Choosing a power supply. Modular vs Non-Modular (NCIX Tech Tips #57)

In the episode, Linus is going to show you the differences between a standard power supply vs a semi-modular power supply and a fully modular power supply.

[@nikolaarsovskiii]

watching this in 2016 and linus talking about a best of a PSU that is 500w...

[@FroztiProductions]

Things haven't changed much, but we have graphics cards that are more than 4x as efficient just around the corner.

[@op8ztv]

​@@FroztiProductions they're here, and they run on 500w lol...the irony

[@FroztiProductions]

@@op8ztv If you tuned them down to be as slow as previous gens, they wouldn't use that much wattage.

[@Dragoevo2]

Nikola Arsovski I dare you to watch this now in 2020

[@WlyAt]

Seeing linus from 2009 in 2019. Damn

[@PhatChris221]

Im guessing when you buy a fully modular PSU all the cables come in the box, just not plugged in...

[@IsoMacintosh]

Yes, Sometimes they even come in a nice storage bag.

[@samsunglg6671]

Great , the visual aid made it easier to understand.

[@adamneulander]

anyone watching when ncix is bankrupt, and linus has his own channel

[@AVENSTIN]

learned something new thnx

[@DigitalDyslexia]

I am building a PC with 12 hard drives and am therefore offended.

[@Javier64691]

Why so many drives? Building a server or what?

[@DigitalDyslexia]

Someone told me I needed a lot gigibytes of ram so I got a whole bunch

[@buickrhadizninentyroblox7468]

UberEvanGaming Are you a troll?

[@DigitalDyslexia]

Buickrhadizninenty ROBLOX Yes :p

[@DGneoseeker1]

A Corsair 950W has effectively filled my mid-tower case with cables...

[@dyzio2206]

there are psu calculators but since you have a 650 go for a 600 or a 750 if you plan to add an sli.. it is good to have spare power but not overkill on that aspect (ie getting a 1000+ watt psu for your system.. )

[@BayLeafff]

Their*

[@joshua7606]

Boi*

[@RiTutorials]

yes but we see a difference in fps. we can still detect a silght difference between 100 and 500 fps. 24 fps looks like a moving image but we can detect it being more choppy.

[@0V3CHKiN]

Good examples of a semi-modular PSU are the OCZ ModXStream Pro, Thermaltake Toughpower, SeaSonic M12II, COOLER MASTER Silent Pro, CORSAIR CMPSU, etc... You are missing the hidden marketing message in this as he's trying to showcase those three PSUs to us. Some people will not realize the Antec is oversized, buy it and realize it won't work. The TP750 would have been the ideal choice to use in that case. No, I was not referring to the power output of mod vs non-mod.

[@PinoyZo1]

Do fully modular come with the detachable cables or will you have to buy those by itself?

[@pcgamingtoday5471]

Pinoy Zoi They do

[@ParkourGaming]

PhysX doesn't affect benchmarks. It adds some extra effects, but only in a few games. Unless some billowing flags, debris, and other effects are that important, you don't need it. You can make your CPU do PhysX, and be just fine. Remember, these effects only need PhysX in a few games, so unless you end up playing one of those games, you won't notice any differences in your experience.

[@chronofusion]

HOWEVER, if you plan to overclock either the cpu or video card or both. I recommend a psu with single 12 rail of 45 amp at total 750 or 800 watts ( corsair, antec, nzxt have never failed me in my 16 years of pc building 55 pc's for 50 different customers)

[@StriderGMG]

a 1500 watt silverstone one is only 340 with tax in canada, and it's fully modular, that's the same price as a 3770K or 4770K, so if you can pay for that, you can buy the 1500W PSU

[@Combatsmithen]

Wow. ANCIENT VIDEO

[@HypnosisASMR]

thanks! I was trying to upgrade my computer and this video helps a lot!

[@Jagsterarea51]

what? who doesn't have 12 hard drives in there pc???

[@vBDKv]

I got a big ol' Storm Trooper so I can hide the cables in my non-modular PSU just fine (and easy as well). However next time I'll get a modular as I now have a side window.

