connections and their purposes contributes to efficient and effective PC assembly, adapting to the specific requirements of each system.

Ccharacteristics of power supplies

Each power supply will have characteristics that are essential to choose depending on the application. Below, check out the main characteristics that should be considered when choosing your new computer power supply.

Power in Watts

When approaching the choice of power in watts for a power supply, it is essential to consider a number of factors to ensure an adequate and stable power supply for your system. The complexity and specific demands The hardware on a PC directly influences the amount of watts required. A careful analysis of your system's characteristics is crucial to determining ideal power.

More robust and complex systems, which incorporate components such as custom liquid cooling circuits, advanced motherboards, and dual GPU configurations, will require a power supply with a higher watt capacity. However, it is impossible to provide an accurate recommendation without knowing the specific details of the hardware in question. The use of power calculators power supply or determining the power consumption of each component by adding them together can provide a more accurate estimate.

The general recommendation is to err on the side of higher wattage rather than trying to meet estimated needs exactly. Choosing a power supply for a video card with a watt output slightly above the required calculation offers a margin of safety, also allowing future updates to the system without the immediate need to change the power supply. power supply.

It is important to understand that the rated power of a power supply is not consumed automatically. If the system, for example, demands 500 watts, a 600 or 650 watt source will only provide the necessary 500 watts, regardless of its total capacity. Choosing a power supply with a capacity substantially higher than the actual need can be redundant, and it is more advantageous to invest in a high-efficiency, feature-rich source that more accurately meets the system's demands.

When considering peak and continuous power, it is critical to understand their differences. Peak wattage is the maximum amount that the power supply can provide in short periods, while continuous wattage represents the amount of power that can be generated regularly. Make sure the power supply The chosen capacity adequately meets ongoing demand is essential to ensure operational stability, while peak capacity provides a safety margin for intense demand situations, such as demanding games or hardware benchmarks. Choosing wisely between continuous and peak power is essential to ensure stable and reliable system performance.

Efficiency certifications

The characteristics of power supplies vary in efficiency, and it is vital to consider this characteristic when making a purchasing decision. Certifications like the model “80 Plus” denote the efficiency of the source, indicating the percentage of energy delivered. For example, a source certified as “80 Plus” guarantees at least 80% of the energy consumed from the grid, with the remaining 20% ​​lost as heat during operation.

This implies that a 400W power supply with this certification would, in practice, only provide 320W, leaving the remaining 80W for thermal dissipation. If a real power of 400W is required, a source with a higher capacity in watts is necessary. Less efficient power supplies consume more energy to supply the necessary amount of watts to your PC, resulting in higher energy bills, higher temperatures, and increased fan noise, which can harm the power supply's durability.

Currently, most fonts bear the “80 Plus” as a recommended minimum standard to ensure quality. However, even within the “80 Plus“, there are distinctions classified by metals. For example, the “80 Plus Platinum” model surpasses the “80 Plus Bronze” in efficiency. Despite this, a model “80 Plus” from a reputable manufacturer usually offers satisfactory performance and safety.

Sizes

Furthermore, the physical attributes of the source also play a crucial role. The size of the drive, especially for desktop PC users, must be compatible with the cabinet and internal components, considering the necessary clearances. For small form factor (SFF) enthusiasts, it is essential to conduct detailed research to ensure the power supply fits the case, as there are different sizes such as SFX and CFX.

Power supply modularity is another vital distinction. Non-modular power supplies have cables permanently connected to the circuit board, while modular power supplies allow you to connect cables as needed. Semi-modular sources offer an intermediate option, with some cables already connected and others to be connected by the user.

When opting for modular or semi-modular sources, it is crucial to exclusively use cables supplied by the same manufacturer, as the ends that connect to the source may vary between brands. This practice ensures a safe and efficient installation, preventing compatibility problems. Considering these aspects when choosing a power supply helps create a more efficient, reliable and long-lasting system.

Recommended Sources for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs

The selection of power supplies for PC suitable for GPUs NVIDIA GeForce from the series RTX 40 is a critical aspect to ensure stable and efficient performance of these powerful hardware components.

• RTX4080: Source of at least 850W.
• RTX 4070Ti: Power source of at least 700W.
• RTX4070: Source of at least 650W.
• RTX4060: Source of at least 550W.
• RTX 4060Ti: Source of at least 550W.
• RTX4090: Source of at least 850W.

For the above boards, we recommend the following sources:

650W source: Corsair font CV650 650W 80Plus Bronze

The Corsair CV650 Power Supply with 650W and 80Plus Bronze certification is a solid choice for systems that demand an efficient power source. With its robust design, it provides electrical stability and energy efficiency, reducing unnecessary consumption.

The compact format of the Corsair CV650 makes it easy to integrate into cases of different sizes, while the well-organized cables ensure a clean and organized assembly. This PSU offers the power needed to power the most demanding graphics cards and processors, making it a versatile option for hardware enthusiasts.

