Power Supply Units (PSUs)

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  1. Power Supply Units (PSUs)

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Power Supply Units (PSUs) as they relate to server infrastructure. Understanding PSUs is crucial for server stability, redundancy, and overall system health. This guide is intended for newcomers to server administration and aims to cover essential concepts and considerations.

What is a Power Supply Unit (PSU)?

A Power Supply Unit (PSU) converts AC power from the wall outlet into the low-voltage DC power required by the various components within a server. It's a critical component; a failing PSU can lead to system crashes, data corruption, and hardware damage. Modern servers often utilize redundant PSUs to maintain operation even if one unit fails. Server hardware relies heavily on a stable power source and the PSU is the first line of defense against power fluctuations.

PSU Form Factors

PSUs come in various form factors, each suited for different server types and chassis sizes. The most common form factors are:

  • **ATX:** Traditionally used in desktop computers, sometimes found in smaller tower servers.
  • **TFX:** A smaller form factor often used in compact server cases.
  • **FlexATX:** Another smaller form factor offering more flexibility in case design.
  • **PS2:** An older standard, rarely used in modern servers.
  • **Blade PSU:** Designed for blade servers, these are typically high-density and efficient.
PSU Form Factor Typical Applications Size (approx.)
ATX Tower Servers, Workstations 150mm x 86mm x 140mm
TFX Compact Servers, Small Form Factor Systems 82mm x 65mm x 175mm
FlexATX Small Form Factor Servers, Embedded Systems 100mm x 85mm x 140mm
Blade PSU Blade Servers Varies greatly, often modular

PSU Efficiency Ratings

PSU efficiency is measured using the 80 PLUS certification program. This program defines how efficiently a PSU converts AC power to DC power. Higher efficiency ratings result in less wasted energy (and heat). Power consumption is a key consideration in server environments.

  • **80 PLUS:** 80% efficiency at 20%, 50%, and 100% load.
  • **80 PLUS Bronze:** 82% efficiency at 20%, 85% at 50%, and 82% at 100% load.
  • **80 PLUS Silver:** 85% efficiency at 20%, 88% at 50%, and 85% at 100% load.
  • **80 PLUS Gold:** 87% efficiency at 20%, 90% at 50%, and 87% at 100% load.
  • **80 PLUS Platinum:** 90% efficiency at 20%, 92% at 50%, and 90% at 100% load.
  • **80 PLUS Titanium:** 94% efficiency at 50% load.
80 PLUS Certification 20% Load Efficiency 50% Load Efficiency 100% Load Efficiency
White (Basic) 80% 80% 80%
Bronze 82% 85% 82%
Silver 85% 88% 85%
Gold 87% 90% 87%
Platinum 90% 92% 90%
Titanium 94% 96% 94%

Redundancy and Hot-Swapping

Many servers employ redundant PSUs for increased reliability. This means having two or more PSUs installed. If one PSU fails, the others continue to power the server without interruption. Server redundancy is a best practice.

  • **1+1 Redundancy:** One PSU can handle the full load, with a second PSU providing backup.
  • **N+1 Redundancy:** N PSUs are required for normal operation, with one additional PSU as a spare.
  • **Hot-Swapping:** Allows replacing a failed PSU without shutting down the server. This is a critical feature for maintaining uptime. Disaster recovery benefits greatly from hot-swappable components.

Technical Specifications to Consider

When selecting a PSU for a server, several technical specifications are crucial:

  • **Wattage:** The maximum power the PSU can deliver. Calculate the total power requirements of all server components (CPU, RAM, drives, etc.) and choose a PSU with sufficient wattage, leaving headroom for future expansion.
  • **Voltage:** The output voltages (e.g., +12V, +5V, +3.3V) required by server components.
  • **Amperage:** The maximum current the PSU can deliver on each voltage rail.
  • **Connectors:** The types and number of connectors available (e.g., 24-pin ATX, 4/8-pin EPS, SATA, PCIe). Server components require specific connectors.
  • **Power Factor Correction (PFC):** Improves efficiency and reduces harmonic distortion. Active PFC is generally preferred over passive PFC.
  • **Protection Features:** Over-voltage protection (OVP), under-voltage protection (UVP), over-current protection (OCP), short-circuit protection (SCP), and over-temperature protection (OTP).
Specification Typical Values (High-End Server PSU) Importance
Wattage 1200W - 2000W+ Critical
Voltage +12V, +5V, +3.3V Critical
Amperage (+12V) 100A+ Critical
Efficiency 80 PLUS Platinum/Titanium High
PFC Active PFC High
Connectors Multiple PCIe, SATA, ATX High
Protection Features OVP, UVP, OCP, SCP, OTP Critical

Monitoring PSUs

Monitoring PSU health is essential for proactive maintenance. Server monitoring tools can track:

  • **PSU Fan Speed:** Indicates cooling performance.
  • **PSU Load:** Percentage of maximum wattage being used.
  • **PSU Voltage & Current:** Detects voltage fluctuations or current imbalances.
  • **PSU Status:** Reports whether the PSU is functioning correctly. System logs should be regularly reviewed.

Troubleshooting PSU Issues

Common PSU problems include:

  • **No Power:** Check the power cord, outlet, and PSU switch.
  • **Intermittent Power:** May indicate a failing PSU or loose connections.
  • **Strange Noises:** Fan failure or internal component issues.
  • **System Crashes:** PSU may be unable to deliver sufficient power.
  • **Burning Smell:** Immediate shutdown required – likely a severe PSU failure. Hardware failure requires immediate attention.



Server Administration Server Maintenance Data Center Redundant Systems Power Management Hardware Diagnostics System Stability Server Uptime Power Distribution Units (PDUs) Thermal Management Hardware Failures Server Room Electrical Safety Server Security System Administration


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Configuration Specifications Benchmark
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Core i9-13900 Server (64GB) 64 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD
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Core i5-13500 Server (128GB) 128 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD
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AMD-Based Server Configurations

Configuration Specifications Benchmark
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EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/1TB) 128 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe CPU Benchmark: 48021
EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/2TB) 128 GB RAM, 2 TB NVMe CPU Benchmark: 48021
EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/4TB) 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe CPU Benchmark: 48021
EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/1TB) 256 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe CPU Benchmark: 48021
EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/4TB) 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe CPU Benchmark: 48021
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