What You Should Know About 80 Plus Certification for Power Supplies

TLDRThe 80 Plus certification for power supplies only measures efficiency, not overall quality or performance. It does not test for protections, voltage regulation, or voltage ripple. Other factors such as power factor, standby power consumption, and hardware compatibility are not evaluated. The certification process can be manipulated, and fake 80 Plus badges exist. The 80 Plus rating should not be the sole determinant in choosing a power supply.

Key insights

🔋The 80 Plus certification only measures efficiency, not other factors like protections or voltage regulation.

💯The 80 Plus rating does not guarantee overall quality or performance of a power supply.

⚠️Manufacturers can manipulate test results or use fraudulent samples to obtain 80 Plus certification.

🛠️Power supplies with 80 Plus certification may still lack other important features for overclocking or high-performance systems.

🚫The 80 Plus certification is not a reliable indicator of a power supply's quality or compatibility with specific hardware.

Q&A

Does the 80 Plus certification test for protections like overcurrent or overtemperature?

No, the 80 Plus certification only evaluates efficiency and power factor. It does not test for protections or safety features.

What other factors should I consider when choosing a power supply besides its 80 Plus rating?

Some important factors include protections, voltage regulation, voltage ripple, power factor correction, standby power consumption, and compatibility with your hardware.

Can power supplies with an 80 Plus certification still have quality issues?

Yes, the 80 Plus certification only guarantees efficiency, not overall quality or performance. Power supplies may still have issues with voltage regulation, stability, or component quality.

Is it possible to obtain fake or counterfeit 80 Plus badges?

Yes, there have been cases of counterfeit 80 Plus badges. It's important to verify the certification with the official 80 Plus website and research the power supply manufacturer's reputation.

How should I choose a power supply if the 80 Plus rating is not enough to determine its quality?

Consider multiple factors such as protections, voltage regulation, voltage ripple, power factor correction, efficiency at different loads, customer reviews, and reputable brands.

Timestamped Summary

00:01The 80 Plus certification for power supplies only measures efficiency, not overall quality or performance.

00:25The certification process can be manipulated, and fake 80 Plus badges exist.

02:21The 80 Plus certification does not test for protections, voltage regulation, or voltage ripple.

03:14Important factors to consider when choosing a power supply include protections, voltage regulation, voltage ripple, power factor correction, standby power consumption, and compatibility with your hardware.

06:39The 80 Plus certification is not a reliable indicator of a power supply's quality or compatibility with specific hardware.