What are tyical power ratings for a computers power supply?

Answer 1

Power Supplies are usually measured primarily by their wattage. IE, 650 watt, 750 watt, 1000 watt, etc.

This can be misleading, however, as PSUs are divided into many different areas.

First you want a high enough wattage to run your computer, plus some breathing room. Most PSUs run at 75% or less of what they'te 'rated' for. Look for 80 PLUS certifications. This means the PSU is more efficient and provides closer to advertised power.

80 PLUS Certified means it provides 80% of the rating

BRONZE is even more, SILVER higher still, and GOLD means the highest (~95%)

You should generally factor in your CPU's wattage, and your videocard's reccomendations. Most PCs are okay in the 650 watt zone with a dual or triple core CPU and a single videocard. But for quad-cores, or systems with high-end or multiple videocards, 1000 or more watts may be reccomended.

It's also good to go a bit 'above', as power supplies lose 5-10% of their capacity per year (5-25% for non-80PLUS PSUs)

Beyond that, the rest is mostly gimmick and hype and does not make a considerable difference. Make sure it has enough and correct connectors, tho.

Answer 2

Always get a good brand PSU, they blow 80% so does your hardware.

For a Small Office Home computer around 450watts will be fine, Mediocre gaming computer around 750W

Try not to be hanging around the max, to avoid a brownout

Answer 3

75% is the typical efficiency rating for a power supply 75% is the typical efficiency rating for a power supply

Answer 4

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