[@TheSecretCobra]

I was afraid originally of non-modular PSU but Semi-Modular PSUs like the HX 1050 really isn't that big of a deal since you need those cables anyway.

[@23laulau23]

If you have a case like the aerocool xpredator you can buy a non modular powersupply and it will be look better than with a modular. But if you have a xigmatek ... it's better to have a fully modular power supply. So it all remains on the case

[@MrEPiiKK]

going for a 700w is a safe choise, if you have one modern gpu and something like an i5 cpu, go for anything from 600w and up.

[@TehRafiki]

yes it does, the old ones don't but as of 2 years ago they do and they run at 50 - 60 on 720 and 1080 most games that have been released to the 360 as of 12 months ago can run up to 60.

[@FloofyTanker]

Linus, You are everywhere!

[@madanger6877]

yeah lol

[@thesmallterror]

@THEJEDEYEMASTER they stuff these pictures away. for newegg, you have to open the product page and then click on the picture of the product to see all the pictures. This is case with almost every single product because they took more than 4 pictures. they also stuff the 360 spin in there as well.

[@shaban96]

@HookEchoMedia modular & non modular from the same company has the same quality. the reason u skipped on ur latest build was to save some bucks coz modular costs more. also the benefits of modular PSUs is lets say after like a couple of years u wanna change ur PSU all u have to do is remove the PSU & let the cables stay where they are so u can replace it with another modular PSU. btw is ur AX750 from corsair totally silent? i have heard it is

[@PlayerNineteen]

Gaming machine: i5 3570k 8 Gigs Haven't decided on G-Card, up to the 7870 or 660ti Standard 7200rpm HDD ASrock pro mobo 6 fans, maybe a corsair h60

[@h8stupidppl]

He does explain things in a great , simple yet so fascinating way... like an old friend telling you a joke on the side of a fire camp... or a weird uncle telling you jokes at x-mas eve ... or that weirdo of the park that keeps farting

[@RiTutorials]

infact, human eye can can data thats millions of of "FPS" because photons move at millions of m/s. Our brain however can only process around a thousand fps.

[@TheRooster94]

Antec Neo Eco 620W (non modular) - $89 or Silverstone Strider Plus 600W (modular) - $99 Which would be better? Case I'm getting is a CM HAF 912 (Advanced)

[@TheBibliofilus]

Wow Linus, being a self made man and a boss has really aged you...

[@SkilleSkill]

So Linus is saying Fully Modular is pretty much the way to go. Sweet.

[@rfrakctured]

Thanks for the thumbs up, people. I've taken the comment down, though. People are right, this IS a video about power supplies, and a good one at that. Sorry for the tangent.

[@brianawesome100]

i come from average house hold. my parents make about 70k combined. when it comes to money, anything i can save with or get for free, i take advantage of. i have also looked into trying to get a pell grant when im a bit older, because with the money i get from working and scholarships, the pell grant would help me save more.

[@ParkourGaming]

Either will be fine, very reliable companies, but I would go for the EVGA if you plan on using a lot of stuff.

[@PvMLad]

lets say you need 100w to run your pc but you put in a 1000w power supply the computer will still run fine as if you had put in the 100w power supply. having a bigger power supply will not harm your pc it will just mean if you need more power it will give it and if you dont need more power than thats fine as it will only give you what you want. i advise you go for a decent brand and do not go cheap on the powersupply as if it blows out it can potentially take out your whole system.

[@PlayerNineteen]

Yeah guys thanks for the advice. I didn't really listen to you but thanks for the responses. I ended up getting a 860W SeasSonic 80+ Platinum PSU. About 250 more than I need for expansion in the future. NEVER SKIMP ON A PSU!

[@josephsawatsky]

watching this in 2020 linus with his brick microphone times have changed!!olex molex lol

[@ChickenJoeLV45]

What an adventure! Go ahead and choose your side guys!

