How can power supply noise be reduced to improve microprocessor performance?

1 What is power supply noise?

Power supply noise is the variation or fluctuation of the voltage and current output of a power supply unit (PSU). It is usually caused by the switching frequency of the PSU, the load changes of the connected devices, or the quality of the input power. Power supply noise can be measured in peak-to-peak (p-p) or root mean square (RMS) values, and it is usually expressed as a percentage of the nominal output voltage.

Power supply noise can affect microprocessor performance in several ways. It can create electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can disrupt the signals between the microprocessor and other components. It can also cause voltage drops or spikes that can damage the microprocessor or make it malfunction. Moreover, it can reduce the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the timing margin of the microprocessor, making it more prone to errors and glitches.

2 How to choose a low-noise power supply?

One of the most effective ways to reduce power supply noise is to choose a high-quality and low-noise power supply. Such a power supply should have a low switching frequency, a high efficiency rating, a large capacitance, and a good filtering circuit. Features to look for include active power factor correction (PFC) to reduce harmonic distortion of the input power, modular cables to reduce clutter and airflow obstruction, a fanless or semi-fanless design to reduce acoustic noise and vibration, 80 Plus certification for efficiency level and heat waste, and Japanese capacitors known for their durability and stability.

3 How to install and configure a power supply?

To reduce power supply noise, you should install and configure your power supply correctly. A badly installed or configured power supply can introduce noise and interference to your system and degrade your microprocessor performance. To ensure a successful installation and configuration, you should use a compatible and sufficient power supply for your system that meets the specifications and safety standards. Connect the 24-pin ATX, the 4-pin or 8-pin CPU, and the 6-pin or 8-pin PCIe connectors to the corresponding sockets on your motherboard and graphics card with the shortest and thickest cables possible. Secure and organize your cables and connectors with cable ties or sleeves, making sure they are not loose or touching any metal parts. Additionally, adjust the fan speed and orientation of your power supply to reduce noise and improve cooling. Some power supplies have a switch or software to control fan speed while others have a thermal sensor that adjusts it automatically. Orienting your power supply so that the fan faces up or down depending on airflow and case design is also beneficial.

4 How to monitor and test your power supply noise?

The final way to reduce power supply noise is to monitor and test your power supply noise and performance. You can use various tools and methods, such as a multimeter or an oscilloscope, to measure and analyze your power supply noise and see if it is within the acceptable range and if it affects your microprocessor performance. Additionally, software programs can be used to monitor and test your power supply and microprocessor performance, allowing you to check the temperature, voltage, current, frequency, and power consumption of your power supply and microprocessor. Stress tests or benchmarks can also be run to see how they perform under load.

5 Here’s what else to consider

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