The Corsair CV650 650W 80Plus Power Supply can be found at Magazine Luiza for R$492,52.

550W source: Source Corsair CV550550W 80 Plus Bronze

For systems looking for an efficient and balanced power supply, the Corsair CV550 550W Power Supply with 80 Plus Bronze certification is a reliable choice. With adequate power for medium-sized systems, it offers the necessary stability to ensure the proper functioning of its components.

The Corsair CV550's compact design makes it easy to install in smaller cases, while the 80 Plus Bronze certification highlights its energy efficiency. Well-distributed connectors ensure compatibility with a variety of configurations, making this power supply a versatile option for system builders.

The Corsair CV550550W 80 Plus Power Supply can be found at Magazine Luiza for R$ 354,99.

700W source: Source EVGA 700W 80 Plus White

If you're looking for a compact power supply to power your system, the EVGA 700W Power Supply, 80 Plus White, is a reliable choice. With a power of 700W, it offers the power needed to power demanding components. The 80 Plus White certificate guarantees energy efficiency, optimizing consumption and reducing energy waste.

In addition to power, the EVGA 700W features versatile connectors, ensuring compatibility with a variety of hardware configurations. Its compact design facilitates installation, with a well-positioned on/off switch and fully covered cables.

The EVGA 700W 80 Plus power supply can be found at Magazine Luiza for R$1.087.

900W source: Fonte Atx 900W 80 Plus Bronze Rop Supra Pfc Ativo Dz – Dazz

For those looking for a high-power source, the Atx 900W 80 Plus Bronze Rop Supra Pfc Ativo Dz Source from Dazz is a robust choice. With 900W of power, it offers the power needed to power the most demanding systems, making it an ideal option for gaming enthusiasts and high-performance PC builders.

In addition to power, this source has 80 Plus Bronze certification, indicating its energy efficiency. Its standard ATX form factor makes it easy to install in a variety of cases, while Active PFC contributes to stable power delivery.

The Atx 900W 80 Plus Bronze Power Supply can be found at Magazine Luiza for R$618,61.

850W source: Power Supply Corsair RM850e, 850W, Modular, 80 Plus Gold

Opting for an efficient and modular power solution, the 850W Corsair RM850e Power Supply, certified 80 Plus Gold, stands out as an exceptional choice. Its fully modular design offers the desired flexibility for customized cable management, resulting in a clean, organized assembly.

The 80 Plus Gold certification attests to its high energy efficiency, significantly contributing to reducing energy consumption and waste. With 850W of power, the Corsair RM850e provides the power needed to power gaming systems and intensive workstations, making it a premium option for demanding PC builders.

The Corsair RM850e Power Supply, 850W, Modular, 80 Plus Gold, is available on Amazon.

Recommended sources for GPUs NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series

When selecting the energy source suitable for GPUs NVIDIA GeForce from the series RTX 30, it is essential to understand the specificities of each model to ensure optimized performance.

• RTX 3090 Ti: Source of at least 850W.
• RTX3080: Source of at least 750W.
• RTX 3080 Ti: Source of at least 750W.
• RTX3070: Source of at least 650W.
• RTX 3070 Ti: Source of at least 650W.
• RTX3060: Source of at least 550W.
• RTX 3060 Ti: Source of at least 550W.
• RTX3050: Source of at least 550W.

For the above boards, we recommend the following sources:

650W source: XPG Pylon Source, 650W, 80 Plus Bronze

The 650W XPG Pylon Power Supply, certified with the 80 Plus Bronze seal, stands out as an exceptional choice to improve the build of your Gamer PC. Equipped with highly efficient DC-DC converters, it offers continuous power in four different options, providing versatility for different needs.

In addition to its power, XPG Pylon ensures consistent power delivery, with low consumption and support for medium to high performance graphics cards and CPUs. Its DC-DC circuit minimizes ripple noise, acting as additional protection for your PC components, promoting extended lifespan. The presence of a 120mm fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) fan, with built-in control, contributes to silent operation, keeping the temperature stable.

The XPG Pylon Source, 650W, 80 Plus Bronze can be found at Magazine Luiza for R$ 347,99.

550W source: Pichau Nidus 550L, 550W, 80 Plus Bronze Source

With 550W of power and 80 Plus Bronze certification, the Pichau Nidus 550L fountain stands out for its efficiency, durability and silent operation. Developed to provide optimized performance, Nidus is the right option to guarantee an efficient and long-lasting setup.

Equipped with active PFC, the power supply contributes to more efficient and safe power distribution, with solid protections against overvoltage (OVP), undervoltage (UVP), overload (OPP), short circuit (SCP) and over current (OCP). With well-distributed connectors, Nidus offers mounting flexibility, including support for more demanding graphics cards and CPUs. Its design features a 120mm fan with hydraulic bearing, ensuring efficient cooling and silent operation.

