If you’re in the midst of building a PC, one of the most important components to consider is which power supply unit to choose for your new computer. While shopping, you’ll often hear the word “modular” tossed around as an important feature, but it’s not always self-evident. In fact, this decision is extremely important when making a purchase, especially if you’re building a new PC. Below is everything you need to know, along with some product recommendations.
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Fully modular
In simple terms, the cables on a modular power supply are fully removable from the brick. Inside the power supply there is a row of ports that match up with the included cable bag. Both the ports and cables are intended for a specific power supply and use case, so make sure they match.
The biggest benefit is cable management: Forget about dealing with a bunch of tangled, stiff plastic cables and weirdly similar looking plugs. Instead, you can route individual cables from your power source to your components and then organize them into a neat bundle at the end.
Corsair’s fully modular RM1000e ($160) has been updated for 2023 with support for the new ATX 3.0 standard. It’s fully modular, highly reviewed, and always available for less than retail price.
Cables that you don’t need can also be left out of the case entirely – especially next to the power supply, any improved airflow, however small, is welcome – this is especially important if you have a small case or don’t have a dedicated space for a power supply.
