This category contains computer power supply units: ATX models for desktop PCs, smaller SFX and TFX units, and power supplies made for servers. They suit anyone building a new PC or replacing a failed unit. Our range has over 280 models, including Thermaltake, Cooler Master, be quiet!, Chieftec, Dell and Lenovo.
How to choose a power supply
Wattage. Start with the processor and graphics card, as they draw the most power and their makers state a recommended PSU wattage. Choose a unit with some headroom so the PC does not shut down under load, and check that it has the PCIe connectors your graphics card needs.
Form factor. ATX suits most desktop PCs, and it is the most common format in our range. Small cases need SFX or TFX, while servers may call for formats such as 2U. Check which format the case manufacturer specifies before you buy.
80 PLUS certification. Our range includes Bronze, Gold, Platinum and Titanium units. A higher level means less energy lost as heat, which pays off most in a PC that runs many hours a day.
Cabling. Many units in our range are fully modular: you connect only the cables you need, which makes the case easier to keep tidy and lets air move more freely. Non-modular units are fine when the case has plenty of room, and semi-modular ones are less common.
Fan and connectors. Our units have 12, 13.5 or 14 cm fans, and a larger fan moves the same amount of air at a lower speed, so it is usually quieter. If you have older devices, check the number of Molex connectors, which ranges from 0 to 6 across our range.
Brands we carry
- Thermaltake: known for the Toughpower series of power supplies as well as PC cases.
- be quiet!: a German manufacturer that stands out for quiet power supplies and cooling products.
- Cooler Master: besides power supplies, widely known for PC cases and processor coolers.
- Chieftec: a Taiwanese manufacturer that has made ATX power supplies and cases for many years.
- FSP Group: one of the largest power supply manufacturers, also supplying units sold under other brands.
- ASUS: known for its ROG gaming line, which includes power supplies.
- Dell, Lenovo, HP Enterprise: makers of servers and workstations, so their units are generally intended to replace parts in the manufacturers' own systems.
Also in our range: Inter-Tech, Acer and HP Inc.
Frequently asked questions about power supplies
How many watts does a PC power supply need?
It depends on the components, above all the graphics card and processor. An office PC without a separate graphics card needs a lower-wattage unit, while a gaming PC needs at least what the graphics card manufacturer recommends. It is worth leaving some headroom, because a unit that is not fully loaded runs cooler.
What is the difference between 80 PLUS Bronze and Gold?
The difference is efficiency: how much of the electricity the unit turns into usable power and how much it gives off as heat. A Gold unit wastes less energy than a Bronze one, and Platinum and Titanium are more efficient still. The certification says nothing about a unit's wattage.
Is a modular power supply worth it?
It is worth it if you want a tidier case. With a fully modular unit you connect only the cables you need, so wiring is easier to hide and you save space, especially in a small case. The main benefit is convenience and airflow, so a non-modular unit works just as well when the case has enough room.
Can I use a server power supply in a normal PC?
Usually not, because server units have a different format and connectors, and are often made for one manufacturer's server. For a desktop PC, choose an ATX, SFX or TFX unit to match the case. Before buying, check whether the product description lists its purpose as PC or server.
