How to find out your power supply. What you should know about power supply manufacturers
In this article, we will help you choose a Power Supply for your computer in order to manage your funds correctly and not overpay for “unnecessary Watts”.
Many people, when buying a computer, pay little attention to choosing a power supply. They believe that any one installed in the purchased case will do.
But in vain. The power supply is one of the most important components of your work, home or gaming computer.
Because of a cheap (bad, low-quality) power supply costing a couple of tens of dollars, equipment worth several hundred or even thousands of dollars can “go to their forefathers.”
So you shouldn’t skimp on your computer’s power supply. This is a well-known fact, confirmed by regular failures of expensive components.
So, where should you start when choosing a power supply?
First thing
you need to roughly calculate the power consumption of all system components.
That is, we will find out what power supply unit we need.
This can be done using the so-called “power supply calculator”.
In each section you need to select the components of your computer: type of processor (CPU), motherboard, random access memory, video card, hard drive and optical drive, and also indicate the quantity installed components. Then click the "Calculate" button.
The resulting number will be the required power for your system (and with a small margin); accordingly, we need to choose a power supply with a power as close as possible to our calculated value.
Power Supply Calculator
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Our calculator takes into account a small power reserve when calculating. Why this is needed can be found in the article.
The second step there will be a choice of power supply type.
Power supplies are distinguished by the type of connection of outgoing lines: modular And standard.
Toward modular You can connect cables as needed, depending on your needs. A very practical property - it allows you to get rid of unused bundles of wires inside the system unit. Used mainly by enthusiasts.
In standard BP all bundles of wires are made non-removable. This is a cheaper and simpler model.
Power supplies are also distinguished by type of Power Factor Correction (PFC): active And passive.
Passive PFC implemented in the form of a conventional choke, smoothing out voltage ripple. But the efficiency of such PFC is very low.
WITH passive system power corrections are available in the most simple blocks power supplies that are installed in inexpensive budget cases.
A active PFC It is implemented in the form of an additional board and is another switching power supply, which increases the voltage. In addition to the fact that active PFC provides a power factor close to ideal, it also, unlike passive, improves the operation of the power supply - it additionally stabilizes the input voltage, and the unit becomes noticeably less sensitive to low voltage, and also “swallows” short-term (shares seconds) voltage dips.
WITH active system Later models of high-quality power supplies from well-known manufacturers are produced: Seasonic, Chieftec, HighPower, FSP, ASUS, CoolerMaster, Zalman.
Note: Conflicts have sometimes been noted between a PSU with an active PFC and some UPS (uninterruptible power supplies).
In addition, you need to pay attention to the power supply cable connectors that will be used to connect your components.
There is a so-called ATX standard power supplies. This standard determines the availability of the necessary connectors for connecting all equipment.
We recommend standard PSU at least ATX 2.3 for all modern gaming systems(where additional power supply for video cards is used), and not lower than ATX 2.2 for office multimedia systems. There should be enough connectors to connect your devices: 6+6 pin video cards or 6+8 pin, motherboard 24+4+4, SATA devices etc.
The third point There will be an overview of the specifications specified by the manufacturer on the label of the Power Supply.
Important! When purchasing, always pay attention to nominal power supply unit, not peak(PEAK) (the peak is always greater).
Rated power of PSU is the power that the unit can produce long time, constantly.
Peak power- this is the power that the power supply can only provide for a short time.
The most popular parameter today is the power of the power supply through +12V channels.
The more channels the better. It can range from one +12V channel to several: +12V1, +12V2, ..., +12V4, +12V5, etc.
IN modern systems The main load falls on these channels: processor, video cards, coolers, hard drives, etc.
Therefore, when choosing between several power supplies that suit your power, The decisive factor is the total power along the +12V lines.
The greater this total power, the better the PSU components are implemented.
In other words, for example, if you have chosen three power supplies, say, with a total power of 500W, then among them you need to choose the one with the greater total current (and therefore power) along the lines +12V1..+12V2, etc.
Let's look at examples of where to look for the information we need on a sticker.
The first will be the power supply from ZALMAN.
There is one +12V line, only 18A and only 216 W.
But it contains active PFC, which is an undeniable advantage.
This block is quite enough for an average budget system.
The second one will be BP FSP.
In it we already see two +12V lines (15A and 16A). Despite the fact that the marking indicates a power of 500 watts, in the “nominal” it is 460 watts.
