PSU 202: Understanding Power Factor Correction

One feature you’ll see advertised on many PSUs is ‘Power Factor Correction’ or ‘PFC’. It’s long been mandatory on PC PSUs in the EU and U.S. and for the sake of the planet, PFC is actually important. However, you might also read it can save you money. Like most things, it’s not that simple, so this month, we’re diving into some electrical theory to understand just what PFC is, why it’s in your PSU and what difference it makes.

Real power vs apparent power

We’ve said it before, but for those late to class, a PSU converts the AC mains voltage into DC voltage sources or ‘rails’ that power your PC’s