How to Choose a Good Power Supply for Your PC
What wattage, certification and connectors you need so you don't come up short or overpay.
The power supply is the component that tends to get the least priority, even though it directly affects the stability and safety of the entire rest of the system.
Wattage: don't cut it exactly to the limit
Add up your components' estimated consumption (use our calculation guide) and add an extra 20-30% margin — transient consumption spikes from modern components can briefly exceed the calculated average consumption.
80 Plus certification: efficiency, not just power
| Certification | Approximate efficiency |
|---|---|
| 80 Plus (basic) | 80% |
| 80 Plus Bronze/Gold | 85-90% (good price/efficiency balance) |
| 80 Plus Platinum/Titanium | 92%+ (higher cost, marginal benefit for home use) |
Higher efficiency means less heat generated and lower real power consumption for the same delivered power — it is not just a label, it has a practical impact on your electricity bill and the machine's internal temperature.
Warning: don't skimp on the power supply looking for the lowest possible price — it is the component that, if it fails badly, can damage the rest of the parts connected to it. Prioritise well-known brands with a good reputation over the cheapest price you find.
Frequently asked questions
Why shouldn't I calculate the wattage right at the limit?
Because modern components (especially graphics cards) have transient consumption spikes that can briefly exceed the calculated average consumption — an extra 20-30% margin gives genuine safety.
Is an 80 Plus Titanium power supply worth it for home use?
Generally the extra cost isn't worth it for normal use — Bronze or Gold offer a good balance between efficiency and price for most users.