Do you offer any discounts?

Yes, AvidWorks offers multiple discounts: Student Discount, Teacher Discount, Elder Discount (60+), Healthcare Worker Discount, and First Responder Discount. All discounts equal 15% off of labor charges. Discounts do not apply to businesses, cost of replacement parts, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Do you offer referral discounts?

Yes, referrers receive 20% off of labor charges on next service and referrals receive 15% off of labor charges. Discounts do not apply to cost of replacement parts and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Do you offer a Service Guarantee?

Yes, all services are guaranteed for 30 days following the initial service date. Any parts that have been replaced and have been damaged due to abuse are not covered under this warranty.

Do you offer Emergency Services?

Yes, AvidWorks offers Emergency Drop-off and On-Site after hour services. These services incur a 50% increased hourly labor charge and are subject to availability. Emergency services are a 2 hour minimum charge with the exception of emergency remote support which is a 1 hour minimum charge.

Understanding Power Supply Units: Choosing the Right PSU

The Power Supply Unit (PSU) is the unsung hero of your computer. It converts wall power into the stable DC electricity that every component needs. A quality PSU ensures system stability, protects your components, and provides headroom for future upgrades. Understanding PSUs is essential for anyone building or upgrading a PC.

What is a PSU?

The power supply unit converts alternating current (AC) from your wall outlet into multiple direct current (DC) voltages that your computer components require. It provides +3.3V, +5V, and +12V rails, with +12V being the most important for modern systems as it powers the CPU and graphics card.

A poor quality PSU can cause system instability, random crashes, and even damage your expensive components. Conversely, a quality PSU with appropriate wattage provides reliable power and protects your investment.

Wattage Requirements

Choosing the right wattage is crucial:

Calculate Your Needs

Use online PSU calculators to estimate your power requirements based on your components. Add up the power draw of your CPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, storage, and other components. Include a buffer of 20-30% for headroom and future upgrades.

Common Wattage Ranges

300-450W – Basic office PCs, light browsing
450-650W – Mid-range gaming, general use
650-850W – High-end gaming, workstations
850W+ – Enthusiast builds, multiple GPUs, heavy workloads

Don't Overbuy

While headroom is good, excessive wattage is wasteful. PSUs are most efficient at 50-80% load. A 1000W PSU for a 400W system will run inefficiently and cost more upfront.

Efficiency Ratings

The 80 Plus certification rates PSU efficiency:

80 Plus – 80% efficiency at 20%, 50%, and 100% load
80 Plus Bronze – 82%, 85%, 82% efficiency
80 Plus Silver – 85%, 88%, 85% efficiency
80 Plus Gold – 87%, 90%, 87% efficiency
80 Plus Platinum – 90%, 92%, 89% efficiency
80 Plus Titanium – 92%, 94%, 90% efficiency

Higher efficiency means less wasted energy (lower electricity bills) and less heat generation. For most builds, Gold certification offers good value. Platinum and Titanium are premium options for efficiency-focused builds.

Modular vs. Non-Modular

Non-Modular

All cables are permanently attached. Less expensive but can lead to cable clutter since you must hide unused cables. Good for budget builds where cable management isn't a priority.

Semi-Modular

Essential cables (motherboard, CPU) are permanently attached, while others (PCIe, SATA) are detachable. Good balance of cost and convenience.

Fully Modular

All cables are detachable. Most expensive but offers the cleanest builds since you only use the cables you need. Ideal for cases with windows and builds where aesthetics matter.

Reliability Features

Quality PSUs include important protective features:

Over-voltage protection (OVP) – Prevents damage from voltage spikes
Under-voltage protection (UVP) – Shuts down if voltage drops too low
Over-current protection (OCP) – Prevents damage from excessive current
Over-power protection (OPP) – Shuts down if total power exceeds rating
Short-circuit protection (SCP) – Protects against short circuits
Over-temperature protection (OTP) – Shuts down if PSU overheats

Choosing the Right PSU

Calculate your power needs – Use a PSU calculator with your specific components
Choose reputable brands – Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic, and be quiet! are trusted manufacturers
Check reviews – Look for professional reviews testing actual performance
Consider warranty – Longer warranties indicate manufacturer confidence
Match your case – Ensure PSU form factor fits your case (ATX, SFX, etc.)
Future-proofing – Consider potential upgrades when choosing wattage

Need Help Choosing a PSU?

AvidWorks helps customers in Kern County select the right power supply for their builds or upgrades. We'll calculate your power needs and recommend quality PSUs that fit your budget and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate the PSU wattage I need?

Calculate total wattage by summing your CPU, GPU, and other components, then add 20-30% headroom for stability and future upgrades. Use online PSU calculators for accurate estimates. Don't underestimate - insufficient power causes instability.

What do PSU efficiency ratings mean?

Efficiency ratings (80 Plus Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium) indicate how efficiently the PSU converts AC to DC power. Higher ratings mean less wasted energy, lower heat output, and lower electricity bills over time.

Why shouldn't I buy a cheap power supply?

Cheap PSUs can deliver unstable voltage, fail unexpectedly, and potentially damage your components. A quality PSU protects your expensive hardware and ensures system stability. Invest in a reputable brand for long-term reliability.