Avoid cheap power supply units that come bundled with your PC

The computer power supply is not only one of the most important parts on a PC; it is also the most overlooked. When computer buffs talk about their systems having very powerful processors, RAM and video cards they rarely ever mention the power supply.

When purchasing a new computer people would rather put more money into a faster CPU, Video Card or an interesting case instead of putting it into a good power supply. The savings you make by skimping on the power supply will not be worth it.

The PC power supply is probably the most failure-prone item in a personal computer. It heats and cools each time it is used and receives the first in-rush of AC current when the PC is switched on.

Typically, a stalled cooling fan is a predictor of a power supply failure due to subsequent overheated components. All devices in a PC receive their DC power via the power supply.

A typical failure of a PC power supply is often noticed as a burning smell just before the computer shuts down. Another problem could be the failure of the vital cooling fan, which allows components in the power supply to overheat. Failure symptoms include random rebooting or failure in Windows for no apparent reason.

There are currently a large variety of power supply manufacturers and the cheaper ones should be avoided.

Cheap power supplies not only provide poor output and stability, but generate much more heat than higher end models. Increased heat in your power supply will reduce its lifespan and cause erratic power fluctuations causing all sorts of computer problems. Of course, that is if it didn’t blow up first taking out some of your hardware.

Some of the customers whom I’ve come across quite often ask me how to know if they are getting a good power supply.

First of all, get one with enough power output. Your usage should be between 40 – 70% of the power supplies total output. If the power supply exceeds 400 watts it should have more than one fan.

Secondly, although not a very scientific and rough way of deciding, consider the weight of the power supply. Heavier power supplies typically represent thicker wires, larger compactors and thicker heat sinks which usually mean better, more robust construction. This of course isnt 100% as it is possible more for expensive power supplies have smaller, more efficient heatsinks. But worth considering.

Lastly, stick to brands recognized for quality such as Antec, Thermaltake and Enermax. Look at the amount of information they provide you about the power supply such as on the packaging or on the website. The more information they volunteer the less they feel they have to hide. If little information can be found, the more they don’t want you to know.

Its quite simple as that

PS: For any problems you suspect to be the fault of the power supply, use the documentation that came with your computer. If you have ever removed the case from your personal computer to add an adapter card or memory, you can change a power supply. Make sure you remove the power cord first, since voltages are present even though your computer is off.

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