What are power supply efficiency ratings and why are they important?

What are power supply efficiency ratings and why are they important?

Power supply efficiency ratings indicate how effectively a power supply converts AC power from the wall into DC power for your devices. Higher ratings mean less energy waste and lower electricity bills.

How are these ratings measured?

They are typically measured using the 80 PLUS certification system, which rates power supplies based on their efficiency at 20%, 50%, and 100% of their rated load.

What does an 80 PLUS Gold rating mean?

An 80 PLUS Gold rating means that the power supply is at least 87% efficient at 20% and 100% load, and 90% efficient at 50% load, which indicates high performance and energy savings.

Are there any downsides to using a highly efficient power supply?

While highly efficient power supplies can be more expensive upfront, they save money in the long run through lower energy costs and can also produce less heat, which can improve system longevity.