This is a high-quality, but inexpensive power supply in the budget sector. It is quite capable of providing a lightweight gaming system.
Unfortunately, there is no information about PFC on the label, you can get it on the website FSP.
Well, the third will be a power supply also from ZALMAN.
It has 6 (!) +12V lines with a total power of 960 Watts. The table shows a diagram of connecting devices by branches.
This power supply is suitable for the most demanding and “charged” gaming overclocking system.
Another very important parameter for a power supply is the Coefficient of Performance (COP).
Power supplies are distinguished mainly by their threshold value Efficiency, which is 80%. All power supplies that have an efficiency below 80% are classified as simple-budget ones, which are used mainly in office systems.
And those power supplies whose efficiency is above 80% are classified as productivity-gaming ones. Such power supplies have an international certificate 80PLUS.
In turn, the standard 80PLUS has categories BRONZE, SILVER, GOLD, PLATINUM:
Latest feature
The thing you should pay attention to when choosing a power supply is the cooler or fan.
Everything is simple here: the larger the cooler, the less noise it makes.
Current power supplies are equipped with fans measuring 120 mm or larger. Moreover, in good, branded power supplies, the fan changes the number of revolutions depending on the load. This helps reduce noise.
I would not recommend purchasing a PSU with one 80mm fan.
Now let's summarize the material learned.
To buy the best power supply you need:
- buy a high-quality power supply from a trusted/verified manufacturer with “honest watts”;
- select a power supply with active PFC (APFC);
- determine the power supply with the maximum total current along the +12V lines;
- ATX 2.3 standard (ATX 2.2 as a last resort) with the maximum set of connectors for our devices, and also where the main power is transferred to the +12V branches;
- necessarily with an efficiency of at least 80%, one that has an 80PLUS certificate;
- the fan (cooler) must be at least 120 mm.
So I think we've given you enough information to the right choice power supply.
Instructions
Look at the technical documentation of the computer, which must include configuration parameters indicating device models. Also, the specification can go separately for each piece of equipment.
If for some reason you cannot view your computer documentation, use alternative option. Arm yourself with a screwdriver or screwdriver and unscrew the bolts holding the side walls of the case.
Carefully inspect the contents of the system unit, find the block nutrition. It is located on the right side on the back wall of the case in the form of a large box with cables extending from it.
Take a close look at the block nutrition, it should contain stickers containing information about the manufacturer, model, and main parameters of the device. Usually these are glued so that it is convenient for the user to read the information, but sometimes it happens that they are placed on the bottom or top side.
In this case, disconnect all wires nutrition from devices inside the computer, carefully holding them by their bases, while first sketching a wiring diagram nutrition to the motherboard. Unscrew all fasteners holding the block nutrition and remove it from the housing.
Also try to find out information using a systematic approach, but it is not always effective. Download and install the Aida program or any other utility for a similar purpose.
Open it, the system will collect information about the hardware configuration and provide it to you after a certain amount of time. Actually drivers per block nutrition, so it will be almost impossible to find out its parameters in this way, however, it’s worth a try.
Video on the topic
note
Be careful when disassembling your computer so as not to lose any fasteners.
If your computer's warranty has not expired, do not open the system unit yourself.
Sources:
- what power supply do I have?
As soon as the user begins to understand at least a little about many personal devices computer or he will have a desire to find out what is inside him computer, he is immediately struck by the thought of getting inside system unit. There are many ways to find out the names of the components of your computer.
You will need
- Everest Ultimate Edition software.
Instructions
Power block nutrition is very important characteristic computer, which is designed to ensure its uninterrupted and full functioning. The higher it is, the better. But there is minimum value, which must match the characteristics of the computer.
Instructions
The program will automatically give optimal value, which should not be lower than that indicated on the power supply sticker. Otherwise, the unit should be replaced with a more powerful one at a computer repair service.
Sources:
- ASUS Optimal Power Check Service
Power block nutrition Often you need to find out only when the time comes to purchase new components and you need to know for sure whether the installed one will “fit” this moment block nutrition new hardware, or you will have to change the block too nutrition Same.
Instructions
The simplest and reliable way find out the power of your block nutrition- this is to open the side cover of the system block(computer case) and find a medium-sized “box” from which the most wires come off. This will be your power supply. Location block in a computer case may vary depending on the shape and configuration of the case, but basically, the power supply is located in the upper left part. In the lower part of the case, blocks are located quite rarely and, basically, these are models of cases.
