Table of Contents
Introduction
In the world of computers, the power supply is one of the most important components when building PCs. It’s what allows your system to function and if for some reason you got a bad PSU and it fails, everything will stop functioning correctly (and may even cause permanent damage).
For most users, the power supply is also probably the most confusing component. There are a lot of different types, and they all have their own pros and cons.
For this article, we’ll be focusing on modular power supplies. We will discuss in intricate detail what a modular power supply is, how it works, and what the main types are, so without any further ado, let’s get started.
What is a Modular Power Supply
A modular power supply unit is a power supply that can be detached from the system. This means that it doesn’t have to permanently stay plugged in, but instead plugs into a special slot on your motherboard and allows you to remove it when necessary.
This type of power supply is mostly reserved for those who frequently swap out hardware (like video cards or CPUs). It’s not an ideal option for most people as there are also some disadvantages with this setup. We’ll discuss what they are later in the article.
The main advantage of modular power supplies is the ability to detach it from your system when necessary. This is especially helpful for those who are constantly swapping out hardware, updating their computers with new parts or troubleshooting.
However, the main disadvantage of modular power supplies is that it can be a bit more difficult to troubleshoot if something goes wrong.
If you’re not swapping out a lot of hardware, then there is little reason to get one unless you like the idea of being able to detach it when needed.
Types of Modular Power Supply
There are primarily two types of modular power supplies – the semi modular power supply units and the fully modular power supply.
Semi Modular Power Supply
The semi modular power supply unit is a type of power supply that has some components integrated into the unit itself and others detached. The ones that are attached usually include things like the motherboard connector, GPU connectors, CPU fan headers and connections SATA cables
Semi modular power supplies often have detachable cables for each component which you can detach when they need to be repaired or replaced with another one such as if there is an issue with your graphics card
A semi-modular PSU will sometimes come in two pieces – one section includes everything from the ATX 24pin plug onward while the other only features PCIe cable plugs on it.
Advantages
The main advantage of semi modular PSUs is that it’s easier to take apart and repair. Semi modular power supplies can also help in some cases for cable management because you only have the removable cables from one part of your PC plugged into the unit and the rest are plugged into the wall
A semi modular PSU is also beneficial for a system with multiple graphics card setups. When you’re using two or more cards, it’s often necessary to plug in certain custom cables that go to other components such as your motherboard and memory sticks
Another advantage of a semi modular is that they are more aesthetically pleasing to the eye as you can hide wires.
Disadvantages
The primary disadvantage of a semi modular PSU is that they are more expensive than a standard PSU because the cables cost money
Semi modular power supplies can also be difficult for beginners as they do not come with instructions on where each cable goes or what it’s used for
The other disadvantage of semi modular PSUs is that there isn’t much room inside most cases, so if your PC has an ATX form factor motherboard then you’ll have some problems fitting this type of PSU into your PC case without taking out certain components such as hard drives and optical drives first
Fully Modular Power Supply
A fully modular power supply is a power supply that has been designed to use with a single rail and all of its dedicated cables are detachable. It is best suited for those who want to have a better cable management since all of the excess cables are detachable from the power supply.
Fully modular power supplies are very popular among gamers as well because they help to reduce cable clutter and make a more organized setup. Some people might not want this type of power supply because it can be difficult to replace cables back inside if you need them later on for future upgrades.
Advantages
The primary advantage of fully modular power supplies is that it helps you to reduce the clutter and makes an organized setup. It also allows for a more efficient system because of how easy it is to add on or take off cables from the power supply as needed.
With fully modular PSUs, you can also expect lesser dust build-up, as the power cables will be less likely to get coiled around inside your case.
You can also notice improved air flow inside your PC case, as the cables attached are not coiled and will be able to move freely.
Disadvantages
The primary disadvantage of fully modular PSUs is that they can cost a bit more than traditional ones. Another thing you have to watch out for when using this type of power supply is making sure all cables are put back in correctly if you need them again later on; otherwise it might get difficult.
You also have to take note that with a fully modular PSU, you have to make sure that the power cables are put back in correctly as needed. If not, then it can be a bit of an annoyance and time-waster because the cable will need to be pulled out again and reinserted into the power supply system.
Head to Head Comparison: Fully Modular Power Supply vs Semi Modular Power Supply
Airflow
In terms of airflow, fully modular PSUs are better than semi modular power supply units because modules can be mounted in a way that ensures the airflow is not blocked by cables.
With semi modular power supplies, airflow will be impeded by the cables which will lead to the computer’s components getting hot faster than they would with a fully modular PSU.
Temperature Regulation
When it comes to temperature, fully modular power supplies are better than what semi modular PSUs offer because they provide an optimum cooling environment. With a fully modular power supply, the custom cables can be placed in such a way that it doesn’t impede airflow to and from the PC components of your device.
Cooling Quality
The cooling quality is another factor that can affect your decision. In general, a semi-modular power supply will be hotter than a fully modular one because it doesn’t allow for much good airflow to reach the computer components.
With a fully modular PSU, you can place main cables where they are most effective at providing cooling air so no part of the device gets too hot or too cold.
This also means there’s less heat generation inside an enclosure which generally leads to longer component life spans and less noise from fans due to them running slower or faster all the time
Efficiency
A fully modular is more efficient because it can route the main cables in a way that provides optimal airflow. This also means there’s less heat generation inside an enclosure which generally leads to longer component life spans and less noise from fans due to them running slower or faster all the time.
Semi-modular power supplies are not as good at routing, so they have higher resistance against flow of electricity. That increases voltage drop (wasted energy) on long wires leading into the device – enough to affect performance when loading high demand tasks like games with lots of graphics rendering or streaming HD content for example.
