Have you ever heard of “blacklisted power supplies”? If not, it’s time to change that! It’s a concept that’s gaining popularity year after year among computer enthusiasts and IT professionals. But what exactly is this mysterious list?
Why is the topic important?
Imagine that you are building your dream home. You spend a lot of time choosing the best materials, take care of every detail…. and then you decide to save money on the foundation. Sounds absurd, doesn’t it? And yet many of us do exactly the same thing when assembling a computer – we save on the power supply. Why is this so important? Because the power supply is the very foundation of our computer home!
Blacklisting of power supplies – definition and meaning
What is it actually?
“Black list of power supplies” is an unofficial but widely recognized list of brands and models of computer power supplies that have gained a bad reputation among users and experts. Getting on this list is like receiving a black soup – a clear signal that it is better to stay away from a particular product.
Where did the term come from?
The concept of “blacklisting power supplies” was born out of the frustrations and experiences of thousands of computer users. Imagine that you buy a new power supply, and after a few months your computer starts to behave like a nagging horse – this works, that doesn’t work. Crashes multiply, and you don’t know what the cause is. And suddenly it turns out that the power supply is the culprit. Such stories, repeated hundreds of times, have led to this informal but important list.
Consequences of using blacklisted power supplies
Unstable computer operation
Using a “blacklisted” power supply is like driving a car with a leaking tank – you never know when and where you will stop. Your computer may start to behave unpredictably – unexpected reboots, hangs and even complete shutdowns are just the tip of the iceberg.
Risk of component damage
But that’s not all! Imagine that your power supply is the heart of your computer. If the heart doesn’t work properly, the whole body suffers. It’s the same with your computer – a faulty power supply can damage other, often much more expensive components, such as the processor or graphics card. It’s a bit like trying to feed gasoline to a cat – no good will come of it!
Security issues
Safety is another aspect that should not be forgotten. “Blacklisted” power supplies often do not have adequate protection against surges or short circuits. It’s like driving a car without a seat belt – you may be fine, but is it worth the risk?
Characteristics of blacklisted power supplies
Low build quality
“Blacklisted” power supplies are often products made of low-quality materials. Imagine building a bridge out of paper – it may look nice, but will it hold the weight of a car? The same is true of these power supplies – they may look attractive, but inside they hide poor quality components.
No certificates or security features
Certifications in the world of power supplies are like seat belts in a car – seemingly a small element, but how important! “Blacklisted” power supplies often don’t have any certifications to prove their performance and safety. It’s like buying medicine without clinical trials – risky, right?
Performance issues
Performance is another problem with “blacklisted” power supplies. Often they are not able to deliver the declared power, which is similar to the situation where you bought a ticket to a concert, and at the venue it turns out that you can only listen to music through headphones. Seemingly the same thing, but still not what you expected.
Popular brands on the blacklist
List of manufacturers to avoid
Abko (Suitmaster) | Incore |
Acutake | LEPA |
Akyga | Levicom |
Allied | Linkword |
Altis | LOGISYS |
Andyson (E5) | Logic |
Apex | Megabyte |
Apevia | Mercury |
Aresgame | Metropilis |
Arktik | Mustang |
Armageddon | Newton Power |
Aspire | Octigen |
Austin | Pangu |
Aton | Platin Power |
Bandit Power | Power |
Bestec | Powerfox |
Bondfunx Fire | Powercomp |
BR One | Power Man |
Carbon | Procomp |
Coba | Powertec |
Codegen (C&G) | Q-tec |
Coolmax | Redragon |
ColorSit | RAIDMAX |
COMPAQ | Rubicon |
Computer | Rasurbo |
Diablotek | Ropla |
Deer | Sniper |
Delux | Sansun |
Ecogo True Power | Stability Power |
Everpower | Solid Gear |
Fever | Sparkle |
Four Star | Sun Pro |
Foxtech | Suntek |
Gamemax (Gamepower) | Take Me |
Gembird | TE |
Golden | Tracer |
GoodWatt | Trust |
Hawk | Tronje |
Hedy | Ultra Media |
iCute | Ultron |
Jetek | Win |
Impetus | Xigmatek (Z-Power) |
ISO | XION |
Incore | XPOWER 2nd |
Why are these brands problematic?
These brands are on the “blacklist” for a reason. Often these are manufacturers that put profit above quality and safety. It’s a bit like cheap wine – the price may be attractive, but the next day you may bitterly regret your choice. It’s the same with these power supplies – short-term savings can lead to long-term problems.
How to avoid buying a blacklisted power supply?
