Tech Talk

SilverStone 80 PLUS power supplies

SEP 2008

What is efficiency?

The function of the power supply is converting the alternating current provided by the power plant into direct current required by normal computer system. The power consumption is unavoidable during the transferring procedure and this result in unusable thermal loss, the difference during the transfer can be named as efficiency.
For example, a power supply with 300W output and 60% efficiency indicates that the alternating current input is 300W but it actually results 180W direct current output (300W x 60% = 180W). If the system requires 300W power, then the input of alternating current will be 500W and this may result in system instability because there will be at least 200W of power consumption transferred into thermal loss that the power supply need to cope with. Therefore, it can be seen that the efficiency is a very import factor to power supply. The higher efficiency of the power supply, the more electricity and cost can be saved and this can reduce the thermal loading of power supply and system.
Formula calculations:
Vac_in x eifficiency = Vdc_out
 　　 Take a system that requires 300W power as example, if it is equipped with a power supply that has 60% efficiency, then the AC input power draw would be 500W. Example : 500W x 60% = 300W  

The definition of 80 PLUS?

Ecos Consulting provided a solution, 80 PLUS audit and certification program, for energy-saving and environment-friendly requirement in 2004. The 80 PLUS program is a unique forum that unites electric utilities, the computer industry and consumers in an effort to bring energy efficient technology solutions to the market place. Moreover, the program indicates the power supply should provide at least 80% efficiency output rate with stability during 20%, 50% and 100% loading in order to avoid unnecessary energy consumption to accomplish energy-saving and environment-friendly goal and ensure consumer can purchase truly high efficiency power supplies.
In addition, Ecos Consulting announced a new four level of efficiency certification standard which are standard, bronze, silver and gold.

Multi-output

80 PLUS

80 PLUS Bronze

Type of PSU

multi O/P, nonredundant

multi O/P, nonredundant

VAC

115VAC

115VAC

Percent Loading

efficiency

pf

efficiency

pf

20%

80%

 

82%

 

50%

80%

.9

85%

.9

100%

80%

 

82%

 

 

 

Multi-output

80 PLUS Silver

80 PLUS Gold

Type of PSU

multi O/P, nonredundant

multi O/P, nonredundant

VAC

115VAC

115VAC

Percent Loading

efficiency

pf

efficiency

pf

20%

85%

 

87%

 

50%

87%

.9

90%

.9

100%

85%

 

87%

 

 

 
The advantage of 80 PLUS certified power supply：
In the past, consumers did not pay attention to high efficiency, a typical power supply with 300W input usually results in 210W output after the current transferring procedure. This means there is only 70% energy that can be provided to the system. To reach full 300W output, a power supply will need at least 430W input, the difference between input and output that transfers into thermal loss reduces the lifetime of power supply and increases the loading of power supply’s cooling fan, often causing uncomfortably high noise level.
If an 80 PLUS certified high efficiency power supply is used, then the user can enjoy the advantage of energy-saving and money-saving to have longer lifetime of power supply, more stability and quiet operating environment.

The Benefits of 80 PLUS:

  1. Save energy
    With high efficiency, the power supply can reduce the consumption of electricity during the current transferring procedure to save energy.
  2. Increase the lifetime of power supply
    High efficiency can reduce heat generated inside the power supply and increase its operating hours
  3. More stable system
    Due reduction of heat generated, the temperature of the power supply can be lower which can also lead to a more stable system
  4. Quiet environment
    A power supply with high efficiency can achieve lower operating temperature so the power supply fan can operate with a lower speed to reduce noise
  5. Save money
    A power supply with high efficiency can reduce the consumption of electricity to save money. For further information about the benefits of 80 PLUS power supply, please refer to the calculating program provided by 80 PLUS official website. https://www.80 PLUS.org/80sav.htm
 
SilverStone 80 PLUS power supplies


Since 2005, SilverStone has already followed the Ecos Consulting regulation to develop several 80 PLUS certified power supplies.



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