The Pichau Nidus 550L, 550W, 80 Plus Bronze Fountain can be found at Magazine Luiza for R$ 1.087.

900W source: Source 900w 80 Plus Bronze PFC Ativo Rop Supla Dazz

The 900W 80 Plus Bronze PFC Active Rop Supla Power Supply from Dazz is the ideal choice for gaming enthusiasts looking for security and performance. With 80 Plus Bronze certification, it offers an energy efficiency of approximately 85%, reducing losses and the need for cooling.

This source has active PFC, ensuring stable and efficient energy distribution. With its detailed technical specifications, such as operating temperature, noise level and dimensions, Dazz ensures a reliable product to power high-performance systems. With a variety of connectors, including PCI-E 6+2 pins for graphics cards, Dazz provides the flexibility needed to assemble complex systems. Its protections against overvoltage (OVP), overcurrent (OCP), overload (OPP), short circuit (SCP) and overheating (OTP) reinforce the reliability of this source.

The 900W 80 Plus Bronze Source can be found at Magazine Luiza for R$785,00.

850W Source: Cooler Master Gx Iii 850 Gold 850W Modular 80 Plus Mpx 8503 Power Supply

The Cooler Master Gx III 850 Gold Power Supply, with 850W of power and 80 Plus Gold certification, stands out as a modular option for powering demanding systems. Its power is ideal for supporting intensive gaming and workstation setups. The modular design allows for efficient cable management, contributing to a clean and organized assembly.

The presence of a 120mm fan ensures efficient cooling, keeping the temperature under control. Cooler Master is renowned for its quality, and this power supply is no exception, providing a reliable power supply for high-performance systems.

The Cooler Master Gx Iii 850 Gold 850W Modular 80 Plus Mpx 8503 Power Supply can be found at Magazine Luiza.

750W Source: 750W Gp750 80 Plus Bronze Gamemax Power Supply

The Gamemax GP750 Power Supply, with 750W of power and 80 Plus Bronze certification, offers a reliable solution for systems that demand solid and efficient energy. With a variety of connectors, including PCIEX 6+2 pins for graphics cards, the GP750 provides mounting flexibility. The 120mm fan cooling system ensures silent operation, contributing to an immersive gaming experience.

With built-in protections against short circuit (SCP), overvoltage (OVP), overcurrent (OCP), overload (OPP) and undervoltage (UVP), Gamemax offers a reliable source to power your gaming system.

The Cooler Master Gx Iii 850 Gold 850W Modular 80 Plus Mpx 8503 Power Supply can be found at Magazine Luiza for R$ 357,41.

Recommended sources for AMD RADEON 7900 Series GPUs

As GPUs AMD Radeon 7900 Series enter the picture, it is essential to understand PC power supply recommendations that are capable of maximizing the performance of these advanced graphics components.

• AMD RX 7900 XTX: Source of at least 850W.

• AMD RX 7900 XT: Source of at least 750W.

For the above boards, we recommend the following sources:

750W source: Pichau Nidus 750L, 750W, 80 Plus Bronze Source

With a robust power of 750W and 80 PLUS Bronze certification, the Pichau Nidus 750L Power Supply offers efficiency, durability and silent operation, meeting the demands of the most demanding setups. Designed and developed to offer high quality, the Nidus 750L operates efficiently over a wide voltage range between 100V and 220V.

Equipped with power factor correction (PFC) and solid protections such as UVP, SCP, OVP, OPP and OCP, the Nidus 750L ensures efficient and safe power distribution, protecting your components against failures. The 120mm fan, with hydraulic bearings, contributes to effective cooling, keeping the system operating silently. With varied connectors, including PCIe (6+2)+(6+2) for graphics cards and SATA for peripherals.

The Cooler Master Gx Iii 850 Gold 850W Modular 80 Plus Mpx 8503 Power Supply can be found at Magazine Luiza for R$ 401,90.

850W power supply: Atx 850W Mtek Psr 850G 80 Gold Semi Modular Power Supply

The Mtek Psr 850G ATX 850W Power Supply is a powerful and semi-modular solution, designed to meet the demands of high-performance systems. With 80 Gold certification, this source provides energy efficiency, stability and flexibility in cable management.

With a power of 850W, the Mtek Psr 850G is capable of powering advanced configurations, ensuring a stable power supply for demanding components. The semi-modular feature allows you to customize the cable organization, facilitating clean and organized assembly of the system. Equipped with essential protections, such as OVP, UVP, OPP, SCP and OCP, the Mtek Psr 850G guarantees the safety of its components.

The Cooler Master Gx Iii 850 Gold 850W Modular 80 Plus Mpx 8503 Power Supply can be found at Magazine Luiza for R$ 800,10.

See also:

8 tips to improve video card performance

Sources: Intel, GameCreate e PCMagazine.

reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 27 / 12 / 23.