Power Supply

PC Power Supply (PSU)

The power supply is often underestimated, but it’s one of the most crucial components of your PC. It distributes electricity to all your components: CPU, graphics card, motherboard, SSD… A poorly chosen power supply can lead to crashes, unstable performance, and even burnt-out components.

Whether you’re building a gaming setup or an office PC, the choice of power supply (or PSU) must be thoughtful. Aim for the right wattage, choose a quality certification, and check the necessary connectors.

What wattage should you choose for your power supply?

No need to go for 1000W if you're just playing LoL with a mid-range graphics card. Most gaming PCs perform perfectly with a 600 to 750W power supply. However, if you're targeting a high-end graphics card, liquid cooling, or an overclocked setup, it's better to allow for some overhead with a 750W to 850W power supply.

The easiest option? Use the DropReference configurator: it provides you with the exact recommended wattage based on your components in seconds.

Certifications: Bronze, Gold, Platinum… it's not just marketing

The 80 Plus certifications indicate the energy efficiency of the power supply. A 80 Plus Gold is often the best compromise: efficient, quiet, reliable, and reasonably priced. Here’s a quick overview:

• 80 Plus Bronze: decent entry-level option for small budgets.
• 80 Plus Gold: excellent efficiency, good cooling, good silence.
• 80 Plus Platinum: high-end, ultra-efficient, but often expensive.

Choosing a certified power supply also means consuming less, producing less heat, and reducing the noise of your setup.

Power Supply Comparator on DropReference

Thanks to our PC power supply comparator, you can find the best brands on the market with just a few clicks: Corsair, Be Quiet!, Seasonic, Cooler Master… You can compare wattages, certifications, prices, and instantly see what is compatible with your setup.

Our free configurator helps you avoid paying for unnecessary watts or ending up with an undersized PSU. You save on efficiency and budget.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about PC Power Supplies

• Should you always oversize the power supply?
  No. An oversized power supply costs more and doesn’t perform better. Aim for just right, with a little margin.
• Is an 80 Plus Gold PSU mandatory?
  Not mandatory, but highly recommended for a gaming setup. It’s a good compromise between quality and efficiency.
• How do I know if the cables are sufficient?
  Check the PCIe connectors for the graphics card, SATA for the disks, and the 24-pin for the motherboard. DropReference automatically guides you.
• Are modular power supplies useful?
  Yes, especially for cable management. You only connect what you need. It’s cleaner and more convenient.

At DropReference, we simplify your life: you choose your gear, and we offer you the most suitable budget-friendly PC power supply. Whether you’re aiming for a gaming rig or an economical setup, we help you optimize everything, without compromise.