We've said it a trillion times, but once more, the power supply is arguably the most underrated and unappreciated components in your PC. We've seen cheap units go up in smoke (quite literally). Higher end units, while not immune from failure, tend to be more reliable, but they're also more expensive, especially as you start climbing up the 80 Plus certification list. Antec's intention with its new EarthWatts Platinum is to offer a line of lower wattage PSUs with an ultra-high efficiency rating, putting the coveted Platinum label within reach of even those who don't need monster sized power supply.

Depending on how you look at things, the power supply is arguably the most important component in a build, and is at least one of the most underrated. Thermaltake over the years has worked hard to be known as one of a handful of reliable PSU brands, and its Toughpower and Smart Series are generally well received around the Web. Today both of those lines are expanding with new wattage options.

After chasing gold (as in, 80 Plus Gold certification) with its HALE90 power supply series last year, NZXT is this time going after bronze. NZXT's new HALE82 power supply line is 80 Plus Bronze certified with 82 percent efficiency at 20 percent load, 85 percent efficient at 50 percent load, and 82 percent efficient at full throttle. Each HALE82 PSU is also quiet with a low-noise 120mm two-ball bearing fan, NZXT says.