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IT Support & Hardware · Foundational

80 PLUS Certification

An efficiency rating program for power supplies, with tiers from Standard to Titanium.

Definition

80 PLUS certifies that a PSU converts at least 80% of AC input to DC output at specified loads, with higher tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium) requiring greater efficiency. Higher efficiency reduces heat and electricity costs. It does not by itself indicate build quality or wattage.

Example

An 80 PLUS Gold PSU is about 90% efficient at 50% load on 115 V input.

Exam tip

Efficiency rating is not wattage; a Gold 650 W unit still provides only 650 W.

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