QUESTION ANSWERED, THANKS!

[SparkyJJO]

*EDIT* Question answered thanks!

 

[Akhen]

It stands for Power factor correction, its a technique of counteracting the undesirable effects of electric loads that create a power factor that is less than 1.

 

[DBSX]

What exactly is PFC

Linky

, and is it worth the extra $$$ for it?

If you get a high quality PSU I don't think it really matters one way or another. Having said that, my PSU has Active PFC, but that's because the PSU I was buying had it, not that I was looking for it.

\Dan

 

[SparkyJJO]

I know with my old antec true 330W and 430W PSUs when I was doing something that was heavy on OpenGL I got some feedback "noise" through the PSU, does PFC correct that also? I'm trying to build a silent system, and my previous one was silent except for the annoying squeal noise that I'd get when doing OpenGL

 

[JEDIYoda]

PFC

PFC (power factor correction; also known as power factor controller) is a feature included in some computer and other power supply boxes that reduces the amount of reactive power generated by a computer. Reactive power operates at right angles to true power and energizes the magnetic field. Reactive power has no real value for an electronic device, but electric companies charge for both true and reactive power resulting in unnecessary charges. PFC is a required feature for power supplies shipped to Europe.
In power factor correction, the power factor (represented as "k") is the ratio of true power (kwatts) divided by reactive power (kvar). The power factor value is between 0.0 and 1.00. If the power factor is above 0.8, the device is using power efficiently. A standard power supply has a power factor of 0.70-0.75, and a power supply with PFC has a power factor of 0.95-0.99.

PFC is not used solely for computer power supplies. In other industries, PFC equipment is used to reduce the reactive power produced by fluorescent and high bay lighting, arc furnaces, induction welders, and equipment that uses electrical motors.

 

[SparkyJJO]

wow thanks JEDIYoda for the really good definition OK, so with antec I should be fine without it and save a few $$$$ thanks a bunch!