How important is PFC when selecting a PSU

[redly]

OK, I revised the question a bit. How important is PFC when selecting a power supply for my PC?

Would it be safe to assume that it is a good idea to get an active power factor correcting PSU if you know you have noisy or fluctuating 120V at the wall?

what are some other benefits?

 

[ts3433]

PFC = Power Factor Correction

I think it reduces ripple or something--seek others' advice for details on this.

 

[John]

Power Factor Correction (PFC)

Power Factor Correction (PFC) allows power distribution to operate at its maximum efficiency. There are two types of PFC, Active PFC and Passive PFC. All of our power supplies are either Active PFC Power Supplies or Passive PFC Power Supplies.

Active PFC:
The preferable type of PFC is Active Power Factor Correction (Active PFC) since it provides more efficient power frequency. Because Active PFC uses a circuit to correct power factor, Active PFC is able to generate a theoretical power factor of over 95%. Active Power Factor Correction also markedly diminishes total harmonics, automatically corrects for AC input voltage, and is capable of a full range of input voltage. Since Active PFC is the more complex method of Power Factor Correction, it is more expensive to produce an Active PFC power supply.

Passive PFC:
The most common type of PFC is Passive Power Factor Correction (Passive PFC). Passive PFC uses a capacitive filter at the AC input to correct poor power factor. Passive PFC may be affected when environmental vibration occurs. Passive PFC requires that the AC input voltage be set manually. Passive PFC also does not use the full energy potential of the AC line.

 

[redly]

bump for revised question

 

[UsandThem]

Originally posted by: redly
OK, I revised the question a bit. How important is PFC when selecting a power supply for my PC?

Would it be safe to assume that it is a good idea to get an active power factor correcting PSU if you know you have noisy or fluctuating 120V at the wall?

what are some other benefits?

It would also help you to get a UPS with AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation) or line conditioning.

 

[Algere]

See here