Info Power Supply Efficiency Ratings (80 Plus)

[COLGeek]

Often, members will ask questions regarding troubleshooting a system and the first question will be "What are the specifications for your system (make/model of all installed components)?" A typical response will include something like "750w Gold PSU". That sort of response offers nothing regarding the actual device in use, or its suitability for use in the system in question.

80 Plus ratings refer to the efficiency of a power supply and are not a direct reflection regarding the quality/suitability of the power supply in question. To learn more about these ratings and what they mean, go here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_Plus

It is also important to note that while some manufacturers will list an 80 Plus rating, those ratings are not authentic. This may be especially true for no-name, off-brand, and very inexpensive power supplies. To verify the authenticity of a power supply's rating, you can use resources like this one: https://www.clearesult.com/80plus/

Power supplies are the heart of your computer and you should never "cheap out" on sourcing one to power your build. There are many PSU-shaped objects that will let you down and take your expensive components with them when they fail. Don't let this happen to you.