Is PFC for Power Supply needed?

[BFsoLo.]

I'm looking to get this power supply and was wondering if anyone knows if an "Active PFC" is necessary ?

THERMALTAKE
Thermaltake W0013 Silent Purepower 480W with Silver housing - Xaser Edition ATX 2-Fan Power Supply
Specifications:
Type: ATX
Maximum Power: 480W
PFC: NO
Power Good Signal: 100-500ms
Hold-up Time: > 16ms at Full Load
Efficiency: > 65%
Over Voltage Protection: +5V trip point<+6.8V;+3.3V trip point<+4.5V;+12V trip point<+15.6V
Overload Protection: Not specified
Input Voltage: 100-240 Vrms
Input Frequency Range: 47-63 Hz
Input Current: 8.0A
Output: +3.3V@30A;+5V@40A;-5V@0.3A;+12V@18A;-12V@0.8A;+5VSB@2A
MTBF: Not specified
Approvals: Not specified
Review From aselabs.com
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Review From systemcooling.com




Item: N82E16817153008 Model#: W0013
Price: $63.00 Shipping: Special Free FedEx Saver Shipping
Rating:

(avg rating out of 4 voters) Stock: YES

PFC: NO

[DanU]

AFAIK, it is required for all power supplies over 75W in Europe. But I don't think this rule applies to the US yet.

BTW, I have the 420W Silentpure with PFC. It's an excellent PSU, very quiet and all of the voltages are on-spec. It's fairly heavy too, a rough indicator of PSU quality. The fan doesn't push very many CFMs, however. I can't rely on it alone to keep my case cool, but I added two quiet case fans to help out.

[bailey]

PFC is power factor correction
it is a good thing to have it as it will reduce the amperage used on the power line that would be wasted power. that you still pay for.