[@benamiguy]

you might wanna get some more.... 620W is the minimal wattage for high end PCs

[@Itachi5050]

@abdulz671 but it costs more to include a modular interface instead of hardwiring the wires into the PSU

[@SnowGolem1TheL33t]

Wrong! Gameplay has yet to utilize 1920x2080 resolutions, the gui may be 1080p but the graphics ingame is still 720p. In the end of the day we all know PC is better in every aspect.

[@Leo-eq1hc]

The Xbox locks most games at 30 fps for a consistently smooth motion perception. Computer components and computational tasks make the fps on most PC games spike...is the screen you're looking at currently flickering? (its running at 60hz most likely)...so what is the point in having over 60 fps if the monitor only registers 60? PC Gamer's like myself consider a minimum of 30 fps to be a very acceptable viewing experience.

[@filiphedman4392]

A Wireless Power supply Would Be Nice To See.

[@BadBlenderProjects]

I'm not expert or anything, but maybe look at PC Power and Cooling Silencer MK III 600W semi-Modular 80PLUS Bronze($99), Seasonic SS-560KM 560w fully-modular 80PLUS Gold($125), or a SILVERSTONE ST60F-P 600W fully-modular 80PLUS Bronze($115 or $95 with a rebate), would be a nice choice?(prices from newegg and not including shipping)

[@DigitalDyslexia]

I put an Antec 60,000w non-modular in a BitFenix Prodigy, should I be worried?

[@Patapon1222]

I has a whale net with no cable management holes, Now my power supply can cook my breakfast!

[@CptShevu]

if implemented right (like in batman and borderlands 2) it is pretty nice, but there are hardly any games which do make use of it at all, so imho it's negligible.

[@toastybatch565]

I have an octopus nest inside my case. Luckily its a haf 922 so it fits them all.

[@ianmarvinchu]

so with non modular you cant put optional chassis fan below the case?

[@josephlai5336]

wow 8 years ago Linus..

[@enriconapolitano4321]

Rubbish, I like fully wired PSU

[@jonn093]

great job man

[@danisflying]

If its on the top then yes, if its facing the ground then you have a problem

[@abangsenang8705]

I don't know linus is not linus in this video 🤣

[@FranticSelf]

Does the Silverstone non-modular PSU include some of the cables (not attached, obviously), or do I have to buy them separately?

[@bmpx44]

hey guys. im choosing which power supply i will get. the 80 plus or the non 80 plus. I don't care about the power consumption. I need the performance and reliability. please answer me

[@mpk3208]

Do the cables come with the fully modular one in the box

[@crispyrice9461]

Yes, unless you bought a really shady power supply

[@turner2123]

What could happen if you installed an graphic card with needed an power supply, but didnt had one but use it anyway? ps: sorry for my english and lack of knowledge about pc's

[@ZenGarden99]

I got a Recom Power Engine M500, 500watt and it hold a Q6600 at 4100 mhz and a GTX285 with oc, so a 650 watt power supply is good enough fot that configuration

[@XxTR1CELLxX]

So if i build a Pc, that only needs 600 Watts, and I get 1000w Power Supply, it will not harm the Components only give me more options to give power too!

[@THEJEDEYEMASTER]

great video BRAVO! Can anyone tell me why when I look at pictures of PSU's on newegg or the mfr websites, they don't show the cables? Meaning they don't show the side with the cables coming out. Only the vent side, top and bottom sides..why is this? it would be nice to see what cables they include. And this is for non/modular units. On another note, I think antec could have used a rubber gromet on the base connections where the cables go into teh case. it looks quite horrible.

[@Sloppyjoe96]

im getting a 600w semi-modular one but the only things that are permanently pluged to it are the 20/24-pin and the 8/4-pin

[@nathandaven]

Instead of replying to the cave troll, how about we ignore him so he might go out side and turn to rock?

[@HoodedStatue]

Thanks 2009 linus .lol

[@candoslayer]

yes it is very good i would highly reccomend getting it

[@Sebal007]

if i have a modular psu, can i connect a 6pin to 8pin cable and a 6pint to 6pin extender to two of the remaining slots, to power a gpu which needs 8+6?

