PSU

04 PSU

What you will need

Case Power Supply

Screwdriver

26 // How to Build a Computer The fourth part of your computer building journey will be installing the power supply. We are also going to start putting the parts inside the case starting with the Power Supply Unit (PSU). In this section, we will take a detailed look at the PSU, and learn about its function.

Let’s talk about the PSU

If you build your computer without including this part, all you have is computer parts in a plastic case that does absolutely nothing. The PSU powers every part of your computer! Because it is so vital, you want to make sure that it is strong enough to power all the parts that you decide to put into your build.

The PSU also has its own cooling system with a built-in fan, and sometimes they have RGB color options. But, unlike the other parts we have installed so far, the power supply gets screwed directly into the case.

What wattage should I get?

The wattage of your PSU is very important, if it is not strong enough to meet the combined wattage of all your parts then it could overheat. One thing to know is that your PSU will only draw the power that it needs, so having a higher wattage count than your parts have combined is a safe way to ensure that your computer is getting enough power.

Bronze or Gold?

You will notice bronze or gold ratings on your PSU, but what is the difference? This rating simply shows the efficiency rate of your PSU. The bronze-rated PSUs run at 80% efficiency, which is the most popular for budget builds, and are usually more than enough to meet the needs of your build.

Gold-rated PSUs have a higher price tag and are considered to be premium grade. These run at an 87% efficiency rate which makes the gold-rated PSUs the most reliable of the two types. Gold-rated PSUs often perform better than their bronze counterpart. So, if you can afford it, a gold PSU will give you great peace of mind for your computer. Now, let’s look more closely at the details of the PSU. We will also start focusing on why you need proper airflow and talk about the best position for the PSU inside your case.

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Airflow

Not having good airflow for your PSU can cause it to overheat and damage the motherboard. Since PSUs have their own cooling systems, they use fans to pull the cool outside air into the PSU and expel hot air generated from the PSU outside of the case. The cooler airflow into the PSU improves its efficiency and creates a longer life span. Since airflow is so important, you want to make sure that you have a case with a decent amount of ventilation.

Another thing to make sure you have sufficient airflow to your PSU is to have an air filter on the case. This filter looks like a screen and helps prevent lots of dust and debris from getting inside the PSU. Also, having the fan of the PSU facing the air filter or vent of the case will help to make sure that nothing from inside the computer accidentally falls into it.

28 // How to Build a Computer Let us look at some of the components of the PSU up close to explain their function. You want to have a basic understanding of the different parts before moving on to mounting it in the case.

Plug

This plug is designed to take the female end of the power cable which came with your PSU while the male end of the cable plugs into the wall.

Power switch

This switch is what will turn the electrical current going into the PSU, which sends power to the other parts of your system, on and off.

Fan

The fan on the PSU is designed to be placed on a vent inside the case. It should face the outside to bring in cool air.

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Let’s install the PSU!

The first step in installing the PSU is to take it out of its packaging and find the four screws that will be used for fastening it to the case. Next, you will find the location in your case where you are going to mount it. Sometimes the mounting will be at the top of the case, but you will often mount it on the bottom of the case.

In your case, you will see a large opening toward the bottom where you will be able to access the plug and power switch. Once the PSU is inside your case, make sure that the plug and power switch are facing the back opening of the case. Next, make sure that the fan of the PSU is facing the bottom of the case where the vent is. At this time, you will grab the four screws and use a screwdriver to mount the PSU to the case. To do this, you will screw in from the outside of the case, but make sure the holes line up.

Once all the screws are in, you are finished mounting the PSU inside your case! Later on, we will connect all of the cables to the motherboard. Before we can do that, we will have to mount the motherboard to the inside of the case.

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IMPORTANT:

Make sure your mounting location is secure.

This is where you will screw the PSU to the case.

Remember to have the fan of the PSU facing the bottom of the case towards the vent and air filter.

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