If you’re in the process of building your PC, one of the most important components to consider is what power supply you’ll choose for your new computer. While you’re shopping, you might see the word “modular” as a key feature, and it’s not self-explanatory. In fact, this decision is really important when it comes to your purchase, particularly if you’re building a new PC. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know, as well as some product recommendations.
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Fully modular
Simply put, the cables on a modular power supply are completely detachable from the block. You’ll find a row of ports on the inside of the PSU, which are matched by an included cable bag. Both the ports and cables are meant for a specific PSU and use case, so make sure they match.
The biggest advantage is cable management. Forget dealing with that big mess of hard plastic cables and oddly similar plugs. Instead, you can take each individual cable and run it from the power supply to your component, then coil them up at the ends to form neat bundles.
Corsair fully modular RM1000e ($160) It was updated in 2023 to support the new ATX 3.0 standard. It’s fully modular, has good reviews, and is always available at a lower price than retail.
You can also leave any cables you don’t need out of the case. Any improvement in airflow is welcome, even if it’s minimal, especially near the power supply. If you have a smaller case or don’t have a dedicated area for the power supply, this can be particularly important.