Selection of reputable manufacturers
The best way to avoid a “blacklisted” power supply is to choose products from reputable manufacturers. It’s like choosing a restaurant – it’s always safer to go to a place with good reviews than to take a chance on an unknown establishment.
Analysis of opinions and reviews
It’s also a good idea to read other users’ opinions and professional reviews before buying. It’s like asking friends for advice before an important decision – it’s always better to have more information.
Paying attention to certificates
Certifications are another important element. Look for power supplies with 80 PLUS certifications (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium). This is like a passport for a power supply – it confirms its “identity” and quality.
Are all cheap power supplies bad?
Examples of good but cheap power supplies
Not everything that is cheap has to be bad. You can find budget power supplies on the market from reputable manufacturers that offer good quality at an affordable price. It’s like finding a gem in second-hand stores – it takes some effort, but it’s possible.
What to look for when choosing a budget power supply
When choosing a cheap power supply, pay attention to the brand, certifications and user reviews. It’s like buying a used car – you need to carefully check the history and technical condition before making a decision.
Where can we find blacklisted power supplies?
Secondary market
The secondary market is the place where it is easiest to come across a “blacklisted” power supply. It’s like a flea market – you can find real treasures, but it’s also easy to fall into a trap.
Ready-made computer kits
Some ready-made computer kits may include “blacklisted” power supplies. It’s like buying a cat in a bag – at first glance everything looks good, but the devil is in the details.
What if you already have a blacklisted power supply?
The need for replacement
If you find that you have a “blacklisted” power supply, the best solution is to replace it. It’s like replacing a flat tire – it can be inconvenient and expensive, but necessary for safety.
How to replace the power supply safely?
Replacing a power supply is not rocket science, but it requires care. If you do not feel up to it, it is better to entrust this task to a specialist. It’s like repairing a car – some things are better left to professionals.
Why invest in a good power supply?
Investing in a good power supply is like buying a solid foundation for a house. It may not be the most exciting part of construction, but it is undoubtedly one of the most important. A good power supply ensures stable operation of the entire system, protects components from damage and can last for many years.
System stability
Imagine that your computer is the orchestra and the power supply is the conductor. Without a good conductor, even the best musicians can’t create harmonious music. The same goes for the power supply – a good model provides stable voltage and current for all components, which translates into smooth and trouble-free operation of the entire system.
Component protection
A good power supply is also the guardian of your computer. It has a number of safety features that protect your expensive components from surges, short circuits or overheating. It’s like a home alarm system – you may not appreciate it on a daily basis, but in a critical situation it can save all your possessions.
Long-term savings
Although initially the expense of a good power supply may seem large, in the long run it is a savings. A quality power supply can serve for many years and last for several generations of computers. It’s like investing in a good washing machine or refrigerator – initially more expensive, but they serve longer and break down less often.
read power supply specifications?
Power supply specifications can resemble hieroglyphics to the untrained eye. But don’t worry, we’ll decipher them together!
Rated power
Power rating is like engine capacity in a car. The bigger it is, the more “horsepower” your power supply has. But remember – more power does not always mean a better power supply. Choose the right model for your needs.
Efficiency
The efficiency of a power supply is like the fuel consumption of a car. The higher the efficiency, the less energy the power supply wastes on heat. Look for power supplies with 80 PLUS certification – this guarantees good efficiency.
Security
A security list is like a list of airbags in a car. The more, the safer. Look out for abbreviations such as OVP, UVP, OCP, OPP, SCP – each stands for another security feature that protects your computer.
Myths about power supplies
There are many myths circulating in the world of power supplies. It’s time to dispel some of them!
“The more watts, the better.”
It’s like thinking that the bigger the car, the better. Not always! The power supply should be matched to the needs of your system. A power supply that is too powerful is an unnecessary expense and less efficient at low loads.
“All power supplies are the same.”
This is a myth that can cost you a lot of nerves and money. The differences between PSUs are like the differences between restaurants – some offer gourmet meals, others fast food. Choose wisely!
“Modular power supplies are always better.”
Modularity is convenience, but it doesn’t always translate into quality. It’s like choosing between a car with an automatic or manual transmission – each solution has its advantages and disadvantages.
Summary
“Black list of power supplies” is an important tool for anyone who assembles or buys a computer. Remember that the power supply is the foundation of your computer – it is not worth saving on it. When choosing a power supply, be guided by expert opinion, certifications and the manufacturer’s reputation. It’s better to pay a little more at the beginning than to later face problems and possible failures.
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