As a pro PC gamer, you would love to build your PC with top-tier components, from a processor (CPU) to a power supply unit (PSU). Regarding PSU, the 80 Plus certification is a reliable and famous efficiency benchmark.
The 80 Plus power PSU not only has a significant impact on the performance and longevity of your computer but also power efficiency that saves costs in the long run. Every 80 Plus certification PSU provides you with a different efficiency level. Gold is 92.21%, Platinum is 93.15%, Titanium is 93.59%, and Bronze is 89.43% power efficient.
In our testing lab, our gaming geeks have tested all the 80 PLUS Bronze vs. Gold vs. Platinum vs. Titanium power supplies on different setups for different games and applications.
We have come up with the result that gold and platinum PSUs are best for the system used for high-end gaming because their power efficiency level is more than 90%. If you want to save the cost of electricity, keep your system quieter and cool consider the Gold and Platinum PSUs.
After a few weeks of testing, our gaming geeks have explained the specs, features, advantages, and disadvantages of all these 80 Plus certification PSUs in detail. Go through this ultimate guide; it will help you to choose the best one according to your needs and budget.
What Does 80 Plus PSU Efficiency Mean? Is It Really Important?
The 80 Plus certification program evaluates the efficiency of power supply units (PSUs) under different loads. 80 Plus certified power supplies convert at least 80% of AC power generated by wall sockets into DC power for computers while generating minimal heat.
Energy bills can be reduced with a high-efficiency power supply. Moreover, an efficient power supply runs cooler, extending your computer system’s lifespan and improving its stability. In addition, efficient power supplies can improve system performance in high-end systems with high power demands.
The 80 Plus PSUs ensure to supply a minimum of 80% of DC power to the computer components from 100% of AC power generated from wall sockets. Approximately 20 watts of the remaining power is wasted as heat. Whether you build your own PC with customized components or buy a prebuilt PC for gaming, make sure it equips 80 Plus power supply.
If your power supply is 80% efficient, it draws 1000 watts from the wall socket and converts it into 800 watts of DC power to the computer. Furthermore, a PSU that is 90% efficient can draw 1000 watts of AC power, convert it into 900 watts of DC power, and delivers it to the computer.
The myth that 80% efficient 1,000W PSUs can only supply 800W of DC power at maximum load, losing 200W of heat, is not true. As opposed to this, it will draw more AC power from your wall outlet that is lost as heat, so your PC can draw a full 1,000W of DC power under a full load.
How to Measure Power Supply Efficiency Rating?
Power supply efficiency indicates the proportion of electrical power drawn from AC mains that is converted into DC power that can be used for your system. Power supply efficiency can be determined by measuring the unit’s input and output power. Generally, to measure the efficiency of a power supply, follow these steps:
Wattage
In order for your computer components to operate efficiently, the power supply unit should have a wattage that matches their power consumption. The power supply unit you select should have a higher wattage if your components require a lot of power. The wattage requirements depend upon your whole build-up. Analyze the power consumption of your PC components, such as CPU and GPU. A 3070-Ti + 5600X, for instance, would require around 650W, but Nvidia recommends 750W for the 3070-Ti. You can keep your PSU in its most efficient and quietest performance range by adding 20% to the estimated watts.
Efficiency/Reliability
Efficiency ratings are determined through rigorous testing, such as the 80 PLUS program, an industry-standard program certifying power supplies’ efficiency. 80 PLUS certifications include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium, with higher credentials indicating higher efficiency ratings.
An 80 Plus certified power supply may deliver more than 800 watts in DC power since the actual efficiency is higher than 80%. Depending on the load, efficiency can vary; the more the load, the lower the efficiency. The 80 Plus rating system certifies PSUs for their efficiency at different load levels, such as 20%, 50%, and 100%, so you can see how an individual model performs under different conditions.
As a general rule, higher-level certifications tend to offer greater efficiency and reliability than lower-level certifications. It is also important to consider your budget and specific needs when choosing a power supply unit.
80 Plus Bronze PSU
A Power Supply Unit with 80 Plus Bronze certification is considered to be an entry-level certification. During 20% load, these are 82% efficient, 85% at 50%, and 82% efficient at 100% load. In comparison with higher-level certifications, these power supplies are less efficient, but they are reliable.
Despite their advantages, 80 Plus Bronze power supplies have some drawbacks as well. Some of them are listed below:
Advantages
- It is easy to find 80 Plus Bronze power supplies because they are widely available.
- These certifications are less efficient than higher-level certifications, but they are still good options for computers with simple to moderate configurations.
- These power supplies are generally more affordable to budget-conscious consumers than higher-level certifications.
Disadvantages
- Power supplies with 80 Plus Bronze certification have a lower efficiency than those with higher levels of certification, leading to higher power consumption.
