Whats the difference between bronze gold etc

[rob4001]

I am thinking of upgrading PSU in preparation to getting a new GPU next year. Currently have 500w thinking of getting 650w but apart from price i don't understand the ratings surely if they have the wattage plus good 12v rail does anything else matter?

[Ttaskmaster]

Probably explains it far better than I can:
http://www.corsair.com/en-us/blog/20...-benefit-to-me

[Numpti]

It is to do with the efficiency, a bronze power supply might be 80% efficient whereas a platinum power supply will be over 90% efficient. You would need to calculate whether the cheaper cost of running a higher efficiency power supply would ever recoup the higher initial cost compared to a bronze supply. It is also worth mentioning that higher efficiency power supplies typically have better quality components inside, and can have longer warranties.

[retsil]

Don't go cheap on a PSU, if you get a good one it'll last years. Some of the EVGA PSUs have a 10yr warranty. I'd also go for a fully modular PSU to make all your cabling in the PC case far easier.

[camerons98]

As others have stated its just how efficient the power supply is at converting the AC electricity into DC. Gold is better than bronze

[DAS man]

It's easy to think that you can save money by buying a cheap PSU, but a good PSU should last a very long time and waste less electric so saves a small amount on your bills. A more efficient PSU also generates less waste heat, so it own cooling requirement will be less. It may be possible to use a smaller efficient PSU compared to a larger inefficient one i.e. an 80% efficient 500W PSU has approx. the same useful available power as a 90% efficient 450W PSU - both outputting around 400W

Unfortunately a power supplies efficiency is not a constant value but depends on the load and is typically best around half load, but you will need to base a PSU size on the maximum load you will need, although people often over estimate in my opinion.

Perhaps just get a more efficient PSU as it is 'greener'?

[Dec]

It's all to do with the efficiency of the power supply as others have mentioned. Ideally the more efficient the better but that also means more expensive for initial purchase.. but due to being more efficient in theory it will pay off the difference at some point but that being said takes a long time, some articles/reports out there to estimate that etc. Interesting additional info but basically just try to suit your budget/requirements and aim for the most efficient but budget will often knock that down.

[Shante]

The higher the tier the better efficiency
Bronze<Silver<Gold<Platinum<Titanium
Always buy a high quality Psu with headroom, at least Gold for my preference