How to Buy the Best PC Power Supply at the Best Price

A sweet PC power supply

Buying a PC Power Supply can be a tough decision, they'll flaunt their power output and flashy lights but don't fall for it. When buying a PC power supply unit there are some critical things you need to look at, and for you gamers there's a stat that most of you don't consider, but can mean the difference between a system that crashes or a system that runs smooth as glass.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Case size
• Component list

1. Make sure the PC power supply will fit in your case!

   First off consider the size of the case you will put it in. ATX is the standard form factor for cases, but there are also micro cases available. Make sure the PC power supply will fit into your case.

2. Is the PC power supply unit big enough?

   Power output. You would think getting the biggest PC power supply unit is the best, and believe it or not it's easy to go wrong by doing this, inexperienced buyers may just look at the power output and not the stability of the power supply unit and end up buying a needlessly large unit, but of poor quality. We'll cover this in step 4. Just total up the power requirements of all the components you will be using. Add 10% and go with the PC power supply that can deliver that output level.

3. Does the PC power supply unit have enough connectors?

   This is an overlooked part, but potentially a killer. Make sure the PC power supplies you are considering has enough, and the proper type of connectors for your components. Keep in mind that newer gaming video cards also require a power connection, so account for this when buying a PC power supply unit. PC power supplies designed for SLI or Crossfire use are the best when running multiple video cards.

4. Is the PC power supply unit stable?

   Power quality. For you gamers out there this is a hugely important stat that must NOT be overlooked. Get a PC power supply unit with more than one rail. Simply put, a rail is an independent power supply within the pc power supply unit. With multiple rails one can supply the motherboard, processor and ram, the next feed the drives, and another can supply your video cards. Choose a PC power supply with multiple rails and a power efficiency over 80%. Stable power means stable gaming 'nuf said.

5. PC power supplies with modular cable systems are great!

   Modular cables. Some PC power supplies have modular cable systems which means you only attach the cables that you will use in your system. Anyone who has ever built a PC from scratch knows the value of this feature.

6. Cooling is a must if you have a top quality video card

   Multiple fans. A PC power supply unit with multiple fans is a must have for gaming, especially if you are running an SLI or Crossfire system.

7. It sure is pretty, but is it the right PC power supply for your system?

   Flashy lights. Personally I won't buy a PC power supply based on the colored lights it has. Look at the numbers first, then if it's a pretty power supply. Make sure you read power supply reviews to decide if it's truly a good power supply.

8. To get the best PC power supply at the best price I recommend getting it online as most reputable online merchants will list all the product stats, some of which may not appear on the box. In addition, places like Amazon will also have power supply reviews from real users that can guide you in your purchase of a new PC power supply.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a power supply unit based on power output and power quality.

• Once you know the stats of the power supply unit you need read power supply reviews to decide on the best PSU for you.

• Don't buy the biggest PC power supplies, it isn't necessarily the best

Resources

• Thermaltake ToughPower 750W Black PFC Power Supply with Active PFC Dual Fan from Amazon
• Buy Computer Parts, Components, Desktop, Laptops and more! at CompUSA Today!