Pay attention to the body block nutrition. Every self-respecting manufacturer must attach a sticker with all the necessary data about the unit nutrition. Often it indicates not only , but also the voltage of certain components. Sometimes you don’t even need stickers and the power is written beautifully somewhere on the side of the case block nutrition.
If you do not see your block nutrition no identifying markings, then you most likely should throw out such a block and replace it with another one, because the lack of information on the power supply is a sign that it was produced, if not by artisanal methods, then certainly in a little-known factory with low-quality equipment. But from block nutrition The security of all other components of the computer directly depends. The slightest voltage drop - the “makeshift” unit fails, supplying a destructively high voltage to the motherboard, which can lead to failure of the processor, video card, memory sticks, etc.
How to find out the power supply power your computer needs? Interest Ask for most users. In fact, it’s quite simple, you just need to add up how much each of your PC components consumes.
You just need to remember that your power supply must exceed the resulting watt figure by 150. How can you find out the power of the power supply in an already purchased computer that is still under warranty? After all, there may be seals, but they cannot be removed. With help special programs there is no way to do this. Therefore, let's try to consider ways to find out the power of the power supply.
The simplest method - this is, in fact, exactly the one that cannot be done under warranty - remove the side cover and look at this very box, from which wires emanate in all directions. As a rule, the power supply is located on the left side at the top, although its location may vary depending on the specific case. There are special models in which it is located at the bottom. But this happens very rarely.
So, after you have seen it, pay attention to the sticker that every self-respecting manufacturer must place on the power supply. Often you can see there not only its power, but even the voltages of various components. It happens that no stickers are placed, but all necessary information they write directly on the block itself.
If there are no identifying symbols on its body at all, then it’s better not to think about how to find out the power, throw this one away and replace it with another one. After all, if necessary information no, then it was most likely produced at a factory whose equipment leaves much to be desired. And this is in the most successful case. You should not neglect such an element of the system as the power supply - the safety of the components of the computer as a whole depends on it. If this element is of poor quality, then after the slightest voltage drop it will fail, taking something else with it.
How to find out the power of the power supply if you cannot open the case? Try to look at the invoice issued when purchasing a computer - the data should be indicated there. You can take your unit to a service center where they can diagnose it. They are probably able to determine the brand and characteristics of the power supply without opening the case.
As mentioned above, try to find any software, which could show any information regarding the power of your PSU, makes no sense. Such utilities simply do not exist and cannot exist, for the simple reason that there are no sensors in power supplies that could show information about certain data.
A device from an unknown manufacturer should be thrown away for the following reasons: famous brands, which guarantee their operation, provide various things - protection High Quality, thanks to which the computer will not fail from short circuit, voltage surges, unexpected impulses and overloads. In our country, this approach is indispensable; we should not forget about the peculiarities of local networks.
Besides, in famous company The device will be equipped with a quiet fan, which is a necessary and useful thing. Of course, when you are going to purchase something, look at the price. If they offer a powerful product at a suspicious price low price- with a high probability you will receive something of poor quality.
We hope that this article on how to find out the power of the power supply will help you understand the features of your computer. Remember that you don’t need to skimp on this particular component - how long your computer will last as a whole depends on it.
The power supply is very an important part computer. After all, it is he who supplies energy to all components. Therefore, its power plays a fundamentally important role, since the overall performance of the devices depends on it. But to understand how much power is needed to power your computer, you need to have a good understanding of computer technology. However, there is a way to calculate the required power without delving into the details of the technical characteristics.
To avoid performance issues in the future, it's best to make sure you buy enough powerful block power supply when assembling a computer. Of course, experienced users can simply look at the remaining components and intuitively (or by accurate calculations) determine which power supply should be taken.
But what about those who are not so well versed in computer technology? For such people, there are special online services that have unique calculators for the required power.
Let's take, for example, the fairly well-known site casemods.ru. The site has its own service where the user can enter the parameters of his computer and get two results: average power and peak.
To do this you need:
As a result, the fully completed table looks like this.
The calculation results are displayed below. It is not necessary to buy a power supply that exactly matches the indicator that the service gave you. You can take a power supply that is close in power value. Or purchase a device with excess power.
How to find out PC settings
How to find out your computer settings using Everest
There are many programs that allow you to find out your computer's parameters. The most popular of them are AIDA 64 and Everest. Let's look at them using the last example.
