What are the power supplies?

Power supplies play an essential role in the technology of today. But not all power supplies are made the same—different electrical devices will require different levels of power. By educating yourself about power supplies, you’ll know the best choice to make for your business.

We must emphasize the difference between power supplies and power sources. Power sources, such as batteries, generators, and outlets, provide electricity. Power supplies, however, convert power from the source into the correct voltage and format. For PCs, a power supply’s role is to convert AC power from your wall outlet to DC power, usable by your system’s components.

Power supplies differ in size, efficiency rating, output, and more. So, how can you know which power supply is best for your business?

Consider your power output.

Required power output is one of the first factors to consider when choosing a power supply. PC power supplies are plentiful, but if your supply doesn’t provide clean, reliable power, it can cause more harm than good. A failing power supply may lead to issues like system instability, freezes, and unexpected resets—the last thing any business needs!

Power output is usually measured in watts. As a basic rule, higher-watt power supplies supply greater power. When choosing a power supply, the important number to consider is the number of sustained power—not peak power. A typical power supply cannot operate at peak power for long.

We recommend building a PC to about 50 to 60 percent of a power supply’s capacity. If a PC’s maximum power is 300 watts, we recommend choosing a 600-watt power supply.

Efficiency is essential

When choosing power supplies for your business, it’s essential to consider a product’s efficiency rating. Generally, higher efficiency means less wasted power, less heat generation, and less noise.

Power supply efficiency ratings are displayed in numbers. A power supply with a rating of 80 will deliver 80 percent of its wattage rating as power. The remaining 20 percent is lost as heat.

To save money on power bills—among other benefits—we suggest choosing a power supply with an “80 plus” rating, which signifies the component provides at least 80 percent efficiency. 

Consider the workplace environment.

It’s essential to consider the environment in which your power supply will be used. A typical office PC, for example, may not require a great power output—but low noise levels may be essential. Efficiency comes into play here—when a power supply generates less power, your system’s internal fans won’t have to work as hard, resulting in lower noise output.

High working temperatures will decrease the power supply’s function and reliability. Mobile environments, for example, face harsh temperature conditions. Power supplies are often divided into three categories: commercial/domestic, industrial, and automotive. Choose a power supply to suit the operating temperature it will be used in.

Conclusion

When choosing a power supply for your organization, there’s a lot to consider, including power output, efficiency, and environmental factors. By understanding how power supplies are rated, you’ll know what’s best for your business.