There are many different hardware units required for a computer to work, from the smallest computer to the largest information system. Among them, the power supply unit, which is known but not so important for some reason, is much more important than you think. Because without other hardware units, you will experience some performance problems, but without a good PSU, the system cannot even work.
You may think that the PSU power supply unit powers the computer, but this is not true. The PSU only changes the energy current and makes appropriate adjustments to the system. This seemingly simple function ensures that the system always receives the most accurate energy current and operates at maximum efficiency. Let’s take a closer look at the curious questions such as what is the PSU, what is it for, and see the details you need to know about the power supply unit.
What is a PSU, what does it do, what should be considered when buying?
What is a PSU?
Power Supply Unit, shortly PSU, in Turkish, power supply unit; It is one of the indispensable equipment of information systems. Although misunderstood due to its name, it does not power systems. The PSU takes an alternating high voltage current known as AC and converts it into direct current known as DC. During this transformation, it makes some adjustments on the current in accordance with the information system and ensures that the system receives the necessary current power.
Today, especially in personal computers, a switched power supply called SMPS is used. Switched power supplies work much more efficiently and have multiple voltage inputs. Thanks to SMPS systems, the same system works smoothly even in different countries whose voltage value changes due to power input change.
What does a PSU do?
Since the story of the electrical system from the production point to the outlet in our house is a bit long, let’s leave it aside for now. However, let’s know that this incoming current is not used directly, and even if we are not aware of it, every device we use uses small or large systems to regulate this current according to itself.
When it comes to information systems, the power supply unit or switching power supply comes into play. It not only converts the incoming alternating current into direct current, but also regulates it in accordance with the tolerances of the system in which it will be used. Many systems already either come with a PSU or have a power supply unit built into them. But if we are talking about much larger systems, you have to make the PSU selection yourself.
How many watt PSU should I buy for my computer?
That’s a question you might never get an answer to in a basics article. Because some hardware units may be suitable for every system in general. However, the power supply unit can never be taken according to general definitions. Open the system you installed and see. See how much energy individual units use and predict the total amount of energy required.
Let’s assume that the system components have a total energy requirement of 600V. For this system, you need a 1200V power supply unit operating at 50% efficiency. If you use such a PSU, the new components that you will add to your system in the future will work without any problems. For this reason, you should buy a PSU not only according to your existing system, but also by predicting what kind of system you will have in the future.
Of course, PSU brands are just as important. It is a known fact that some brands are compatible with some hardware. For this reason, you can also get information from hardware manufacturers on this subject. Today, PSU models such as 80 Plus, 80 Plus Bronze, 80 Plus Platinum, 80 Plus Silver, 80 Plus Platinum, 80 Plus Titanium are generally preferred. These start from a minimum of 80% efficiency and increase to 94% efficiency. You can choose according to the amount of energy you need and of course your budget.
Multiple PSUs required?
It would be the most correct answer to ask according to whom and according to what. Because if you have a personal system that you use, you can easily provide energy flow through a single power supply unit. However, if we are talking about a much larger system, even if more than one PSU is not working at the same time, at least a backup will always be needed.
There is another system called power over ethernet, which is abbreviated as PoE. This system provides electrical power through network cables without any sockets. There is another system called uninterruptible power supply, which is referred to by the abbreviation UPS. This system guarantees uninterrupted operation for a certain period of time with maximum backup. Online, offline and line interactive systems are also among the alternatives that will ensure uninterrupted power flow.
What should I pay attention to when buying a PSU?
- Get to know the hardware you have.
- Anticipate the components you will have in the future.
- Think more of your energy needs. Take a good look at
- PSU models.
Get to know your hardware:
Before buying a power supply unit, you should familiarize yourself with your system hardware. You should know how much energy they need on their own and how much this need will increase or decrease when working together. If you do not have experience in this matter, it is possible to get the necessary information by contacting the hardware manufacturers.
Anticipate the components you will have in the future:
Knowing the energy needed by your system hardware and choosing a suitable PSU is a good decision. However, keep in mind that you can buy new and more advanced components in the future, and these components will need extra energy. By purchasing a power supply unit that transfers much higher energy, you can have equipment that you can use for a much longer time.
Think more than your energy needs:
Let’s remember the example we gave above; We said that a 1200V PSU is required for a system that needs 600V energy. Of course, this may vary depending on PSU efficiency, but always try to get a PSU that delivers much higher energy than you need. You will see the advantages of using such a PSU both as your components evolve and possible current changes. Take a good look at
PSU models:
PSU models like 80 Plus, 80 Plus Bronze, 80 Plus Platinum, 80 Plus Silver, 80 Plus Platinum, 80 Plus Titanium are base units only. You can find much more on shopping sites. Some operate at a high efficiency of up to 94%. Of course, the higher the efficiency, the higher the price. Therefore, do not rush to review all PSU models and consider user reviews.
We talked about the details you need to know about this unit by answering questions such as what is the PSU, the indispensable power supply unit for a computer to work, and what it does. You can share your thoughts on the subject in the comments.