When we want to build a PC, PSU is one of the important components that must be considered well. The PSU used can affect various things in the PC, including power efficiency, performance, up to the aesthetics of a PC itself. After we had previously talked about the 80 certification at PSU, this time we will review the modular PSU. Nowadays, modular has become one of the factors to determine a PSU after warranty, watt capacity, and efficiency.
What is a Modular PSU?
Modular PSU is a PSU that gives the freedom for its users to release various cables output from the power supply. This feature is given in memory of many builders who want to have freedom to customize their PC. The modular PSU itself is divided into two, semi-modular and full modular. In addition, there is also a “regular” PSU, which can also be referred to as “non-modular”. Let’s discuss each type of PSU.
Non-Modular PSU
PSU in this category has an output cable that has been permanently attached to the PSU. Non-modular options are usually available at the PSU for entry level. The low level of cable customization in the non-modular PSU provides a fairly troublesome cable management for its users, especially when used in narrow cases. In addition to lowering the aesthetic level on the PC, the number of irregular cables can also affect the air circulation on the PC. However, this PSU has a relatively lower price range compared to others.
Semi-Modular PSU
This type of PSU provides customization options although somewhat limited for its users. Normally, the output cable is “definitely used”, that is 24-pin ATX and 8-pin/4 4-pin CPU is already plugged permanently into the power supply. Storage/peripheral and PCIe cables are generally present in modular form, aliases can be removed or installed as needed. This customization feature allows users to remove any cables that their PC doesn’t need. Good cable management at this PSU can improve the aesthetic level and provide better air circulation when compared with non-modular PSU. However, the price could be above the non-modular PSU for the same power capacity and efficiency rating.
Full Modular PSU
This type of PSU is generally aimed at users of the enthusiast class. This is because the full modular PSU provides a very high level of customization for its users. The whole cord, including the motherboard cable (24-pin ATX) and processor (8-pin CPU) can be removed from the power supply. This feature provides the option for the builder, not only to remove unneeded cables, but also to use cables from third parties to enhance the aesthetics of their PCS. In addition, cable replacement when problems occur easier when compared with non-modular PSU.
Just like the semi-modular PSU, the full modular PSU can provide better air circulation thanks to the cable management offered when compared to the non-modular PSU. Unfortunately, this type of PSU generally has a fairly high price compared to non-modular PSU. In addition, the full modular PSU generally has a larger size if it is priced with a non-modular PSU due to the various output ports, so it may be difficult to install in the casing with room for a narrow PSU.
Non-Modular, Semi-Modular, or Full Modular?
Then, what kind of PSU should you choose? It must of course be adjusted to various things, according to the description of each type above. Things to note include the budget/funds available, the casing to be used, the expected cable’s level of ignition, and the level of user knowledge of components in the PC. Let’s discuss a little further regarding the type of PSU that should be chosen according to these things. For the record, the selection advice of PSU here is given assuming the user already knows the power capacity and desired efficiency.
First, the non-modular PSU. This PSU can be chosen when the PC user has limited funds, because the price is generally the least expensive, for the same power capacity and efficiency. Non-modular PSU is also suitable for user PSU with PSU cover and cable management room is relieved, because the cables in the PSU will not interfere with the aesthetics of the display of PC and air circulation, as long as the user smoothed the existing cables well. Or, if the user is not at all concerned with the cable’s ignition in his PC, the non-modular PSU can also be selected. Lastly, this type of PSU will also help for users who have not too understand connectors-connectors in PC, because in the non-modular PSU certainly all the required cables are installed, and users do not need to confuse determine which cable is required which funds are not.
Next, for the semi-modular PSU, this type of PSU can be chosen builder that has a little extra funds for the PSU, because the price is not as high as the full-modular PSU for power capacity and efficiency alike. This type of PSU will also be helpful for users who have a casing with limited cable management space. However, since not all cables can be removed from the PSU, there will be an extra challenge when we tidy the cables from the PSU inside the casing. In addition, practical users can not replace a permanently attached cable to the PSU with an aftermarket cable that may have a more-liked design.
Lastly, the full-modular PSU is suitable for a builder that allocates funds large enough for a PSU and really wants a neat looking PC, regardless of the casing being used. Users will generally more easily get the results of a neat assembly, because all the unneeded cables can be removed from the PSU, different from the semi-modular PSU where there may be unneeded cables that could not be removed because it is permanently attached. The option of using aftermarket/third party cables with the more well-liked design can be done thoroughly. However, a really good and efficient wiring of a full-modular PSU will actually depend on the user’s knowledge and level of patience when assembling a PC with this type of PSU.
After knowing the various differences from the three types of PSU, which PSU do you think best suited for your needs? Is it non-modular, semi-modular, or full modular? Or maybe you have used one of these types of PSU? Write in the comment field!
How about gamemax psu?
not recommended