This will most likely something you never heard of. You're free to skip reading here if you never thought about buying a PSU separately.
The type of power supply in computer is called switch mode. The incoming AC current is converted to DC, and high frequency circuit converts DC into 5V, 3.3V and 12V needed by computers.
AC voltage is converted into smooth DC through a rectifier and a capacitor. This is a very simple circuit. This simple circuit has a habit of drawing very distorted current from the outlet contributing to "power pollution". By adding a circuitry called PFC(Power factor corrector), the distortion can almost be eliminated and helps reduce power quality problem throughout the power distribution network by reducing the amount of harmonic/distortion injected into power line. As with all improvements, this improvement costs money. Based on current power supply price, the price difference will be considerable.
European legislation requires all new computer PSU's to be fitted with a PFC to curb power quality issues. They're talking about adopting same policy on American market
power supplies. A 300W ATX power supply can be had for $20-30. Same power supply will cost $50-60 if it has PFC.
Without PFC, the power factor is ~0.6 and THD is about 120%. Ideally, PFC should be 1.0 and THD 0%. A PFC equipped PSU can achieve PFC~0.95, THD~20%.
Anways.. into the fun stuff..
Here's the scenario. You were buying a $35 300W generic PSU. The dealer offers free upgrade to either power factor corrected 350W Sparkle or 431 Enermax without power factor correction. Their normal price is same on both items.
Which option would you take?
1. Sparkle 350W PSU with power factor correction. I have a conscience to help improve power quality.
2. Enermax 431W, non-PFC. I want the extra 131W for margin and future over clockability, screw the power quality!
* for this question's sake, assume both of these power supplies puts out equal quality power at output and both equally sturdy and reliable. The only difference is available output power and presence of power factor correction circuit.
The type of power supply in computer is called switch mode. The incoming AC current is converted to DC, and high frequency circuit converts DC into 5V, 3.3V and 12V needed by computers.
AC voltage is converted into smooth DC through a rectifier and a capacitor. This is a very simple circuit. This simple circuit has a habit of drawing very distorted current from the outlet contributing to "power pollution". By adding a circuitry called PFC(Power factor corrector), the distortion can almost be eliminated and helps reduce power quality problem throughout the power distribution network by reducing the amount of harmonic/distortion injected into power line. As with all improvements, this improvement costs money. Based on current power supply price, the price difference will be considerable.
European legislation requires all new computer PSU's to be fitted with a PFC to curb power quality issues. They're talking about adopting same policy on American market
power supplies. A 300W ATX power supply can be had for $20-30. Same power supply will cost $50-60 if it has PFC.
Without PFC, the power factor is ~0.6 and THD is about 120%. Ideally, PFC should be 1.0 and THD 0%. A PFC equipped PSU can achieve PFC~0.95, THD~20%.
Anways.. into the fun stuff..
Here's the scenario. You were buying a $35 300W generic PSU. The dealer offers free upgrade to either power factor corrected 350W Sparkle or 431 Enermax without power factor correction. Their normal price is same on both items.
Which option would you take?
1. Sparkle 350W PSU with power factor correction. I have a conscience to help improve power quality.
2. Enermax 431W, non-PFC. I want the extra 131W for margin and future over clockability, screw the power quality!
* for this question's sake, assume both of these power supplies puts out equal quality power at output and both equally sturdy and reliable. The only difference is available output power and presence of power factor correction circuit.
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