Power Supplies

Types of Power Supplies

Choosing the right type of PSU is key to building a safe, efficient, and tidy system. Here's a quick overview of your main options:

Modular Power Supplies

Modular PSUs feature fully detachable cables, letting you connect only what you need. This helps improve cable management, airflow, and cooling, making them ideal for high-end builds or anyone who wants a cleaner, more efficient case layout. They tend to cost more, but the upgrade in organisation and thermal performance is worth it for many builders.

Semi-Modular Power Supplies

With some permanently attached cables and others detachable, semi-modular PSUs offer a good balance between affordability and convenience. They're perfect for mid-range or budget-conscious builds that still want to minimise cable clutter.

Non-Modular Power Supplies

All cables are permanently fixed in non-modular PSUs. These are typically the most affordable option but can lead to excess cabling and restricted airflow, which can be problematic in smaller cases or high-performance systems. Best suited for basic or budget builds where space and airflow are less critical.

PSU Efficiency and Certification

What is 80+ Certification?

80+ certification is a standard that indicates how efficiently a PSU converts power from your wall outlet into usable energy for your PC. The less energy wasted as heat, the better your system's efficiency and thermal performance. These are the main certification tiers, listed from entry-level to ultra-efficient:

• 80+ Bronze Certified PSU
• 80+ Silver Certified PSU
• 80+ Gold Certified PSU
• 80+ Platinum Certified PSU
• 80+ Titanium Certified PSU

Choosing the Right Efficiency for Your Needs

Higher-efficiency PSUs reduce your electricity usage and help your system run cooler and quieter - ideal for extending hardware lifespan and reducing noise.

• 80+ Bronze: Suitable for everyday home or office use.
• 80+ Gold or higher: Recommended for gaming PCs, creative workstations, and systems that run for long hours or under heavy load.

PSU Wattage and System Compatibility

Choosing the correct wattage and ensuring compatibility with your PC components is crucial for a stable build. Too little power can cause system crashes, while too much is often unnecessary unless you're future-proofing or overclocking.

Understanding PSU Wattage

PSU wattage refers to how much total power the unit can supply to your system. Your components - particularly your GPU and CPU - will dictate how much you need. Use a trusted PSU calculator to total your system's wattage and choose a PSU that meets or exceeds it. At ebuyer, we stock a multitude of PSUs, ranging from 500W, through 750-900W, all the way to 1000W and above!

How to Match PSU Wattage to Your Build

It's best practice to select a PSU with around 10-20% more wattage than your estimated requirement. This buffer allows for safe performance under peak load, component upgrades, and future expansion - without overpaying for unused power.

Overclocking and PSU Wattage

If you plan to overclock, consider increasing your PSU capacity by 25-40% above your estimated baseline instead. Overclocking significantly increases power draw, and a higher-capacity PSU ensures better thermal and system stability during intensive tasks.

If you're looking to stay up to date with the latest GPUs, such as the NVIDIA 50 Series, you'll likely want to check out an ATX 3.0 or ATX 3.1 PSU. These have a better power connector, maximising efficiency and simplifying cable management.

You might also want to pair your PSU with a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to protect against power outages and ensure safe shutdowns for home or office setups.

Why Buy from ebuyer?

When you shop for a PSU at ebuyer, you're choosing quality, service, and selection. We offer a broad range of power supply units from trusted names like Corsair, MSI, Endorfy, and more - at competitive prices and with convenient delivery options.

• Fast delivery and finance options
• Secure and safe delivery of PC components