What is MOV (Metal-Oxide Varistor) and how important is it?

[eapro]

I read somewhere that the Enermax Galaxy 1000 W Power Supply is missing this feature which resulted in a lower rating. What exactly is it?

Also, is 85% efficiency good for a 1000w PSU?

 

[TRDCorolla1]

It's very good. It's primarily used to protect the power supply from power surges.

 

[Raffaz]

MOV


(1) (Metal Oxide Varistor) A discrete electronic component that is commonly used to divert excessive current to the ground and/or neutral lines. Acting like a pressure relief value, an MOV is comprised of zinc oxide with small quantities of bismuth, cobalt, manganese and other metal oxides. The MOV was introduced in Japan in the late 1960s and was also developed by GE in the 1970s.

 

[Kage]

"Also, is 85% efficiency good for a 1000w PSU?"

Like TRDCorolla says, thats very good. Yet if its not fully in load, it'll of course not be as efficent as that.

 

[eapro]

OK, what about the MOV thing? Will that be problem? Will my system be at risk without it?

 

[mammikoura]

OK, what about the MOV thing? Will that be problem? Will my system be at risk without it?

shouldn't cause a big risk if you don't have it. But since you are going to be spending alot on the psu might aswell get one which has MOV.