Does PSU with Active PFC reduce heat dissipation?

[paulbearer]

I just replaced my ghetto Fry's no-name case with a Xaser II with an Active PFC PSU. I read that Active PFC results in greater efficiency. Not being an expert on power theory, I was wondering if someone might have some pointers on the theory behind PFC? I'd like to read up on it and understand how it works.

I'm also wondering if Active PFC will result in less heat dissipation than an equivalent wattage PSU without PFC? My assumption is that the lost efficiency in a non-PFC unit is lost as heat.

Any PFC experts out there? Thanks!

 

[OulOat]

Originally posted by: paulbearer
I just replaced my ghetto Fry's no-name case with a Xaser II with an Active PFC PSU. I read that Active PFC results in greater efficiency. Not being an expert on power theory, I was wondering if someone might have some pointers on the theory behind PFC? I'd like to read up on it and understand how it works.

I'm also wondering if Active PFC will result in less heat dissipation than an equivalent wattage PSU without PFC? My assumption is that the lost efficiency in a non-PFC unit is lost as heat.

Any PFC experts out there? Thanks!

Lol, you might want to read Anandtech

 

[paulbearer]

Thank you for the pointer - that was an informative article. Seems like this PFC might be more hype than reality.

However, with respect to maintaining a cool system, are there any other considerations besides this PFC that might impact how cool a system runs? PFC seemed like a good idea, since I figure that a more efficient AC-to-DC converter would dissipate less heat.....

I will ponder this over a few beers, I think...