This is a condensed version of my power supply FAQ article, for those who want basic info on what to choose without being overly technical.
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Don’t cheap out on the power supply but high-end isn’t 100% necessary.
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Generally, around ~$50 is a good price range.
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You want 80+ energy efficient, but Gold/Silver/Bronze etc. isn’t THAT important.
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400-500w should be fine for most builds with entry and mid-range video cards.
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Processors get more efficient over time (so no need to buy extra wattage).
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SFX power supplies are compact, but double in price.
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Modular or semi-modular is strongly recommended.
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Generally avoid power supplies made over 5 years ago.