The main difference between these two types becomes most apparent when you’re applying heavy loads such as gaming, video editing and other CPU-intensive loads.
What is a Non Modular Power Supply?
A non modular power supply is one that has a set number of permanently attached cables which are hardwired to the power supply and cannot be changed or rearranged.
Non modular PSUs is a power supply that has a set number of pre attached cables and cannot be changed. This means once you’ve used those outlets for your computer’s needs, it can no longer be easily reused to work with another device because you would need to buy a new cable just for this single task.
This type of PSU is also known as “fixed” by some tech gurus; meaning it doesn’t offer any changeable features (such as length). So when using the connector cord from one end of your fixed PSU to an outlet in the other corner of where your desk sits – you get whatever length the cable has to offer.
Advantages
The advantages of non modular power supplies are, for one thing, you don’t have to worry about making sure all cables are put back in correctly when needed because all are pre attached; another advantage of non modular power supplies is that they’re less likely to break because there’s not any excess wires hanging around.
Non modular power supply also tends to cost less than their fully-modular counterparts and this is because of the simplicity of design.
There’s also an aesthetic advantage to using non modular power supply as well, which is that you don’t have any unsightly cables cluttering up your desk (this can be especially advantageous for those who work in modern studio offices).
Finally, there are the more technical advantages of this type of PSU: namely efficiency and frequency response; both of these benefits come from their fixed nature.
While there may not be any conclusive evidence either way on which type of PSU offers greater longevity – most people choose non-modular PSUs because they want to save money since it’s cheaper and simpler, while those looking at efficiency will opt for modular options.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of non modular psu are that they’re less efficient because you’re using more energy to power a system than necessary and this is due to the fact that one cable only carries electrical current for one device. They also require more space when compared with modular PSUs, as unused cables have nowhere else to go but dangle around your desk, resulting to poor cable management. And finally, they can be difficult or even impossible to troubleshoot if something goes wrong – assuming you don’t know what all the wires do in advance.
Modular Power Supply vs Non Modular Power Supply – Which is Better?
Modular vs Non Modular: Airflow
With regards to airflow, modular power supplies are more efficient than non modular power supplies. This is because they have an open design and better cable management which allows for maximum airflow and heat dissipation.
As a result, the modular PSU will be able to run cooler than before, while still supplying enough electricity to your computer system.
In addition to that, this also helps reduce noise generated by the fan inside your device as it won’t need to spin at such high speeds anymore in order for it cool down effectively.
Modular vs Non Modular: Temperature Regulation
Modular PSUs are better in terms of temperature regulation compared to non modular power supplies. This is because they often have a larger heat sink which dissipates the generated heat more efficiently than before.
In addition to that, this also helps with regulating and controlling the voltage output from your device for improved stability and better performance as well.
As a result, compared to non modular options, you’ll find that modular power supplies will be able to run cooler while still providing enough electricity at all times without generating too much noise or vibration in your computer system either.
Modular vs Non Modular: Efficiency
Modular power supplies are better in terms of efficiency as well compared to non modular psu. As a result, you’ll find that modular PSU will often be able to operate at higher levels for longer periods of time without overheating or getting too hot.
This is mostly due to the fact that they don’t have all the connections mixed together and can more effectively regulate their voltage input by using larger heat sinks which dissipates the generated heat faster and more efficiently than before.
As such, you won’t need your device’s wattage rating increased because these types of modular PSUs already come with enough watts inside them so this isn’t an issue when it comes down to operating long-term on one setting regardless. The main downside here though would probably just be the initial cost.
What Power Supply is Best for Me?
From the comparison above, we can say that modulars are the undisputed choice, but it all still come down to what your device needs. If you have any older devices that don’t need a lot of power then the modular power supply might not be for you as it just won’t work out in this case so well.
The only way to really find out is by checking the specifications on your current or new PC before deciding if something like this would suit you best.
Some people also prefer modular power supply units for better cable management, but that is all personal preference. When it comes down to things like this but for most situations, I would say go ahead and try out something more simple so there isn’t any extra set up time or complications later on after buying a new type of power supply units.
There are plenty of great options available where they come from these days too so regardless of what you need, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find what you’re looking for.
Conclusion
Modular PSUs are an excellent option for those looking to save space and increase efficiency in their electronics. They’re also great if you need a lot of flexibility when it comes to powering your components without the hassle of having to swap them out or rearrange wiring every time they come up short on voltage.
We hope this article was helpful to you as you decide which type of power supply units would work best for your project! If you have any questions or comments about our blog post, please share them below. As always, we love hearing from our readers so feel free to comment with anything on your mind.
FAQ
What does a fully modular power supply mean?
A fully modular power supply unit means that the device cables and other cables inside are not fixed to a specific unit in the circuit board but rather they can be plugged into any of their inputs. This enables for adjustments in setup or length requirement as needed.
Are modular PSU less efficient?
The answer is that the efficiency of a modular PSU is largely identical to those you can find in non-modular PSUs.
The reason for this is because the vast majority of manufacturers use top quality components, regardless of whether or not it’s installed on a modular system. A standard ATX PSU converts 3% to 5% less power than its rated wattage; so as long as the unit falls within this range, both regular psu and modular versions will achieve near identical results.
Should I get a semi modular PSU?
Semi-modular ones that require you to only plug in the wires for the components it needs, have a higher price to performance ratio compared to regular power supplies. They are going to also be more efficient because they will not heat up your other unused excess cables. If you have extra money and want to get a new PSU, a semi modular PSU is an excellent choice for high end gaming PC build that use multiple graphics cards and need more cabling.
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