First you need to download the program. This can be done on any website that specializes in software. For example, Softportal.
- We go to the site, find on it Everest program and download.
- Launch the downloaded file. A window will open in which you need to click on the “Install” button.
- To avoid cluttering your computer, uncheck all the boxes and click “Next”.
- The “Installation Wizard” opens. Click “Next”.
- We accept the terms license agreement. And then we click “Next” all the time.
- Open the program. We are interested in the branch " Motherboard" Let's open it up.
- Go to the “CPU” menu. There we will find out the processor parameters.
- In “SPD” we find out the number and capacity of RAM slots.
- Expand the “Data Storage” branch to find out the number of drives.
- In the “Display” branch, select “ GPU» and find out information about the video card.
Now you have enough information to calculate how much power the power supply needs for stable operation your computer. Of course, if you use a special service.
Read detailed steps in our new article on our portal.
Video - How to calculate the power of a power supply
How to determine the power on a working power supply
Everything is clear with the required power, but how can you find out information about the current device installed on your computer? Unfortunately, no software designed to analyze the characteristics of a computer can find out the characteristics of the power supply.
Again, there are three ways to find out the information we need.
What you should know about power supply manufacturers
The first thing you should focus on when you are going to buy a power supply is the manufacturer. The fact is that most manufacturers deliberately overestimate the power indicated on the sticker. If large and reputable companies lie by 10-20%, which does not have a very noticeable effect on the operation of the device, then smaller companies can overestimate the power by 30%, or even 50%, which may already be critical for the operation of the computer.
Also, it is better to buy power supplies in official stores manufacturers, since it is now very easy to stumble upon a fake. As is known, fake devices Not only can they be less efficient in terms of power, but they are also notorious for being of rather poor quality.
The choice of power supply should be taken responsibly, because it is an important part of the computer.
Video - How to check a computer's power supply? Checking and diagnosing power supply
Hello friends! In their previous publications I have already talked about diagnostic software that allows you to find out the performance characteristics of components of interest. Today I’ll tell you how to find out which power supply is on your computer without removing the cover or disassembling the system unit.
Without turning on the computer
Users who ask themselves the question: “What kind of power supply is installed on my computer?” and are looking for diagnostic utilities or screwdrivers to disassemble the system unit, they often forget about one small detail.
In most cases, components are purchased (of course, sometimes they are presented as a gift or “borrowed,” but that’s not what we’re talking about today). Naturally, every purchase leaves a “trace” in the form of packaging, technical documentation, warranty card, invoice or sales receipt.
Having found at least one “piece of paper” from the list, you will most likely be able to determine the model of the power supply installed on your computer. Of course, it is possible that all this has already been disposed of as unnecessary trash, lost during a move, burned in a fire, or used as packaging for wrapping sandwiches. 
Don't panic! If you purchased components in an online store, it is possible that the item remained in your purchase history - provided that you are a registered user and authorized in the system.
It is possible that you did not buy the computer in parts, but purchased finished assembly. But even in this case, the accompanying documentation contains a list of components that were used by store employees in each specific case.
Most users store such documents. And I note that he does it very correctly, even after the warranty period has expired.
It is easy to determine the power of the power supply by its model - just enter it in the browser search bar. The characteristics of interest can be found not only on the manufacturer’s website or information sites - they are presented in any decent online store that sells such devices.
Determined using the program
Software Windows tools, unfortunately, do not determine the model of the power supply and its characteristics: the computer is “not interested” in these parameters - the main thing is that the power is supplied without failures or power surges. This is true for any build - Windows 7, Ten, and more. earlier versions, including pirated ones.
This information is not in the BIOS either. It would seem like a dead end. But no!
You can check most computer parameters through Everest (old versions of the program) or AIDA64 (new name). 
I would like to note that although these utilities can be called outdated (the most latest version Aida was released in 2010), they cope with their functions perfectly and even determine the characteristics of new components that have recently come off the assembly line.
The utilities differ from each other only in design - the categories and sections are grouped in the same way. To find the parameters of interest, select the “Computer” category in the program window and go to the “Sensors” section. Here you can find out the power of the power supply and its current temperature.
In the “Power Supply” section, in the “Summary Information” item, the voltage and other characteristics that you may also need are displayed.
As you can see, it’s nothing complicated, and it’s not even necessary to disassemble the computer. To download the utility and search required characteristics It will take even less time than you spent reading this article.