The PSU is the primary source of power for all the components in your PC. It converts the electricity from your wall outlet into a suitable form for various parts of your PC, providing different voltages and currents as required. Its responsibilities go beyond mere operation; it ensures that your system receives clean, steady power to maintain the integrity of your hardware.
A PSU is a critical component of your computer system. The electricity from your home or office outlet typically uses an alternating current (AC) and comes in at a high voltage. Your PSU converts this to the lower-voltage direct current (DC) that your computer's components require.
A PSU distributes the converted power to various parts of your computer, including the motherboard, CPU, GPU, storage drives, and basically everything else. It ensures that each component gets the specific amount of power it needs to function correctly. PSUs come with built-in protection features such as overvoltage, undervoltage, short-circuit, and overcurrent protection. These features help safeguard your system against power surges or electrical faults, which can damage sensitive hardware components.
CORSAIR now has a PSU calculator that helps you determine the right PSU for your build.
When it comes to ensuring the quality and reliability of Power Supplies, two main certification companies stand out in the industry: 80 PLUS and Cybenetics. Let's review what both offer.
Cybenetics PSU Certification focuses on evaluating and certifying power supply units based on their efficiency and noise levels. Cybenetics provides a comprehensive analysis of PSU performance, offering insights that go beyond mere efficiency.
Energy Efficiency
The testing process for Cybenetics Certification is rigorous and thorough. PSUs are subjected to various load conditions to assess their efficiency. These tests are conducted in controlled environments to ensure accuracy and reliability, and the results are published, providing consumers with transparent and detailed information about each certified PSU.
Noise Output
One of the standout features of Cybenetics Certification is its focus on noise levels. A noisy PSU can be a significant annoyance, especially in quiet environments. Cybenetics measures the noise produced by PSUs under various loads, providing a clear picture of what to expect in real-world scenarios. This focus on acoustics sets Cybenetics apart from other certification programs.
Cybenetics has 6 efficiency level certifications and 7 noise level certifications.
What is 80 PLUS?
80 PLUS is a certification program designed to promote energy efficiency in power supply units (PSUs) used in computers and other electronic devices. Established in 2004, the 80 PLUS standard ensures that certified PSUs are at least 80% efficient at 20%, 50%, and 100% of their rated load. This means that the PSU converts at least 80% of the AC power from the wall into usable DC power for your computer, with the remaining 20% or less lost as heat.
| STANDARD | BRONZE | SILVER | GOLD | PLATINUM | TITANIUM | |
| 10% load | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 90% |
| 20% load | 80% | 82% | 85% | 87% | 90% | 92% |
| 50% load | 80% | 85% | 88% | 90% | 92% | 94% |
| 100% load | 80% | 82% | 85% | 87% | 89% | 90% |
When choosing a PSU, understanding the efficiency ratings can help you make an informed decision. Let's break down the differences between the 80 PLUS and Cybenetics ETA certifications to see how they impact the overall quality of a PSU.
80 PLUS Certification
The 80 PLUS certification focuses on energy efficiency at specific load levels. Here's how it works:
Cybenetics ETA Certification
Cybenetics ETA goes beyond just measuring efficiency. It employs a more extensive testing methodology:
Beyond efficiency data, Cybenetics reports provide:
LAMBDA Noise Rating:
In addition to the "ETA" efficiency testing, power supplies tested by Cybenetics also get a "LAMBDA" noise rating. The noise measurement and rating system at Cybenetics is completely unique and not available through any other certification bodies.
Explaining the graphs above, 80 PLUS tests four data points, while the Cybenetics graph is more "3D". They provide an X-axis of loads and a Y-axis of loads. The points where they meet are the efficiency at those combined loads.
For a more detailed, breakdown, read our full 80 PLUS vs Cybenetics page.
Why the PSU Matters More Than You Think
In the world of building and upgrading PCs, one component that often doesn't get the spotlight it deserves is the PSU. In fact, when people think of powerful PCs, they often focus on the GPU or CPU. However, without a reliable PSU, even the best PC components can fail. The PSU is like the heart of your computer, pumping power to every component. A bad PSU can lead to system instability, crashes, and even hardware damage. Choosing a CORSAIR PSU ensures that your system receives clean, stable power, which is crucial for performance and longevity.
What Sets CORSAIR PSUs Apart
CORSAIR is well-respected in the PC hardware industry, and for good reason. We offer a wide range of PSUs designed to meet various needs, from basic computing to high-end gaming and professional use. CORSAIR's PSUs are known for reliability, efficiency, and advanced features, making them a top choice among PC builders.
Here are a few reasons why anyone should choose a CORSAIR PSU:
CORSAIR aims at delivering the best in technology. Many of our PSUs feature the following tech.
This new standard introduces improved efficiency, better power delivery, and enhanced stability, which are crucial for supporting the latest generation of CPUs and GPUs. One key feature of ATX 3.1 is the inclusion of the 12VHPWR connector, designed to deliver up to 600W of power to high-end graphics cards, ensuring they operate at peak performance without compromising reliability.
Additionally, ATX 3.1 mandates compliance with Intel's latest power protocols, offering more robust protections against overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits. For consumers and builders, adopting PSUs that adhere to the ATX 3.1 standard means future-proofing their systems and ensuring they are equipped to handle the power requirements of today's advanced technology.
CORSAIR has a proven track record of building reliable power supplies in a wide range of wattages.
Let's take a look at the CORSAIR Family of Power Supplies.
A good PSU ensures that your computer receives a steady and reliable stream of power, which is crucial for the longevity and stability of your system's components. An efficient PSU can prevent unexpected shutdowns, protect against power surges, and reduce the risk of hardware failures.
What sets CORSAIR PSUs apart is their commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. CORSAIR power supplies often exceed industry standards, featuring advanced technologies like Zero RPM fan mode for silent operation and high-efficiency components that garner top-tier certifications. These features make CORSAIR a trusted brand for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Take a look at our range of PSUs over at our main website, along with anything else you'd need for a PC build.
PRODUCTS IN ARTICLE
