EVGA Gold vs Platinum PSU | Which Should You Choose?
During building a gaming PC, you should choose the best CPU for your computer. As the Gold and Platinum-rated CPUs are at the top of all, you may fall into confusion choosing between them.
To clear all your confusion, we have provided information about Gold and Platinum power supply units and we also a comparison between them is given in this guide to help you get the best product for your computer. Let’s first see the differences between them.
Differences Between Gold and Platinum Power Supply
Both Gold and Platinum power supply are at the top of the best PSUs list. But the main difference between them is efficiency. Both serve the same function but the Gold PSUs use more electricity than Platinum. So, you can save some money if you use the Platinum power supply.
The Platinum PSU is equipped with better capacitors and connectors than Gold PSUs. To differentiate these PSUs with energy efficiency, the 80 PLUS Certification chart of Gold and Platinum is given below.
Load | 80 PLUS GOLD | 80 PLUS PLATINUM |
20% | 87% | 90% |
50% | 90% | 92% |
100% | 87% | 89% |
PF | ≥ 90 at 50% | ≥ 95 at 50% |
You will be able to differentiate between Gold and Platinum power supply more accurately after observing the comparison table of them.
Comparison Table of Gold vs Platinum PSUs
Specs of PSU’s | Gold Power Supply | Platinum Power Supply |
Output Power | 500W | 500W |
Type of Fan | Dual ball bearing: 80mm | Dual ball bearing: 80mm |
Efficiency | ≥ 80% | ≥ 87% |
Noise | No noise | no noise |
Range of Input frequency | 47Hz – 63Hz | 47Hz – 63Hz |
So, you can see from the above table that both PSUs are almost the same except for the efficiency. The Platinum PSUs are better than Gold PSUs in efficiency.
Why Should You Go for the Gold PSU?
If you consider the Gold PSU by its efficiency, then you will find that it maintains an 87% PSU efficiency rating when the load is about 20%.
Again, when the load is 90%, then the efficiency rate of this PSU is about 90%. Lastly, the efficiency rate falls around 87% during carrying the maximum amount of load by the Gold PSU.
On the other hand, Gold PSUs have power-saving capability. Normal cables generate a lot of heat and the energy is wasted by it. Whereas Gold PSU can convert the power which saves the power and doesn’t let it be wasted.
Why Should You Go for the Platinum PSU?
The Platinum PSU is the better option for you if you are concerned about the safety of your device. The cables of this PSU are high in quality and last longer than normal cables. Also, it saves power as it doesn’t generate much heat.
Most IT savvy people prefer Platinum PSU for being the best power supply unit whose efficiency is generally 87%. During carrying a 20% load, the efficiency of the Platinum PSU is 90% and again, 92% during a load of 50%.
Like the Gold PSU, the Platinum PSU is also extremely good at power conservation and also doesn’t generate heat. However, the price of this PSU is significantly higher than the bronze or gold variants.
In my personal opinion, if you want something that is value for money, then you should go for the Platinum PSU. Now, the rest is up to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Platinum Better Than Gold Power Supply?
When the load is 100%, a 600W 80 PLUS Platinum power supply can consume about 16W less power than a 600W 80 PLUS Gold power supply. So, you can be beneficial on your electric bill using the Platinum PSU.
However, the difference is too minimal so it will take a very long time to save a huge amount of money than the Gold PSUs.
What Is the Difference Between Platinum and Gold Certified PSU?
A 600W 80 PLUS Gold PSU can deliver at least 90% efficiency at 50% load while a 600W 80 PLUS Platinum PSU can deliver at least 92% efficiency at the same load. So, the difference in efficiency between them is only 2%. That means the Platinum PSUs draw more amount of power than Gold PSUs.
Is Gold Power Supply Worth Buying?
80+ Gold PSU is definitely reliable and can be a better investment for future-proofing. However, if you are finding something good on a low budget, then you can go for the 80+ Bronze. Otherwise, the Gold power supply is worth buying because of the quality and efficiency despite its high price.
How Long Is the Duration of a Platinum PSU?
The manufacturer provides 10 years warranty for a Platinum-rated PSU whereas the warranty duration for a Bronze-rated power supply is only three to five (3-5) years. However, the components that are used in a Platinum PSU are meant to make it usable longer than ten years.
How Much Money Can a Platinum PSU Save?
It is hard to estimate the exact amount saved by a Platinum-rated power supply. If a user switches from a regular 80 PLUS power supply to the 80 PLUS Platinum power supply, then he/she can save up to $16.06 per year on average.
Final Words
To conclude, both the Gold and Platinum PSUs are recommended by the experts considering the efficiency rating and durability of these PSUs.
However, if you have a moderate budget, then Gold PSU is best for you and if you don’t have any problem paying a bit more money then we would recommend you to go for the Platinum power supply.
Thanks for reading. We hope you have found your answer to this article. If you still have any confusion then feel free to tell us in the comment section below.
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