[@wewillrockyou1986]

HUH???? In games, especially twitch shooters like CoD, BF, and also games like LoL and Dota 2, I can easily notice the difference between 55 and 60 fps... Between 60 and 120 is also noticeable, I find the game more responsive on my laptops built in monitor (120Hz), than on my external monitor (60Hz). Also due to a strange mechanic in the quake engine CoD allows you to strafe further at 125, 250 or 333 fps. PC>Console... And if you already get a pc for some games why not use it for the rest?

[@Akileze]

I humbly disagree that manufacturers stay away from modular designs simply as a matter of cost. You're talking about a dollar or two worth of connectors at the volume wholesale level if that. Adding a connector in line with a power feed is adding a resistance. This is the reason PSU manufacturers prefer a non-modular design as do demanding users. It's the technical aspects of connectors .. not the cost.

[@Changtent]

So what is that case? ... I like it

[@Akileze]

If you're using an on-line PSU wattage calculator they are designed to factor in all of your devices drawing max current simultaneously. These calculators also build in some breathing room on the order of ~10-20%. So, yes, a 700w PSU is more than adequate for your immediate needs plus some nominal future growth.

[@samljer]

My cousin actually converted a normal PS to a modular one but cutting off ALL the unused wires after he hooked up his machine then put electrical tap on the ends each "he left them about 1 inch long" instant modular. He could also put them back on as he has a solder iron if he needs. Saved $50 DIY modular PS :D lol i wont do it though. dont have a working solder gun.

[@GoldSrc_]

That's not 100% true, FPS games will always be better with mouse and keyboard while Third person games, fighting games, racing games, will always be better with a controller, which you can connect to a PC. Try to play your favorite FPS game in a console without aim-assist, Aim-assist = no skill.

[@GoldSrc_]

The human eye sees "light", not frames per second. The higher the fps on a video just makes the picture fluid. To get something closer to the fluidity of the human eye, you will need over 400 fps, and i said fluidity, not frames per second.

[@debentamuli7639]

i am using amd fx8350 8 core processor, gigabyte 990xa ud3 motherboard, 16 gb ram, 2 gb DDR% graphics card, deep cool 240 radiator cooler, 1 tb hdd in a NZXT P240 case... so can anyone suggest how much PSU watt supply do i need to run the cpu.

[@brianesquinas]

can a 1000-1500 watt PSU can support Core i7 3980x OC to 5.2GHz 64GB RAM 4x Intel SSD in RAID 0+1 4x Seagate HDD RAID 10 Quad SLI GTX 690 classified hydro copper. 12 120mm Fans for 4x 360mm RADS. and the rest of the pc parts

[@atomicgiraffe250]

Corsair HX. I never seen the point of fully modular. Your gonna HAVE to use the 24 pin, 8 pin, and on higher end PSUs like an 850 W is the PCI E connector (not like ur gonna use an i3 w/ integrated graphics with a 850 W PSU)

[@malo6748]

hello 2019

[@BIOSHOCKFOXX]

@nickdog670 because i didn't said "he is" , i said something like in other words "it sounds..." not that "he is" , that's the thing what i said. :) i should say then "don't misunderstood me"

[@techking00107]

thanks a lot for this info

[@GoldSrc_]

I have no idea, but hey! is the comments section of a KZbin video. I honestly never expected that to happen, I only clicked on that Reply thing and typed some stuff.

[@Spellregent]

wow, I never knew there are non modular power supplys, thanks, gonna buy myself immediately one at monday, they rock, my TX 750 watt modular PSU sucks big time :(

[@ryank0351]

Thermaltake??? I have red color rear fan just like that in my thermaltake armor

[@andy919896]

What you said, You don't have a FPS on the corner of your eyes. Humans can tell the difference between 30,60,120fps. ONLY if you're an expert.

[@XxTR1CELLxX]

Im building A computer, because the one I have is Good, for fraps 60FPS and Some High CPU And APU Usage, but I cant play the games I want, I got all the things down but a POWERSUPPLY, Im really Confused about this Conponent. If u buy a Bigger Power Supply then ur Computer takes (Wattage) Would it ruin the Computer or just run the Components u pick fine and no-over Wattage

[@vBDKv]

CM Storm Trooper says hello. It's got so much room, you can tuck all the cables you don't use completely out of the way. Awesomesauce.

