Purchasing a Power Supply Unit should be as important as buying any other PC component. However, some forgo expensive titanium and platinum power supply units to cut costs without considering efficiency issues.
Any unit with an 80 plus certification should be seriously considered. They are quality, but they also offer a better experience in sound, performance, power consumption, etc.
That’s why Titanium and platinum PSUs are some of the most sought-after. Still, there is a debate about which is better between the two. These metals are great, but they offer different solutions for different requirements.
Titanium Vs. Platinum PSU
Both titanium and platinum PSUs are a better choice for those who have heavy-draw high-end components in their build. The difference in performance between the two is about 2%, with titanium PSUs being more efficient.
What Is 80 Plus Certification?
For most PSUs, efficiency is a core requirement. An efficiency rating dictates how good a unit is in execution versus power supply.
Efficiency rating is the input power supply divided by the component’s output wattage. This means that a power input of 500W and component output of 250W has an efficiency rating of 50%
80+ efficiency is a global accreditation created to indicate a power supply efficiency rating of 80% and above when the loads are 20%, 50%, and 100%. For example, if a component has an output of 250W, it should use a maximum of 313W of DC input at 100% load.
Although most PSUs today are 80+ certified, it is better to look out for their logo to be sure.
Is Titanium PSU The Best?
In short, yes. Titanium is a good PSU. Yet, choosing a PSU is a complex process that focuses on power needs most of the time.
Titanium is the best when it comes to efficiency rating. Coming first with Platinum and Gold second and third, respectively. Its rating stands at 90% @ 20% load with a power factor of 0.95, 92% @50% load, and 94% @ 100%. The power factor denotes the level of power efficiency.
The titanium power supply unit has a high rating that works well for heavy loads. That makes it great for high-power PC needs like servers, frequent gaming, and many users.
Also, the high rating increases the lifespan of the internal components because it produces less heat.
Unlike gold and Platinum, titanium is efficient despite the load. Platinum and gold are only power efficient with heavy loads.
Titanium is a hard metal and is not easy to manipulate or scratch. Overall, it is a durable option making up for the pricing premium. This benefit makes it beneficial for most gaming PCs. Most users also appreciate that it is quiet, a little cool, and reduces fan use.
Although the high efficiency means reduced power consumption vis-a-vis performance, titanium doesn’t save much money on power bills. There isn’t any difference between its platinum and gold counterparts.
Is A Platinum PSU Good?
Just like titanium, Platinum has proven its reliability in efficiency rating. Although the former has a higher rating, the margin is very small. It is also a good PSU, and some consider it one of the best. However, it all boils down to individual PC power needs.
Platinum has an 80+ rate of 90% @ 20% load, 92% @ 50% load with a power factor of 0.95, and 89% with 100% load. Gold power supply units rival platinum with 87% @ 20% load, 90% @ 50% load with a power factor of 0.95, and 87% @100% load
Platinum PSUs show efficiency for a lighter load level from the numbers above. However, it still maintains great performance with low power system consumption. It is also a great choice for gaming PCs and servers.
Thanks to its high 80+ grade, Platinum produces less heat, rarely uses the cooling fan, and is quiet while in use. Moreover, the components are saved from heat damage hence boosting longevity.
Platinum certification is followed closely by gold. Yet it’s more efficient and durable than gold. If you are conscious of your carbon footprint, Platinum is the better option. Though, don’t expect much change in utility bills.
Should You Buy A Platinum Or Titanium Power Supply?
The general rule is the higher the 80+ certification, the better. Still, you should know your power needs and budget before settling for a computer power supply unit. A high 80+ grade means high prices. Efficacy difference separates the two.
Titanium has proven to maintain a high rating with an increase in load. This makes it a must-have for systems with significant power use.
Suppose you value a quiet working environment, the titanium. The power supply unit is the best. The fan is rarely on, so you will not notice your computer working in the background.
With reduced heat damage, titanium PSUs are the best for those who want to avoid regular downtime because of worn-out components. Titanium has just better efficiency with reduced power use.
On the other hand, Platinum has a lower efficiency level. The slight difference doesn’t make a difference unless you value curbing carbon emissions. However, Platinum’s performance is relatively low with 100% loads. So if you have a system with heavy loads, your best bet is titanium level PSU.
This PSU is also cheaper than its counterpart. If you are on a budget, you should consider the one with a lower price point. Yet, keep in mind that the price range will not be significant since they are both highly efficient PSUs.
Both PSUs are good with different load capacities. It all depends on what your system needs and how much you are ready to spend for the PSU.
If you have a low voltage system, Platinum is the best. Otherwise, you can settle for the expensive PSUs that promise more goodies with higher quality components. Apart from saving you money, it will also save the environment.
How Many Watt Power Supply Do You Need?
The watt power supply needed depends on what you need it for. The wattage that gamers use is higher than those who browse the web and occasionally play games online. Efficiency is key.
The higher the wattage, the more power it can produce as far as PSU goes. Mainly, the computer power supply ranges from 200 to 1800 watts. This game accommodates the 15 amp capacity of most wall outlets. The idea is to provide a constant wattage supply instead of peak wattage.
Always measure the required wattage for the PC components with additional capacity for future and better components expansion. The total wattage required for your system is 250 Watts; make sure you purchase a 500 Watt PSU.
Typically, a high-powered PSU is better than a lower capacity. However, if the wattage satisfies the component’s power supply and there is no plan for more, a low wattage PSU will do just fine.
Recent gaming units with sophisticated GPU systems, for example, NVIDIA RTX 3080, require a minimum of 750watts for maximum efficiency. Otherwise, a range of 650watts to 850 watts is adequate for an avid gamer.
Remember, it all boils down to the components. The component determines the power draws, not the PSU. These units only determine the max wattage supply.
What PSU Should I Buy?
Again, it depends on what you need it for. There is no blanket answer to this question. There is more to consider than just better efficiency; after all, build quality is more complex than efficiency rating.
Before buying a PSU, consider cables that supply power to the system. There are many variables in cable choice. However, the PSU comes with the required cables. It is up to you to identify the exact type of the components.
Next, determine the amount of wattage that is needed. That will vary depending on your requirements. For example, if you have a system with intricate components, it will likely need more wattage.
It is difficult to determine the exact wattage needed. You recommend buying a high-wattage PSU rather than risk buying a lower one. 600 to 650 watts are acceptable for most work and game-related needs; consider bronze and gold for more options.
Further, you should also factor in its protection capacity. A good Power supply unit will have better quality power surge protection cogs. That means that it will protect the unit and the entire system. Invest in an APFC converter to seal the deal.
Make sure there is either an inbuilt OVP or a circuit breaker for such instances. Besides, you can always add an external power surge protector to the outlet to be safe.
Finally, consider the 80+ rating. Most modern Power supply components are 80+ certified. That means that an average user can use bronze or gold. However, for better performance, Platinum and titanium are the recommended choice.
They save a few dollars in electric bills, but they also reduce carbon emissions through reduced power consumption due to efficiency in power usage. However, gold gives both of these a run for their money. Still, it’s not recommended for heavier loads.
Conclusion
When it comes to Titanium vs. Platinum power supplies, which one should you choose for your PC? The answer is…it depends. Both have their pros and cons, so the best decision will come down to what’s important to you as a consumer.
Do you want an affordable option that still delivers great performance? Or are you looking for something that’s more durable and has a longer lifespan? Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which PSU is right for your needs.
