Power Supply
The importance of power consistency is discussed in this section.
A computer can require 200 to 600W of power depending on the configuration. The power supply you choose will impact your computer is 3 ways.
Sound: A good power supply should be quiet. Low end power supplies tend to be very loud and are annoying after only a few minutes to use. Always try to buy a power supply with either regulated fans or 12cm fan.
Power consistency: Lower end power supplies have poorly regulated power output. The life expectancy of your hardware can be lower because of it. It is especially try for the hard drive where you can see yourself replacing them after a few months only.
Expect to pay over $70 for a reliable power supply. Always buy the highest efficiency ration you can for your budget/power requirement. Efficiency is the amount of 110v electricity a power supply converts to voltage usable by the computer. The rest is transformed into heat. The higher the efficiency the less heat it produces. A cooler power supply is a power supply that will need the cooling fan less and will be quieter.
550W for gaming computer and 450W for home office and general use computer is enough.
- Family/office computer: 450W with 12cm fan $30 to 50
- all around gaming computer: 550W with 12cm fan $70
- media center: 550W with 12cm fan $70
- gaming computer: 550W with 12cm fan $70
