[ The PC Guide | Systems and Components Reference Guide | Power | The Power Supply ]

Power Supply Output and Ratings

A power supply's components, operation and form factor are all very important quality and design considerations. When it comes down to it though, the bottom line with any power supply is: how much power will it provide? Though this matter has been greatly over-emphasized in the past--"What kind of power supply do you have?" "Oh, a 250 watt one"--it is certainly quite essential. Each year it becomes more important as PC components get faster, larger and more demanding of power.

This section takes a comprehensive look at issues related to the output power capacity and ratings of the power supply. This includes a detailed answer to the all-important question: "What exactly is the 250 W in that 250 W power supply?" The section also takes a close look at PC power requirements, the importance of allowing for peak power demand, and the matter of power supply loading.

Next: Output Power

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