Savings are unnecessary: TOP 5 power supplies for a gaming computer

Zalman excels at delivering value-for-money devices, both for cooling systems and power supplies. The desire to achieve maximum quality at an affordable price also affected the Zalman LE II power supply, which is a very worthy solution, suitable for building a PC even with a couple of powerful video adapters.

Good output indicators of the device became possible due to the use of modern circuitry (single-cycle forward converter and separate stabilization of the low-voltage part), as well as a very high-quality element base. As a result, the voltage level on all three lines is within normal limits. At the same time, the manufacturer has taken care of the presence of a number of protections that will protect your components in case of unforeseen circumstances.

The cooling system also left a pleasant impression. The combination of a 120mm fan and a pair of oversized aluminium radiators allows us to talk about good temperature performance of the internal components even under prolonged load. The level of generated noise is quite comfortable, and in idle mode the propeller is almost silent.

Only a rather narrow range of input voltages (from 200 to 240 V) and some savings on electronics can be added to the small shortcomings of the model. The latter concerns the missing varistor on the input filter and inexpensive Taiwanese capacitors. But with an eye on the price, you can easily close your eyes to this.

For the money, Chieftec A-90 is one of the best options in the segment of high-quality PSUs with a capacity of 600 - 700 watts. When evaluating the block, first of all, it is worth noting the high efficiency in the region of 90% (there is a Gold certificate), and secondly, the use of modern circuitry and the element base. The latter provides a high load capacity of the +12V line and an acceptable state of all output voltages.

Also, it should be noted quite successful quiet and efficient cooling system. Plus, the platform on which this unit is based provides for the presence of all types of protection and the use of a semi- modular cable design, which adds points to the model in terms of safety and functionality.

However, it was not without drawbacks. Compared to competitors with a gold certificate, the device from Chieftec operates in a relatively narrow range of input voltages (200 - 240 V), not all wires are unfastened from the case, and the cables are wrapped in cloth, and not combined into loops, which creates slight inconvenience during assembly. But given the price and all the positive factors, these little things can be easily closed eyes.

In the power supply market, the Sea Sonic name is akin to the Gucci and Armani brands - high quality, authoritative and expensive. Often even very expensive. Therefore, in recent years, the brand has become more friendly to the mass market and has released several relatively inexpensive models with an 80+ Bronze quality certificate. Among them is the Sea Sonic S12 II.

The first thing that strikes you when you get acquainted with the Sea Sonic S12 II is a huge number of additional options for connection. They include 9 SATA for hard drives, 6 Molex for peripherals, 2 PCE-E for connecting graphics cards, and even a pair of ancient mini-Molex designed for connecting a floppy drive. Apparently, when designing this PSU, the engineers were guided by the principle "it will not be superfluous."

In other respects, like any PSU from Sea Sonic, this model shows itself almost perfectly both in tests and in real operation. It demonstrates small deviations of the supply voltage, low ripple on all lines, a relatively high efficiency of 82% and a calm attitude towards overloads.

It also implements a proprietary cooler control system that surgically adjusts the speed of rotation of the cooler blades depending on the load on the system. And this is noise reduction and energy saving. In addition, the reliability of this power supply is ensured by the use of high-quality Japanese capacitors in its design, which have low resistance and a wide operating temperature range.

Not without reason in many reviews it is called the new leader of the "bronze" segment.

The Fractal Design Integra M is based on a modular connection of wires, most of which are made in the form of convenient loops. This greatly improves cable management inside the PC case, allowing you to simply disconnect unnecessary cables from the power supply, instead of hiding them in free SATA bays.

The efficiency of Integra M is 87% (certified 80 PLUS Bronze). Integra M can work with an input voltage of 100 to 240 V, while most competitors start only with 200 V. This feature makes it suitable for work in country houses, where the mains voltage sags strongly (up to 170 V). As a result, you do not have to spend money on a separate voltage regulator.

The Integra M 650W is cooled with a small 120mm fan for such a high power, but the fan does its job efficiently and, surprisingly, quietly. The fan is audible only at maximum load on the PSU, and even then the noise is moderate. True, it is precisely to her that the only claim is formed: during prolonged operation at maximum power, problems with overheating of some components may arise. True, in order to create a stable and long-term load on the 650 W power supply, you will have to try hard.

The main feature of this power supply is the RGB backlight, which literally screams about its gaming nature. The guys from Thermaltake call themselves the creators of backlit power supplies, so everything in Smart Pro is thought out as much as possible: the backlight settings are saved when the PC is turned off, it can be synchronized with the rest of the neon in the case (for example, the cooling system), and if you get bored, you can turn it off altogether . Fortunately, you do not need to install additional software for this - there is a large separate button for this on the power supply itself.

Otherwise, the Thermaltake Smart Pro RGB is a high-quality power supply, with all the consequences. It is 80+ Bronze certified, has 4 PCI-E connectors and 6 SATA connectors on the rear input, unneeded cables can be disconnected (the PSU passes the modular class), and the cooler is equipped with a Smart Fan Zero control that minimizes noise when idle. However, in the world of power supplies, Thermaltake is considered one of the leaders, so we did not expect anything else.

If you look for shortcomings, then in fact the only thing will be the operation of the cooling system at peak loads. Then there is both noise and heat. This may also be due to the fact that the Bronze efficiency PSU generates more heat than more efficient high-end models. However, having a power reserve of 650 W, it will be extremely difficult to load it in full.

Well, the price is too high, as for such a filling and power. You have to pay for beautiful lighting.