Uploaded January 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
This video is part four of a multi-part series about the process of choosing components needed to build a PC. This video considers how to choose a power supply and cooling solution. Other episodes cover different components, so subscribe to get notifications for them!
Power Supply Unit
The PSU (power supply unit) is an often-overlooked part of a build. However, your system won’t work without one. Supplying power to your components is critical for a stable, long-lasting build. Some cases have an in-built PSU that can make the overall build easier, at the cost of flexibility. Commonly people ask, “How many watts is enough for my PSU?” The answer will vary depending on your system. The OuterVision Power Supply Calculator is an invaluable tool for determining this: outervision.com/power-supply-calculator
As a rule, err on the side of higher wattage instead of an exact match. This gives you some overhead and allows for future upgrades or add-ons with higher power demands.
The next decision is: modular or semi-modular PSU? A full modular PSU has no pre-attached cables. It’s more expensive but allows you to only attach the cables needed for your system, reducing clutter and improving airflow. A semi-modular PSU has all the essential cables pre-attached and is a bit less expensive. A non-modular PSU has all necessary cables pre-attached, including some you may not need. Height and bulk are attributes to consider, as well as sound levels. Depending on your chosen PC case, aesthetics might even be a factor.
Each PSU will have an efficiency rating: the amount of power provided to the components divided by the amount of power drawn at the wall. A 50% efficiency gives 50W to the system, but takes 100W from the grid. Better efficiency means less waste. Waste is bad for heat and can potentially damage other components. Heat is the ultimate enemy of any system and must be eliminated at all costs. Cooling methods are paramount for PCs. Quiet and flashy aftermarket cooling systems are available: using air or liquid.
Cooling
Both air and liquid CPU coolers operate on a similar principle and do essentially the same thing: absorb heat from the CPU and redistribute it away from the hardware. Air is the cheaper of the two options, and you can choose the size, speed, and look of the fan you want to install. Some fans are designed for high airflow and are great for cases, moving air from one section to another. Static pressure fans are designed to push air more strongly to a specific component, or for cases with small vents or airflow blockages. Multiple fans typically mean more cooling and more noise.
Builders seeking funky aesthetics, less noise, or high-performance cooling may consider liquid cooling. In the past people built systems using parts such as aquarium pumps, but things are more standardized these days. Parts (such as water blocks, pumps, radiators, fans, water reservoirs) can be purchased individually or as a starter kit or all-in-one system. While challenging, liquid cooling can be fun and rewarding to implement.
With this episode, we have covered all the major components required to build your very own PC! Optional extras include an optical drive. While they are not commonly used these days, they are cheap. If you don’t have one, it can be annoying to find a workaround. If your motherboard doesn’t offer Bluetooth or wireless functionality, you can get a wireless card or Bluetooth USB adapter. A sound card may be helpful for when on-motherboard audio isn’t enough. Peripherals are also important: keyboard, mouse, and monitor at minimum. Finally, an operating system to suit your personal needs.
We want to hear how your build is going! Do you have any questions? Remember, building your own PC is the best way to get bang for your buck in terms of performance, as well as grade-A bragging rights. Best of luck with your builds!
Got questions about the video or Kingston products? COMMENT or contact us on SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: twitter.com/kingstontech
Instagram: instagram.com/kingstontechnology
Facebook: facebook.com/kingstontechnology
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kingston
__________________________________
SUBSCRIBE for more DIY in 5 videos, and receive updates on the latest in Kingston’s memory & storage development, plus guides on getting peak performance from your hardware:
youtube.com/channel/UCLlmpSSdRdFbd_p9oNPcGfA
0:00 Intro
0:48 Power Supply Unit
2:52 Cooling
4:50 Other Components
5:26 Outro
This video is part four of a multi-part series about the process of choosing components needed to build a PC. This video considers how to choose a power supply and cooling solution. Other episodes cover different components, so subscribe to get notifications for them!
Power Supply Unit
The PSU (power supply unit) is an often-overlooked part of a build. However, your system won’t work without one. Supplying power to your components is critical for a stable, long-lasting build. Some cases have an in-built PSU that can make the overall build easier, at the cost of flexibility. Commonly people ask, “How many watts is enough for my PSU?” The answer will vary depending on your system. The OuterVision Power Supply Calculator is an invaluable tool for determining this: outervision.com/power-supply-calculator
As a rule, err on the side of higher wattage instead of an exact match. This gives you some overhead and allows for future upgrades or add-ons with higher power demands.
The next decision is: modular or semi-modular PSU? A full modular PSU has no pre-attached cables. It’s more expensive but allows you to only attach the cables needed for your system, reducing clutter and improving airflow. A semi-modular PSU has all the essential cables pre-attached and is a bit less expensive. A non-modular PSU has all necessary cables pre-attached, including some you may not need. Height and bulk are attributes to consider, as well as sound levels. Depending on your chosen PC case, aesthetics might even be a factor.
Each PSU will have an efficiency rating: the amount of power provided to the components divided by the amount of power drawn at the wall. A 50% efficiency gives 50W to the system, but takes 100W from the grid. Better efficiency means less waste. Waste is bad for heat and can potentially damage other components. Heat is the ultimate enemy of any system and must be eliminated at all costs. Cooling methods are paramount for PCs. Quiet and flashy aftermarket cooling systems are available: using air or liquid.
Cooling
Both air and liquid CPU coolers operate on a similar principle and do essentially the same thing: absorb heat from the CPU and redistribute it away from the hardware. Air is the cheaper of the two options, and you can choose the size, speed, and look of the fan you want to install. Some fans are designed for high airflow and are great for cases, moving air from one section to another. Static pressure fans are designed to push air more strongly to a specific component, or for cases with small vents or airflow blockages. Multiple fans typically mean more cooling and more noise.
Builders seeking funky aesthetics, less noise, or high-performance cooling may consider liquid cooling. In the past people built systems using parts such as aquarium pumps, but things are more standardized these days. Parts (such as water blocks, pumps, radiators, fans, water reservoirs) can be purchased individually or as a starter kit or all-in-one system. While challenging, liquid cooling can be fun and rewarding to implement.
With this episode, we have covered all the major components required to build your very own PC! Optional extras include an optical drive. While they are not commonly used these days, they are cheap. If you don’t have one, it can be annoying to find a workaround. If your motherboard doesn’t offer Bluetooth or wireless functionality, you can get a wireless card or Bluetooth USB adapter. A sound card may be helpful for when on-motherboard audio isn’t enough. Peripherals are also important: keyboard, mouse, and monitor at minimum. Finally, an operating system to suit your personal needs.
We want to hear how your build is going! Do you have any questions? Remember, building your own PC is the best way to get bang for your buck in terms of performance, as well as grade-A bragging rights. Best of luck with your builds!
Got questions about the video or Kingston products? COMMENT or contact us on SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: twitter.com/kingstontech
Instagram: instagram.com/kingstontechnology
Facebook: facebook.com/kingstontechnology
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kingston
__________________________________
SUBSCRIBE for more DIY in 5 videos, and receive updates on the latest in Kingston’s memory & storage development, plus guides on getting peak performance from your hardware:
youtube.com/channel/UCLlmpSSdRdFbd_p9oNPcGfA
0:00 Intro
0:48 Power Supply Unit
2:52 Cooling
4:50 Other Components
5:26 Outro
