The power supply is quite possibly the single most neglected piece of hardware in a computer. Some people give their floppy drive greater consideration (Is it the right color? Do I really need one?). Most people simply don't know what to look for. There is no one single metric that defines power supply quality.

To answer questions, dispel misconceptions, and further the fight against Bad Things (like your computer catching on fire), I give you:



Enjoy

Thanks Aluvus. Reinforces most of Bean's recommendations and is a lot more organized. This will come in real handy.

very nice and comprehensive article.
well done

I said it once, and I will say it again:
Thank you very much, Aluvus!

Simply Awesome, Al!

nice going

This guy groups modular supplies off to the side, yet endorses the Antec SmartPower 2.0 500w ? That's a modular psu. I know it's nitpicking, but if this guy is a psu guru as this site would imply, I'd expect him to know that.....

+rep Aluvus. Looks good. Especially nice explaination of voltage ratings.

Quote from shhaggy : This guy groups modular supplies off to the side, yet endorses the Antec SmartPower 2.0 500w ? That's a modular psu. I know it's nitpicking, but if this guy is a psu guru as this site would imply, I'd expect him to know that.....

You know, the reason for the guide was that not all PSUs are created equal... I know, I am nitpicking, but modular PSUs aren't the exception to the rule. They are geared towards a very special user group - most hardcore users won't even look at those, regardless of who made them (including me). However, if you absolutely want one, and don't want to pretty up your cables yourself, Antec is one of the better choices.

Quote from redsolar : You know, the reason for the guide was that not all PSUs are created equal... I know, I am nitpicking, but modular PSUs aren't the exception to the rule. They are geared towards a very special user group - most hardcore users won't even look at those, regardless of who made them (including me). However, if you absolutely want one, and don't want to pretty up your cables yourself, Antec is one of the better choices.

I've heard bad things about heat problems with antec modular; from friends' personal experiences. I don't think I would ever go modular; is it really that hard to tuck the cables on the other side of the MB chasis?

Quote from shhaggy : This guy groups modular supplies off to the side, yet endorses the Antec SmartPower 2.0 500w ? That's a modular psu.

Fixed, thanks.

Quote : I know it's nitpicking, but if this guy is a psu guru as this site would imply, I'd expect him to know that.....

I'm not brave enough to claim that. But I know a thing or two.

Quote from Xnarg : Aluvus, I notice that your guide is hosted on your website. You posted some time ago something to the effect that you examined the logs from your website. You reported you got more hits when you posted your website in your signature, or something to that effect. Out of curiousity, are you still capturing data on visitors to your site?

Via StatCounter and Google Analytics, yes. If you're worried I have evil plans for your IP address, turning off Javascript substantially nerfs both services.

SD is typically something like 10% of my traffic. Google is the 800 pound gorilla.

I was surprised to learn that a good 600 W PSU (such as Enermax) might not be enough [cnet.com] to power a high-end computer.

Quote from beowulf7 : I was surprised to learn that a good 600 W PSU (such as Enermax) might not be enough [cnet.com] to power a high-end computer.

They're talking uber processor + multiple video cards. I'm not surprised, really.