[@PsyDin_]

@dmn1n If it's for gaming an i5 760 6870 system with one HDD can go up to like 550 Watts if you have a case with plenty of fans.

[@RedFez]

I can't see any point in having the 24 pin and 4/8pin motherboard connectors being modular, since you are always going to need them!

[@romann921]

Informative, thank you.

[@jonathanlangston2636]

Thanks I just ran across a problem with a new graphic card needing power that i didn't know what to do because my power supply didn't have the proper cables and it confused the heck out of me and now i know i need a "Modular" Power Supple for it to work and i had no idea what a modular power supply was till today. Thanks!!!

[@manlazy602]

I'm only 14 and I'm the biggest nerd in my school I know so much about PC's now I watched all around 100 of his videos. xD

[@asapshazzy]

The human eye can only takes 24 frames per second not to see individual frames. After that, it's just a smoother video

[@gusevidente584]

I have a thermaltake 430 Watt PSU abd i am currently running the FX8120 with an asus m5a97 le r2.0 motherboard, and its cooled with 5 case fans and a CM seidon 240M, I am going to add a gtx 760 and i wanna know if i need to upgrade my power supply and i also plan on overclocking my system as well. Can someone please give me a response? I dont want to gert a bigger Power supply if i dont need it.

[@freakyfox5229]

all this shit is just so stupid. First @treebro001 u are so right! Human eye dont see in FPS -.-* Second have you not tried to play on 120 fps vs 60 or 60 vs 40 (XBOX 360 or PS3) dont play smart and think you know all kind of stuff that u dont know about! A TV at 600 Hz (600fps) is also ALOT smoother than an average pc screen (60Hz / FPS) I am used to 60 FPS and have never tryed 120 Hz or 144 Hz screens. But im sure about, when u get used to 120, then 60 will be hard to get used to again.

[@johnbnimble1911]

When it is receiving the light projected from a screen it does. You're confusing the source with the receiver. A screen (aka, the source in this subject) displays small bits of motion at a time. Video is not live action and reflecting light directly to your eyes, it is a recording or an animated rendering. The only way to convey this to your eyes is through a Frame Rate (a speed rate of "captured motion stills"). Each frame will show things in a slightly different position to convey motion.

[@johnbnimble1911]

You're limiting yourself to believing in what you feel is'nt possible. Just because someone has told you so, does not make it so. Experiments are never conclusive, ask a scientist, they're only expositions of the norms and variables. You forget that human bodies are capable learning. As we apply ourselves to certain arts we are training our bodies and minds to improve in ways we want them to. Does a musician not "train" their ears? So, can a gamer not train their eyes? definity has no place here

[@Hijynx87]

The response and ghosting is a HUGE difference... try a 120hz monitor and you will change your mind as well as do 20x better in all of your competitive games. We might only be able to see 30fps, but that doesn't mean the world runs at 30fps. Get what I'm saying? Things look MUCH smoother. That being said there really is nothing wrong with gaming at 40fps, but know it gets WAY better.

[@Itskiryl33397]

Big steam sales (around 7 times a year) - gets you any game title at 75% off, so average price for a game is 10$ (even new ones) + free multiplayer. Xbox - $30 to $60 + $40 each year. Then how about you try editing photos, creating presentations/text files, reports, games, videos, websites, running emulators (all consoles including Xbox), having awesome graphics and play any games (no matter the console), manage devices, create any content imaginable on your Xbox..... Shall I continue the list?

[@basedyo]

Thank god I stopped buying xbox's for gaming.... PC, more fps, higher res, WAY better quality, mods, easier/faster control, no little kids screaming over live, free online, no scratched discs, can save games onto the computer, don't have to drive over to a store to buy a game, can record games for free without buying capture card, and anyways, building a PC is fun. It's a hobby for most people such as myself. I own an xbox 360, ps3, and a pc, and trust me, I'm not hating but pc is ALOT better.