- Lower efficiency causes them to generate more heat, leading to a shorter power supply and component lifespans.
80 Plus Gold PSU
Gold certifications are higher levels of certification. An efficient power supply meets at least 87% efficiency under 20% load, 90% under 50% load, and 87% under 100% load. As high-performance and reliable power supplies, these are a fantastic choice for high-end computers and workstations.
There are some advantages and disadvantages to using 80 Plus Gold power supplies. Among them are:
Advantages
- Power supplies with 80 Plus Gold certification are highly efficient and reduce electricity consumption over time.
- In comparison with lower-level certifications, they are the most reliable and generate less heat. By choosing this, you can extend the life of your computer’s power supply and other components.
- They are a perfect choice for high-end gaming rigs and other demanding applications.
Disadvantages
- For budget-conscious buyers, 80 Plus Gold power supplies are generally more expensive than lower-level certifications.
- The lower availability makes it harder to find power supply units
80 Plus Platinum PSU
Power supplies with the 80 Plus Platinum certification are also among the most efficient on the market. It is estimated that they have an efficiency of 90% when loaded at 20%, 92% when loaded at 50%, and 89% when loaded at 100%. Their efficiency and reliability make them a popular choice for high-end computers and workstations.
Power supplies with 80 Plus Platinum status have both advantages and disadvantages. They include:
Advantages
- The 80 Plus Platinum power supplies generate less than other lower-end PSUs.
- These PSUs are more reliable that enable your computer components to work faster without any damage.
- Less heat generation extends the lifespan of your power supply as well as your system components.
- These are extremely power efficient and save the cost of electricity bills.
Disadvantages
- These PSUs are not easy to find due to less availability.
- They are a bit more expensive than other low-rating power supplies.
80 Plus Titanium
Power supplies with the 80 Plus Titanium certification are the most highly regarded. At 20% load, their efficiency is 90%; at 50% load, and at 94% at 100% load, it is 90%. For demanding applications, these power supplies are the best option.
Advantages
- These PSUs are power efficient and reliable.
- They add to the performance and productivity of your system and its components.
- In addition to helping to reduce electricity consumption, they help to save money.
- These PSUs are quieter and cooler options for your system.
Disadvantages
- These are a bit pricier than other low-end supplies.
Comparison of 80 Plus Ratings
During extensive research, our gaming geeks have compared the 80 Plus Bronze Vs. Gold Vs. Platinum Vs. Titanium Power Supplies are based on the following criteria.
Comparison of Efficiency
The efficiency level of all 80 Plus ratings, Bronze, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium, varies. All these 80 Plus ratings have different conversion rates from AC ( power drawn from wall sockets) to DC (power delivered to system components). See the comparison table below to understand well the difference in their power efficiency.
Comparison of Cost
80 Plus certification power supplies are more expensive than average and common power supplies. The cost of these 80 Plus PSUs varies from brand to brand and also depends upon their power wattage. Some well-known and high-rated brands cost more than low-rated brands. Have a look at this comparison table.
| 80 Plus Certifications | costs |
| 80 Plus Bronze | $ 44 – $200 |
| 80 Plus Gold | $55 – Upto $200 |
| 80 Plus Platinum | $140 – Upto $300 |
| 80 Plus Titanium | $100 – Upto $500 |
Comparison of Performance
Power supplies with 80 Plus Gold ratings are a good choice for high-end computers and workstations. They are characterized by high efficiency, reliability, and longevity. Alternatively, budget-conscious buyers with basic to moderate computer systems will find 80 Plus Bronze power supplies a good choice.
Power supplies with 80 Plus Platinum certification are a great choice for high-end gaming rigs or systems with high demands, where power efficiency, productivity, and longevity are important considerations. Compared with lower-level certifications, they are also more environmentally friendly. A power supply with 80 Plus Titanium certification is an excellent choice for those seeking high efficiency and high performance for top-tier computers.
Conclusion
We have explained the detailed reviews about 80 Plus power supplies, their efficiency levels, benefits, and shortcomings as well.
Finally, the 80 Plus Bronze-rated power supply is sufficient for a standard desktop PC. A Gold or platinum-rated power supply is recommended for high-performance systems or server applications. Gold and bronze PSUs have approximately the exact costs. If you are a budget-conscious gamer, consider them to save money.
Comparatively, the titanium-rated PSUs are the only certification that assures minimum efficiency at 10% load. Additionally, it’s also more expensive than all 80 Plus certifications. If you want to build a future-proof system, money should not be the only consideration. You should consider the power efficiency and longevity of your gaming rig as well.
Now, you can choose the best one from 80 PLUS Bronze vs. Gold vs. Platinum vs. Titanium power supply according to your requirement and budget.