active pfc or no pfc at all ?

[merk]

i want to pick up a new PS asap. Tomorrow would be ideal

The local vendor i buy from has the thermaltake W0013 which seems like a good PS to me ... relatively quiet and performs well from the reviews i've seen. It has no PFC though. The other model, W0011 has active PFC. I'd have to order that one online and it would cost about $25 more.

Is active PFC needed? I dont do any over clocking or anything. I just want something that works, and works quietly.

 

[jammydodger]

You dont need PFC.

P4c 2.6@3.25
512Mb PC4000
2x120Gb 7200.7 in RAID0
Waterchill KT12-L30
Abit AI7
Radeon 9800Pro

 

[merk]

what exactly is it for?

thanks

 

[etp777]

PFC:

Power factor is the ratio of true power (watts) divided by apparent power (volts x amps or VA). A standard power supply has a power factor of 0.70-0.75, while a power supply with active power factor correction (PFC) has a power factor of 0.95-0.99. A power supply with power factor correction is better able to convert the current into power. This results in lower peak current and lower harmonic current, putting less stress on wiring, circuit breakers, and transformers.

Pulled from PC Power and Cooling's page

 

[merk]

well at least i know what it is now. Although still not sure how useful it would be. Its kinda sounds like its more useful for the wiring outside the pc itself. If so, then i'm not too worried since i dont have much of anything running on this circuit other then my pc.

I just ordered the thermaltake power supply without PFC since thats all i could find locally.

thanks for the info

 

[jammydodger]

It is, it means your power supply is more efficient so wastes less power. But unless electricity cost huge ammounts in your area it aint gonna be worth the cash.

P4c 2.6@3.25
512Mb PC4000
2x120Gb 7200.7 in RAID0
Waterchill KT12-L30
Abit AI7
Radeon 9800Pro

 

[merk]

well thats good to hear since i just picked up the non-pfc power supply. Now i just have to hope the original problem i had with my PC is related to the power supply and that this wasnt all for nothing 😉

thanks