Building your first computer is a rite of passage for any PC gamer. The process from ideation to purchasing the components of your first system can be exhilarating and while the motherboard, CPU and GPU often get the most attention, your power supply unit (PSU) is a choice that demands careful consideration too.
While you may be tempted to pick a PSU that meets the basic power requirements of your system, other aspects of the unit such as power efficiency should factor into your decision.
Not only is your PSU powering your system, it’s also connecting incredibly vulnerable components to the outside world. This means that your PC could fall prey to a badly timed power outage that damages your components, or even a stray bolt of lightning hitting a power distribution point.
That sounds like a lot to ask of one part of your PC, but one manufacturer that puts energy efficiency and reliability at the top of its agenda when manufacturing power supply units is FSP Group.
Since its establishment in 1993, FSP Group has followed the management concept: “service, profession, and innovation”. This drives FSP Group to continuously fulfill its responsibilities as a green energy solution supplier. With the combination of its leading role in power supply technology and the cultivation of green energy, FSP Group now provides more competitive quality products and makes itself the most reliable partner for customers, consumers, and suppliers.
As reliable as FSP Group’s PSUs are, you will need to take some additional steps to ensure that your PC remains as safe as possible.
Let’s start looking after your PSU by addressing your electrical connection.
Whether you are using electricity from the public grid or using your own backup/off-the-grid solution, you should be using a surge protector. This can take the form of a plug strip with surge protection built-in or a unit installed by an authorised electrician at your home’s distribution board.
This solution can help save a system from an electrical surge caused by an electrical overload, lightning, faulty wiring or a power outage. It’s highly recommended that you investigate the cause of the surge before replacing the protector and plugging your PC back in and powering it on.
While proper airflow for your CPU, RAM and GPU are usually the focus of a PC build, don’t forget that your PSU needs to breathe as well. When selecting components, be sure to consider a chassis that allows for proper ventilation. It’s also recommended that you make use of hardware monitoring software to keep track of temperatures in your system. This way you will be able to monitor temperatures and address overheating issues before they cause damage to other components.
One of the simplest things you can do to ensure your PSU serves you well is to conduct regular cleaning and maintenance. Opening your PSU is highly discouraged as it contains components which hold charge long after the power has been turned off. However, you don’t need to open up the PSU to keep it clean. A can of compressed air (or an air compressor if you have access to one) can help to blow dust out of the unit without having to open it. Be sure to clean your PSU in a well ventilated area at least once a month.
Of course, starting with a high-quality PSU is recommended from the off. The FSP Hydro G Pro 850W 80 Plus Gold PSU is fully modular, meaning you can use the cables you need and manage airflow around the PSU much more easily. The PSU is 80 Plus Gold certified and the fan won’t even ramp up if the power draw is less than 30 percent. The FSP Hydro G Pro 850W Gold Modular PSU is an IEC62368-certified PSU that has been greatly improved in its safety design without compromising its efficiency.
