Recommended Power Supplies for Computers
An often-overlooked desktop PC component is the power supply unit or PSU. The PSU is responsible for delivering an ample and stable source of power to drive all of the computer's components. A low-quality or aging power supply can often lead to frequent system reboots, which may result in data loss and corruption within the operating system. A faulty PSU may often be difficult to diagnose, as often these units only fail during periods of increased activity where system power needs shoot up. Selecting the right power supply will depend on your requirements and what the system will be tasked to do.
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Required Power
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All power supplies will have a maximum rated output. This figure is the total sustained output it can deliver, and it is expressed in watts. A basic system will function adequately on 350 watts. However, adding multiple hard drives or other devices will require additional power. Each hard drive can consume as many as 30 watts during intense use. DVD drives or burners will suck up as much as 25 watts.
Ample Connections
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The power supply has a finite amount of devices it can run. Some users with several internal storage devices or multiple graphics cards may encounter issues with the number of available connections. Be sure to check the PSU beforehand to make sure it connect all your devices.
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The Power System
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Power users with top-of-the-line components such as quad core processors and dual graphics sub-systems will not only need a PSU with sufficient maximum output, but they must also be SLI (scalable link interface) certified. This will ensure all the required connectors are present and sufficient voltage is produced across each individual rail.
Standard vs. Modular
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Depending on the number of components you connect and the available space in your tower, a modular power supply may make the most sense. This type of PSU allows you to use only the cables you need, allowing cleaner installation and less congestion inside the computer. This makes for improved air flow and lower system temperatures.
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References
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